Anti-tick medications for dogs: list of medications, dosage

It is difficult to find pet owners who in the spring would not be faced with the problem of protecting their pets from ixodid ticks. This problem is especially relevant for dog owners. Parasites are carriers of dangerous diseases, including piroplasmosis and borreliosis, which can lead to the death of pets. Today, in veterinary pharmacies you can purchase effective drugs that can protect your animal from bloodsucker bites. The variety of forms and price offers allows you to buy your preferred tick repellent for dogs. Let's take a closer look at which drugs are considered the best, according to experts and animal owners.

Basic methods of protection

Owners of large and small dogs sooner or later face the question of how to treat their pet to prevent parasite attacks. After all, ixodid tick bites do not always pass without consequences for four-legged friends.

Important!
The diseases that ticks infect dogs with are fast-acting, especially piroplasmosis. If the symptoms of the disease are not identified in a timely manner and treatment is not started, then in 98% of cases a fatal outcome is recorded, because the main “blow” is taken by the animal’s circulatory and nervous system.

After long-term treatment with antiprotozoal drugs, the dog’s body needs to be restored. It is necessary to normalize kidney function and remove free hemoglobin. In this case, ringer will come to the rescue - a special saline solution that is used for subcutaneous droppers.

You can protect your pet from carriers of dangerous infections with the help of modern, effective veterinary drugs. Not all of them are capable of killing ticks or dog fleas; many have a paralyzing effect on parasites. However, this ultimately leads to their death.

Why are ticks dangerous for dogs?

Ticks cause the development of various diseases. Some of them respond well to treatment, while others can lead to the death of the pet.

Ixodid ticks

The most dangerous ticks for dogs are ixodid or forest ticks. They carry various blood parasites within themselves, which cause the development of various diseases in dogs.

Piroplasmosis is the most dangerous disease caused by Babesia. These protozoa infect red blood cells. Their activity leads to the destruction of red blood cells. The dog has a fever and the urine changes color and turns brown. The mucous membranes first turn pale and then become icteric.

Also, with piroplasmosis, the animal experiences diarrhea, the pet does not eat well, and is rapidly losing weight. If left untreated, the dog dies within 3-5 days.

Ehrlichiosis. Its causative agents are rickettsiae. They destroy platelets, granulocytes and monocytes in the blood. The dog's temperature rises and hemorrhages appear in the eyes. The pet refuses to eat, loses weight, and the urine turns dark.

The animal weakens, cramps and joint pain appear. After some time, severe damage to internal organs (liver, spleen, bone marrow), joints and eyes occurs.

REFERENCE! Ixodid ticks also carry bacteria of the genus Borrelia. They provoke the development of Lyme disease (borreliosis). In infected pregnant dogs, embryos die. Sick animals begin to limp, their temperature rises, their gait becomes cautious and constrained. Due to lack of appetite, pets lose a lot of weight. This disease is often chronic.

Hepatozoonosis . The causative agents are protozoa of the genus Hepatozoon. They first infect blood leukocytes and then spread throughout the internal organs. Vivid symptoms appear after a sharp decrease in immunity: muscle pain, high fever, discharge from the eyes.

Scabies mites

Scabies mites cause the development of scabies, sarcoptic mange and cheyletiosis in pets. First, a small red spot appears on the skin. After some time, it increases, and new lesions form in different parts of the body.

The dog begins to scratch furiously, rubbing its body against carpets, furniture and other surfaces. Ulcers, ulcers and wounds appear on the skin, and dry crusts are also noticeable. If a bacterial infection is added to the underlying disease, the pet begins to rapidly go bald. The skin becomes rough and acquires a grayish tint.

Subcutaneous mites

Demodex mites are called subcutaneous mites. Demodicosis begins its development from the muzzle. Hairless areas covered with scabs appear on it. As the disease progresses, lesions spread throughout the body.

Demodectic mange is not always accompanied by itching, and this is how the disease differs from scabies. The lesions become covered with pustules. They burst and characteristic crusts form instead. Incompletely treated demodicosis can develop in a pet with renewed vigor due to any malfunction of the immune system.

