In last week’s post, we talked about why parasite prevention in dogs and cats is non-negotiable for your pet’s health. Today, as promised, we’re digging into the types of parasite preventions available for dogs- and which ones I recommend.
(P.S. Cat parents, your post is coming next week. Spoiler alert: NEVER use dog products on cats!)
DISCLAIMER!!! Every pet is unique and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to parasite prevention. Please talk to your vet about what’s right for your animal. This post is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose or treat disease. Online advice—even from a qualified source—should never replace the VCPR (veterinarian-client-patient-relationship) and the guidance you receive from your own veterinarian.
Please note that as a relief veterinarian I do NOT sell these products and I receive no “kickbacks” for recommending them. I recommend them because they are safe, effective, and help prevent serious diseases in your pets!
The Ugly: Harmful “Holistic” Remedies
Let me start by saying I support holistic wellness! Especially when it’s backed by science. Unfortunately, many so-called natural flea and tick remedies just don’t work. Worse, they can be dangerous.
Garlic and Onions: Feeding garlic or onions to deter fleas? Bad idea. These plates are in the Allium species and can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs. Don’t feed your dog something that destroys their red blood cells.
Essential Oils: Despite the hype, oils like tea tree and clove can cause serious reactions, including vomiting, tremors, and even seizures. Many oils are especially toxic to cats. Just skip them.
Pumpkin Seeds and “Natural” Dewormers: These might not hurt your pet (unless you go overboard), but they’re not reliable. Parasites require real medications… not folklore.
The Bad: OTC Remedies That Miss the Mark
Livestock Ivermectin: While ivermectin is used in veterinary medicine, giving your dog a livestock version from Tractor Supply is risky and potentially deadly. A small miscalculation could lead to toxicity… and I’ve seen it happen. Please don’t put your pets at risk just to save a few bucks!
Cheap OTC Brands (like Hartz or Adams): These products often contain outdated or unsafe ingredients. They may be labeled “safe,” but that doesn’t mean they’re effective or non-toxic, especially for cats.
Flea Shampoos: These don’t work long-term. They might kill adult fleas temporarily but won’t affect the eggs, larvae, or pupae. You’d have to bathe your dog daily for three months to get results. No thanks.
The Good: OTC Options That Are Usually Safe
If you can’t get to a vet right away, these are some OTC options that tend to be safer and more effective than the ones listed above. Note: these target external parasites only, and do not cover for heartworms or intestinal worms!
Seresto Collars: These are one of the only collars I trust. No strong odor or greasy feel, and they work up to eight months. Great when paired with oral heartworm preventatives.
Advantage II & K9 Advantix II: Topical products that are effective against fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. DO NOT use K9 Advantix on cats—it can be fatal. Always read the label.
Provecta: A lesser-known product that seems safe and effective. I’ve used it on my barn cats and have been happy with the results so far.
Fipronil Products (like Frontline): These used to work great, but resistance is becoming more common. Some flea populations are now less sensitive to fipronil. It also causes a hyperactivity phase in fleas, which can make things worse before they get better.
The Better: Prescription Products That Work (But Aren’t Complete)
Prescription products are generally safer and more effective than OTC options, but they don’t all cover every type of parasite. That’s why I rank them as “better,” not best.
Oral Heartworm Preventatives: Monthly pills that protect against heartworms and intestinal parasites. These are essential: heartworm disease can be deadly and is 100% preventable. Products include Interceptor, Sentinel, and Heartgard.
Oral Flea/Tick Preventatives: Great for external parasites but don’t protect against heartworms. These include Bravecto, Nexgard, and Simparica.
Prescription Topicals: These work better than OTC topicals and are safer overall. Still, many only cover part of the parasite spectrum. Bravecto topical is one example.
ProHeart Injections: Available in 6- or 12-month options. These injectable heartworm preventatives are perfect for people who tend to forget monthly pills, however they do not cover fleas or ticks (but pair well with topical products or a seresto collar).
The Best: All-in-One Prescription Products
These are the MVPs of parasite prevention. One product. One monthly dose. Protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms.
Simparica Trio and Nexgard Plus: These are my go-to recommendations. They offer complete parasite coverage in a single monthly chew. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures, but they’re well tolerated in most pets.
Honorable Mentions: Revolution Plus and Advantage Multi: These are great combination products but don’t protect against ticks. They may be a good fit if you live in an area with low tick pressure.
Conclusion: Prevention Is Powerful
Parasites don’t take vacations, so your prevention plan shouldn’t, either. Whether you choose a monthly chew or a long-lasting collar, the most important thing is consistency.
Talk to your vet to find the right plan for your pet, your lifestyle, and your region. And remember:
Don’t forget to give this month’s dose! Write it in your planner, set a phone reminder, or stick a note on the fridge… just don’t skip it.
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