When you and your family are enjoying the summer evenings strolling in the garden, don’t overlook your adorable dog who might be struggling with the ticks and fleas. Although it is almost impossible to keep away the ticks and fleas completely, you can minimize their contact with your pet. One of the best ways to do so is to get your pet to the vet regularly for check-ups. Also, do not use old flea and tick medications. Products that have expired can lose their medicinal properties and thereby be of no use. Moreover, asking the vet about new brands or dog flea and tick protection products can be more effective than the ones that you have been already using.  

Here are some of the popular and effective flea and tick medications for dogs:

1. Flea and tick shampoos
   One of the commonly used flea and tick medications for dogs is shampoo. It helps in washing away adult ticks and fleas and their eggs. Although it is an effective measure to keep away the fleas and ticks for a shorter period, these do not keep them away from returning or stop an infestation. When you are using the shampoo on your dog, allow it to stay in contact with the pet’s coat and skin for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it with lukewarm water. Also, make sure that the product does not come in contact with your pet’s mouth and eyes.

2.  Flea and tick sprays
   As compared to other alternatives, sprays are an inexpensive option when it comes to flea and tick medications for dogs. Flea sprays can last up to several months, depending on the type of product you select and the usage. The application of sprays is simple but ensure that you do not use the spray anywhere close to your dog’s mouth or eyes. It is highly recommended to read all the instructions on the spray bottle before you apply it on your dog. If you have any doubts regarding the brand of sprays, have a word with the vet to make the right choice.

3. Flea and tick powders
   Powders may be an effective flea and tick medications for your dogs and are dusted on the entire body of the pet; be sure to avoid the mouth and eyes. Also, rub it in between the toes and into the fur. Moreover, in some of the cases, powders have had side effects and some of these include drooling, diarrhea, shaking, and lack of appetite.

4. Flea and tick collars
   These use a concentrated chemical that helps in repelling fleas and ticks from the pet. Flea collars last for several months and contain a common ingredient, which is pyrethrin. But in some other cases, insect growth regulators are used in reducing the population of fleas. Flea collars can be a great option when it comes to dog flea and tick protection but can also have a strong odor that may get irritating for the pet.

5. Oral preventives
   Oral preventives for fleas and ticks in dogs are growing in popularity. These are known to be highly effective in killing adult fleas. As compared to topical preventives, oral preventives are simple to monitor and available in flavored tablets. The oral medications for dog fleas and ticks should be taken only by prescription. Some of the popular brands for chewable oral preventives are Simparica flea and tick control, Trifexis, NexGard, to name a few.