Infection of dogs with small parasites such as the ubiquitous fleas and ticks is a pervasive problem for all owners. It is especially acute in the spring and summer. When the weather calls us to take a walk in parks and forests, but concern for the health of the pet does not allow us to do this.
There are many ways to protect yourself daily from infection, but still most owners choose special drops. They are preferred for their effectiveness and safety for the life of a dog and a person.
The product contains potent toxic substances, but they only act on insects. As a rule, when used according to the instructions, side effects or poisoning do not occur.
Flea drops: advantages and disadvantages
The principle of action of drugs allows you to quickly and safely rid your pet of blood-sucking ectoparasites. Drops on the withers for dogs from ticks and fleas block the propagation of nerve impulses, causing paralysis of the limbs. Here are the main benefits of these drugs:
- Long-term action. Liquid preparations are capable of protecting the pet from the invasion of parasites for a long time. On average, the frequency of use is once every two months.
- Ease of use. Medicinal drops are produced in the form of small ampoules. Some of these preparations are dosed out, which allows for a complete one-time processing of the animal.
- Fast impact. From the moment the product is applied to the skin, parasitic insects begin to die within the first day.
- Safe composition. These means externally treat the pile of animals, where the pet cannot lick it off. This helps prevent toxic compounds from entering the dog's gastrointestinal tract. Even if a few drops get inside, the harmless composition of such insecticides can only cause vomiting.
- The effect of using is visible immediately. The active compounds of flea and tick droplets are capable of destroying parasitic insects from the very first application, protecting the wool from their penetration for several months.
Among the disadvantages are:
- Impossible to use for puppies. These products contain components that can be dangerous for puppies and pregnant dogs.
- Allergic manifestations. In some dogs, some drops cause allergies, dermatitis and skin irritation. Perhaps they are endowed with individual intolerance to the active components of the drugs.
If dogs are allergic to tick and flea drops, they should be discontinued and the animal should be shown to the veterinarian.
Folk recipes
If the possibility of treating the animal with antiparasitic agents is not available for any reason, it is quite possible to use folk remedies for fleas in dogs, which can be used at home. As a rule, such methods are not highly effective, and can only be used to prevent pet infection.
For example, you can put a few drops of any essential oil on your fingers, then rub in the liquid thoroughly. The pronounced smell will help scare off parasites.The most effective are essential oils of eucalyptus and conifers.
If the pet is kept on a leash or in an aviary, it is recommended to treat the area. Such a measure will help prevent infection of the animal with various types of skin parasites.... It is best to spread out directly on the floor of the booth, as well as near it branches of coniferous trees, sawdust, stems, leaves of bitter wormwood.
To effectively eliminate parasites, you can use old remedies - instead of shampoo when washing an animal, it is recommended to use tar soap or soap based on dust. This method is completely safe, it can be used for treating puppies or small breed dogs. Its only drawback is the need for repeated processing of the animal for the complete destruction of skin parasites.
Operating principle
Each flea and tick insector for dogs has its own principle of action on parasitic insects. The oily structure of such drugs contains various compounds that are dangerous to parasitic insects and cause their paralysis. Many are packaged as ready-to-use plastic pipettes.
What should be in the composition
Most often they add to the composition:
- 1. "Invermectin".
A popular toxic compound used to kill flea ticks.
- 2. "Pyriproxifen".
One of the most active insecticides affecting larvae and adults (adult insects) of fleas. After processing wool, the growth of parasitic larvae is inhibited, which leads to the death of the entire flea population.
- 3. "Fipronil".
An insecticidal agent that is safe for many warm-blooded animals. When it penetrates into the digestive tract of parasites, their paralysis begins, causing a quick death.
- 4. "Permethrin".
The most powerful compound that destroys the nervous system of parasitic animals. Safe for dogs due to its rapid ability to break down before entering the bloodstream.
From the moment of processing the coat, it is not recommended to wash the dog for two days.
The speed and effectiveness of the drug
After treatment with drops from fleas of the dog's fur, active compounds of insecticides begin to penetrate through the trachea into the parasites, acting on neurons (nerve cells). Against this background, paralysis begins in parasitic animals. Fleas die from the inability to move, falling from the coat of dogs.