Ear mites

These parasites infect your pet's ears. Ticks gnaw tunnels inside the skin, leaving feces and saliva, which causes the animal to develop severe itching. A loose dark coating appears in the ears. The skin inside the ear becomes covered with wounds and ulcers.

If left untreated, a bacterial infection joins the underlying disease and otitis media develops. First it affects the outer ear, and then penetrates deeper and touches the inside of the ear canal. Complications also include the formation of hematomas (cavities in which blood accumulates).

Drop medications

Specialty stores and veterinary pharmacies offer an extensive line of effective tick control products in the form of drops. They are packaged in plastic pipettes, which greatly facilitates the process of treating the dog. Without exception, all products are supplied with detailed instructions, which provide all the information necessary for the owner of the animal. Manufacturers pay attention to how the drops work and warn about possible adverse reactions. The drugs do not penetrate the bloodstream, but accumulate in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the skin. The dosage of any product should be selected depending on the weight and age of the dog, or consult a veterinarian.

Most domestic and foreign-made drugs on the market are safe and have no negative consequences. Their toxicity is reduced to a minimum and cannot harm the health of a purebred and, not only, dog. Problems arise only when the medicine comes into direct contact with the mucous membranes of a pet or person.

Drops for dogs against ticks

How to use it correctly:

For treatment with drops, it is recommended to use a targeted application on the withers or an area inaccessible to licking along the spine. Due to its thick consistency, the substance does not spread over the dog’s body.
During treatment, maximum access of the drug to the skin should be ensured.
There is no need to rub the product into the skin, as it is quickly absorbed.
It is advisable not to wash the animal for 2-3 days and limit walks in the rain.

On a note!
If walks involve swimming in a pond, then moisture-resistant insecticides should be chosen for treatment.

The most popular in the line of medicines for ticks and fleas in dogs are such drugs.

Drops against ticks and fleas Frontline Combo

The branded French drug Frontline ranks first in the ranking in terms of popularity. The active substances are fipronil and S-methoprene. It is highly effective in combating adult parasites as well as their eggs. The effect of the product begins one day after application. Acaricidal properties last for a month for ticks and up to 60 days for fleas.

Flea drops for dogs are used not only for treatment, but also for prevention. They are suitable for any breed. Pregnant and lactating females can be treated. For puppies under 8 weeks of age, the drug is contraindicated. Cost – 670 rubles.

Review
After a walk, I discovered several ticks on the dog. On the doctor’s advice, I bought Frontline drops. Treated my pet. He feels fine and after walking he no longer noticed any parasites on him. A very good remedy.
Elena, Kaliningrad

Drops for dogs against ticks

Flea and tick drops Bars

An effective domestically produced remedy is prescribed for cases of infection by ixodid arthropods and other blood-sucking insects. The active substance is fipronil, which has a nerve-paralytic effect on mature individuals and parasite larvae. The product is produced in a convenient package, which contains 3-4 ampoules, equipped with a convenient pipette. Has a long-lasting repellent and insectoacaricidal effect.

Drops against fleas and ticks are well tolerated by animals and are approved for use for pets weighing more than 2 kg. The protective effect of the active substance lasts for 6-8 weeks. In rare cases, it is possible to re-treat the dog after a month. Price – 120 rubles.

Review
I regularly treat my dog with the inexpensive but effective domestic product Bars. I'm very pleased with the result. The animal is reliably protected from bloodsuckers.
Svetlana, Kirov

Advantix from Bayer

A broad-spectrum drug. A persistent antiparasitic effect is achieved through a combination of imidacloprid and permethrin. Advantix not only kills ticks, but also prevents new parasites from getting closer to the dog. The effectiveness of the drug is maintained when interacting with water. The protective effect lasts for 6 weeks. It is forbidden to use the insecticide on sick animals, lactating females and puppies under 7 weeks of age. 4 types of dosages are intended for animals of different weights. The product is not cheap, but the price of 1,500 rubles is justified by its high efficiency.

