So what do vets recommend?
We always recommend that our K9 Clients use a vet recommended Flea, Tick and Worming treatment - we're often asked what's the difference, and why are they better.
We all know just how important it is that our dogs are fully vaccinated and we even get reminders from our veterinary practises when boosters are due. It's easy to overlook or forget just how important keeping your K9 companions free of fleas, worms and ticks is - they're such common parasites that using the proper preventative treatment really is paramount to keeping dogs healthy.
Right from the time your doggy is a pup, you should start treating with preventative flea, tick and worm medication, to make sure you settle into a routine and keep on top of any pests that may settle in your home.
Whilst there are a variety of products on the market, we always recommend that a prescribed treatment from your vet is the best way to ensure really effective results.
Our own doggies are treated at Abbotskerswell Vets (as 'Mr The K9 Capers Co' works next door!) - they are a great practice and they prescribe Bravecto and Milbemax for our Westies Dougie and Merry.
Bravecto gives your doggy 12 weeks' protection from fleas and ticks, here's some further info:
"Bravecto Tablets are an innovative method of controlling and preventing flea and tick infestations in dogs. Presented in a highly palatable, chewable tablets, Bravecto delivers flea and tick prevention in a single, easy-to-adminster dose that lasts up to 12 weeks.
When given as directed by your vet, the active ingredient in Bravecto, Fluralaner, helps to bring infestations under control. The unique presentation treats a broad spectrum of ticks and breaks the life cycle of the flea with its persistent adulticide activity. This ensures your pet is not re-infested and your home is kept flea free, making Bravecto effective as part of a treatment strategy for flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). Bravecto Tablets are manufactured by MSD Animal Health and developed specifically for dogs. As such, they must never be used in other animals."
and Milbemax worming tablets:
"Milbemax tablets are designed to help treat and prevent your dog from being infected with worms. They are a broad-spectrum wormer that offers protection from tapeworm, roundworm, lungworm and heartworm.
If your pet becomes infected with worms they will rarely show any outward signs or symptoms, however internally they can be causing serious damage, which if left untreated, could case death.
The most common symptoms to look out for that are related to worms are diarrhoea, loss of appetite, vomiting, excessive itching and loss of energy. Your pet can pick up worms from various places, for example from in parks & playgrounds and from eating slugs and faeces when out walking.
Your pet should be protected from worms every 3 months, however this does depend on the type of worm and the level of infection.
Unlike other wormers, Milbemax provides protection against a range of worms, which is also ideal if you plan on taking your pet abroad.".
If you would like to learn more about the best flea, tick and worm prevention treatments, please speak to your vet and note that those described above are sourced from our vet on prescription.
I hope that the above is useful :)
Emma x