In addition to adult insects, many flea drops cope with their larvae, additionally destroying the laid eggs. One treatment is enough to completely eliminate all parasites.
Duration of exposure
According to user reviews, after the first treatment of wool, fleas are not visible already on the second day. One competent application of an insecticide is enough to completely rid a pet of pests. Sometimes it is additionally required to re-treat the wool for prophylaxis three months after using the flea drops.
Shampoo
It is best to use shampoos for puppies and small decorative dogs. Such funds have quite good effectiveness, and at the same time, what is especially important, they have a mild delicate effect. Plus, they're incredibly easy to use. Some manufacturing companies prefer to add ingredients to such anti-flea shampoos that additionally cleanse and soften the dog's skin, which makes such a preparation the highest quality method of caring for a pet. Flea shampoos for dogs are different, and it is sometimes difficult to choose which one is better. Let's describe the most common ones:
- "Phytoelita"... Classic anti-flea remedy. It is based on an infusion of various medicinal herbs.Permethrin actively works against lice; it not only kills the parasites present on the body, but also scares away those that can infect the animal in the near future. It is very simple to use the agent in question: you need to redeem the animal with such a shampoo for 5-6 minutes. It is important that the water is warm enough (up to 37 degrees), and at the end of the bath, the animal, again, is in a fairly warm room. The owners should make sure that during the bathing the dog does not swallow shampoo or foam;
- "Doctor Zoo"... A mild, but quite effective drug. There are a number of products in the line that are approved for use on puppies from 2 weeks of age. Its composition is completely natural, and the cost of the product is quite affordable;
- Beaphar... Imported shampoo, slightly more expensive than the previous one. It is completely safe for dogs and at the same time very effective in work. Can be used on pets from 2 months of age.
Did you know? Puppies are born completely helpless. They are not only toothless, but also deaf and even blind. During the first seven days of their life, dogs spend 90% in a state of sleep, and 10% in the process of drinking milk.
Instructions for use and methods of application
The high quality of flea drops for dogs has been proven by numerous positive user reviews. The instructions accompanying the medicines state:
- method of application;
- single dose;
- frequency of use.
Most often, flea drops are applied to the following areas of the body:
- withers (base of the neck between the shoulder blades);
- spine;
- head (rarely).
The amount of dose applied is based on the weight of the pet. When processing, apply the product to the dog's skin, spreading the coat, which promotes the spread of fluid throughout the body.
Flea insecticides should be applied to areas that are hard to reach for the dog's tongue, preventing the pet from licking them. In this case, you should additionally rub the product into the skin with gentle movements.
It is not recommended to treat wounds and abrasions on the dog's skin with insecticides, as this can cause itching and discomfort for the pet. Apply the flea agent to dry, clean skin using gloves.
The first day from the moment of processing, you should not let the pet near the children and iron its nap. If this does happen, hands should be washed immediately with soap and water. An experienced veterinarian recommends treating the dog's withers with three to four drops of the chosen insecticide, rubbing it over the back.
How to use
Preparations of this type are very easy to use. They are supplied in the form of a colorless oily liquid in pipettes sealed in blisters, which allows accurate dosage calculation and helps to avoid direct contact with the substance for humans.
Before the first use, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian, he will be able to choose a drug that is ideal for the dog in terms of age, size and breed.
Before applying, you must carefully study the instructions for use and carefully calculate the dose based on the age and weight of the pet. A mistake at this stage can lead to two types of consequences:
- If there is not enough liquid, then the protection will be weak and ineffective, and will quickly end its effect.
- If too much substance gets on the skin, poisoning will appear.
Using a special pipette, the substance is applied to the withers of the animal or the space between the shoulder blades. It is imperative to lift the coat and apply the product to the skin in order for the interaction to be productive.
When applying, you must follow the safety rules:
- Wear gloves to prevent liquid from getting on your skin.
- Do not let children pet the dog until the product is completely dry.
