Dog parents often start looking for ticks when they see their furry companions fervently scratching themselves. One wants to avoid a tic infestation at any cost because it can affect the pet’s health and cause severe symptoms that can be hard to manage. Thankfully, several medications protect dogs from these parasites and keep them healthy. The following are a few well-known fast-acting tick medications pet parents can consider after consulting a vet.

1. BRAVECTO
The BRAVECTO tick treatment for dogs is available as a chew and a topical solution. It helps treat different types of ticks, including American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and black-legged ticks. A single dose of the meat-flavored chew should be given to the dog with their food. BRAVECTO chews come in customized sizes, and one can choose based on the size of one’s pet. They start working within hours of consumption and remain effective for 12 weeks. One chew of this FDA-approved treatment costs around $67.99 (for dogs between 4.4 and 9.9 lbs.).

2. PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Topical for Dogs
This topical cream comes with an applicator, which makes it easy to use. Pet parents should follow the directions on the packaging when applying the cream in a spot between the dog’s shoulder blades. PetArmor aims to kill ticks and fleas within 48 hours of application and immensely reduces the chances of one’s pet being affected by a blood-transmitted disease. For safety reasons, it is advisable to bathe the dog before using this tick-repelling medication. Six doses of PetArmor cost approximately $38.45 (for dogs between 5 and 22 lbs.) and must be given once a month.

3. K9 Advantix II
K9 Advantix II is a vet-recommended broad-spectrum medication. Besides managing ticks in dogs, the topical treatment helps pets with seizures. K9 Advantix II kills ticks on contact and also acts as a strong repellent, making it a popular choice among pet parents. But while the medicated cream is beneficial, it is not recommended in multi-pet households. Pet parents can purchase a six-month supply of this medication for $73.99 (for dogs over 55 lbs.).

4. NexGard
Experts often recommend NexGard chews to treat tick and flea infestations in dogs. The medication aims to prevent potential Lyme infection by directly attacking black-legged ticks and protecting pets for a month. The chews are beef-flavored, so dog parents can sneakily mix it with their pet’s food. However, one can also give the NexGard chews without food. It is administered orally once a month, and one chew costs $28.69 (for dogs between 10.1 and 24 lbs.). NexGard is not recommended for dogs that suffer from seizures.

Whether topical treatments, oral medications, or spot-on applications, each option works well for dogs, ensuring their safety and health in the long run. Tackling the burden of ticks and fleas can be easier when pet parents are more attentive to their dog’s behavior and informed on the ideal treatment options. Those who have never dealt with a tick or flea infestation before should consult a vet when choosing and using a medication. The expert can recommend the right option for one’s dog.