The Pros and Cons of Topical Flea and Tick Medications
Finding fleas or ticks on your dog is not the most enjoyable way to start or end a day. We love our pets and when they are infested with bugs we can’t enjoy them the way we should be able to. A dog with fleas or ticks should not be hugged, cuddled or even petted. For that matter, a dog with fleas or ticks shouldn’t really even be allowed indoors. There are a number of topical flea and tick control medications on the market to help dog owners fight this problem, but what are the pros and cons of using them?
Pros
-Modern topical medications made to fight fleas and ticks are highly effective.
-Topical flea and tick medications are readily available and require no veterinarian visits or prescriptions.
-Flea and tick medications that are made to apply directly on the effected areas are rather simple to use.
Cons
-After applying a topical flea and tick medication, dog owners are not able to wash or bathe their dogs for up to two weeks.
-Large dogs, or dogs with extremely long or dense hair, do not always see the same positive results that other dogs experience when using a topical flea and tick medicine.
-Children love to play with their pets, but they must be kept away from dogs who have been treated with a topical flea and pet medication because it can be harmful to them if they get it in their eyes or mouths.
Topical flea and tick medications are a great way to battle against flea and tick infestations, but they do also have their limits. For the right dog owner, they may be the best option, but dog owners need to know that they may not be the miracle cure they are looking for. For those cases when they don’t work, it is best to consult with a veterinarian to see what other options may be available.