- Do not allow close contact with other animals on the first day, they can lick the remaining liquid from each other's fur and get poisoned.
Rating of the best remedies for fleas and ticks
Coming to a veterinary pharmacy, you can come across a wide variety of drugs for ticks and fleas. The rating of flea and tick drops for dogs presented below will help you familiarize yourself with the features of each of the drugs.
Stronghold
"Stronghold" is a foreign drug that is produced in pipettes with different concentrations of the active compound. Copes well with fleas, suitable for many dog breeds. It is applied externally by processing the withers. Its main active compound is selemectin molecules, which are safe for pets.
Stronghold does not rid your pet of ixodid ticks!
Sanofly
Sanofly is endowed with contact insecticidal and repellent properties. The main active compound is cyfluthrin, which blocks the transmission of nerve impulses in parasitic insects and ticks. It is applied externally, belongs to the category of low-hazard substances.
A good drug not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of diseases caused by dipteran parasites. After a single treatment, the protective effect lasts for a calendar month.
Dana Ultra Neo
The best drops for fleas and ticks in dogs include Dana Ultra Neo. The main compounds of this agent are the molecules: pyriproxyfen, thiamethoxam and fipronil. Recommended for pets from ten weeks of age.
"IN-AP"
IN-AP is a complex flea control agent enriched with praziquantel, fipronil and aversectin with a complex of auxiliary components. Insectoacaricidal and anthelmintic activity of the drug determines it to the III hazard class. The medicine dropper should be kept out of the reach of children and pets!
"Lawyer"
Drops "Advocate" have a complex effect, so they are used in the fight against parasitic and fungal diseases in animals. Suitable for preventive use.
Hartz
Hartz is enriched with phenotrin, which can kill fleas and other parasitic insects from dog hair. The waterproof agent protects animal hair for a month after the first treatment.
Front Line
An inexpensive, but high-quality drug for fleas and ticks, produced in France. In high concentration it contains fipronil molecules, which paralyze the activity of parasitic insects.
"Advantix"
"Advantix" is made on the basis of imidacloprid and permethrin. The protective effect of the drug is observed after 12 hours from the moment of processing the wool, lasting up to 6 weeks.
Hartz Ultra Guard
Drops of complex effects applied to the withers of dogs. The duration of protection from the first application reaches 30 days. Does not wash off after application with rain and soap, providing a long-lasting protective effect.
"Rolf club"
Such a parasite as a flea is afraid of Rolf Club drops, which effectively protect dogs from them! Merciless to ticks and lice. It is not recommended to use the medicine with other insecticides.
"Prak-tik"
A colorless solution applied externally against parasitic insects. Enriched with pyriprol. It is applied in a drip method to the surface of the skin between the hairs.
"Inspector"
Inspector is a universal medicine for blood-sucking insects produced in Russia. Effective against helminths and many ectoparasites.
"Bravecto"
Insecticidal solution for external use, capable of paralyzing the activity of ticks and other parasitic insects. It has many analogues.
"Leopard"
Russian drug enriched with three active compounds. Merciless to fleas and ticks.The protective barrier after treatment lasts for 2 months.
"Flea"
Drops "Flea" contain several active compounds in different concentrations. It is recommended to apply the medicine in special protective equipment, bypassing the penetration of the drug on the mucous membranes of the animal. "Flea" is not desirable to be applied simultaneously with other insecticides.
Room processing
Given the fact that most fleas do not live on a dog, but in the environment, they cannot be completely removed if you ignore the need for treatment at home.
Treatment of an apartment from dog fleas
First of all, you should prepare:
- Carry out a thorough cleaning.
- Remove food and seal it.
- If you have aquarium fish, you will have to turn off the compressor for a while and cover the tank.
- It is better to remove reptiles and small decorative rodents from the premises.
- Wash fabric covers, curtains, etc. Be sure to disinfect your slippers.
- Knock out mattresses, blankets and pillows. Dry-clean carpets if necessary. But it is enough to vacuum, like upholstered furniture.
- Prepare an insecticide.
You can purchase an aerosol to treat the animal, and use it to treat the pet's habitat after washing the bed.
In addition, there are three categories of indoor insecticides: sprays, powders, and liquid concentrates. When choosing, you should pay attention to the composition, it should contain pyrethrins, pyrethroids, imidacloprid.
Dust "Clean House" is considered one of the most effective methods of baiting, but in relation to fleas - only with an integrated approach. Among the powders, such as "Delicia", "Pyrethrum", "Fenaxin" are also successfully used.
Any insect repellent spray is suitable. The most effective: Raptor, Raid, Dichlorvos TM, Combat Super Spray, Dr. Klaus from ants and other insects ”.
Advice: when there is no desire to engage in bullying on your own, you should call pest controllers who will quickly and efficiently solve the problem.
Doghouse treatment
Disinfection should be done regularly to keep the furry friend feeling well and healthy. An aviary or booth is a place in which a pet most often is. Ignoring sanitary standards can lead to infection or aggravation of the condition of a sick animal.
First of all, you need to clean the sleeping places and the area nearby. Then disinfection is carried out. This is done, as a rule, with a solution of formalin, lysol or creolin. The latter is the most affordable, effective and easily diluted (30-50 ml per 10 liters of water, the emulsion is heated to 60 ° C before processing). The way of using each drug is indicated in the instructions for it.
The lounger is washed in hot water, the kennel is sprayed, and then the sleeping place, for prevention.
You can also use natural remedies to treat the flea booth. A mixture of liquid soap with essential oils of cedar, eucalyptus, lavender, mint, juniper, tea tree is used. To do this, 1 tsp is added to 100 ml of soap base or dog flea shampoo. 2-4 types of oils listed. Such a composition will help drive away fleas, destroy bacteria and unpleasant odors.
Advice: after processing the booth, spread wormwood twigs on the floor in it, and temporarily pour pine sawdust instead of bedding for the pet. These will be additional measures to combat the parasite.
Processing safety rules
To preserve your health, yourself and those around you, when working with chemicals, you need to adhere to simple rules:
- Perform all manipulations with the active substance in a respirator and rubber gloves.
- The treatment of the premises provides for high-quality ventilation.
- Children should not be allowed to come into contact with the cleaned environment for several days.
- Use only freshly prepared solutions and check the expiration date of the drug before use.
It should be remembered that even with a low level of toxicity, any disinfectant is poisonous.
Contraindications and side effects
An overdose of the described insecticides leads to the appearance in a pet:
- depressed state;
- dilated pupils;
- muscle tremors;
- increased salivation.
The presence of such signs signals the need to stop using the drug as soon as possible. At the same time, the pet should be soldered abundantly with water without gases in order to remove toxic compounds from the body. In rare cases, there is a manifestation of side reactions, expressed in the form of itching and skin redness. They disappear on their own after two days from the moment you stop using the product.
It is not recommended to treat dogs with flea medications in the following cases:
- pregnancy;
- the progression of infections in their bodies;
- increased background of body sensitivity to the composition of the insecticide;
- puppies under 7 weeks old;
- individuals weighing up to 1.5 kg.
Medicines prices
Effective drugs against parasites have a different cost range: from 200 rubles to 600 rubles, depending on the manufacturer and volume. Domestic drugs are more acceptable in cost, not inferior in quality to foreign counterparts.
Flea drops are an effective and effective remedy for pets. Before using them, you must read the attached instructions or consult a veterinarian, since many of these drugs are contraindicated in puppies.
Are fleas in a dog dangerous for humans?
The blood of people is not suitable for such insects, but they bite on the legs when there is nothing else to eat. Often, according to these signs, fleas are found in the house, even in the absence of pets. There is a small chance of contracting an infection or developing an allergy to the saliva of the parasites.
So the "dog" fleas themselves are mostly harmless to humans, and only possible diseases that can be transmitted by them through bites are dangerous.
Insect infestation is a seasonal disease. They do not tolerate low temperatures, and therefore rarely survive the winter. But preventing the problem is cheaper and easier than getting rid of it. Observe preventive measures, treat your pet in time, and annoying parasites will never bother you.