Hartz Ultra Guard

One of the best American made products. The active substance phenothrin reliably protects four-legged pets from parasites for 30 days. The company offers 4 types of dosage for dogs weighing from 7 to 13.5 kg. Treatment of weakened, pregnant and lactating animals is contraindicated. The cost of the product is 650 rubles.

The list of effective drugs is not limited to the above remedies. Veterinary pharmacies stock a large number of insecticides to protect dogs from ticks. The owner chooses which medicine to give preference after consulting a doctor.

The best anti-tick medications for dogs

To find out what is the best tick repellent for your dogs, you should consider all the products that have received only positive reviews and recommendations. Successfully proven drugs are in great demand, but we will find out in more detail whether they are as effective as reviews say.

Rating of the best and most effective flea and tick remedies for dogs

Products from Bayer

Dog products from Bayer are produced in Germany, which already speaks of the quality and effectiveness of the products. The company produces protective equipment for animals in various forms: collars, solutions and sprays. The fixed assets produced by Bayer have the following names:

Advantix drops. They are drops that are used to protect the animal from parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. The drops are based on the substance permethrin, which not only repels parasites, but also destroys them. The duration of action of the drops is about 1 month. The drug is available in packages, which should be selected according to the weight of the animal. The death of parasites begins 12 hours after application of the drops.

Kiltix collar. Collars manufactured by Bayer that last up to 7 months. Recommended for use in combination with drops or solutions. The active ingredients: propuxur and flumethrin are applied to the base of the collar. These substances are released from the collar gradually during friction. The duration of action of the drug is up to 6 months. The collar is safe, effective and has a long-lasting effect.
Spray Bolfo. Not only sprays are produced with this name, but also collars and even shampoos. The collar lasts up to 4 months. Allows you to fight not only ticks, but also fleas and other parasites. You can destroy the parasite using Bolfo spray, which kills instantly. To use the spray, it is necessary to apply it from a distance of 30 cm. It must be applied against the direction of growth of the animal's fur, which will allow the drug to be effectively absorbed into the dog's skin. If the dog tries to lick off the applied drug, then it is necessary to use a muzzle or bandage the animal’s muzzle. When applying the drug to the withers, it is necessary to ensure that the substance does not get into the eyes and mucous membranes of the nose. Spraying the dog's fur is carried out in the fresh air. The spray is not recommended for use on puppies under 6 weeks of age.

Foresto collar. Another effective collar from the famous German company Bayer. The collar has the appearance of a polyvinyl tape, which has a special length regulator. Collars with this name come in two types, intended for dogs up to 8 and over 8 kg. The duration of action reaches 8 months, during which you can get rid of ticks, fleas, lice and other parasites.

It is important to know! This type of collar is not recommended for use in combination with other drugs.

The high cost of the collar indicates its effectiveness and safety.

Products from Merial

A French manufacturer that produces drugs for animals in the fight against various parasites, including ticks. The effectiveness of the effect is in no way inferior to the German manufacturer, with the exception of the long-lasting effect. Let's look at the main forms of anti-tick medications from Merial for dogs:

FrontLine Combo Collar. You can protect your dog from ticks using French drops FrontLine Kombo. Most owners recommend using drops from the Merial company, justifying their effectiveness. The number of positive reviews for this company does not reach the first place, so it takes an honorable second place. The drops are based on active ingredients such as methoprene and fipronil. Allows you to avoid the appearance of any living creatures on the dog. The duration of action of the drug is 1 month, after which the application procedure should be repeated. After using the product, the dog should not be bathed for the next 2 days. The drug is effective and absolutely safe, which is due to its fairly high cost.

FrontLine Spray. The spray is based on the active ingredient fipronil. The animal is treated from a distance of 10-20 cm, after which it is necessary to rub in the applied spray. The drug is effective for one month, after which its application should be repeated. The drug is absolutely safe, so it can be used even by puppies. The drug is popular due to its effectiveness and safety, but the high cost and inconvenience of use put it in the background.

Anti-tick spray is a very effective, but expensive product, and not very convenient to use.

FrontLine NexgarD tablets. To combat ticks and fleas, you can use tablets from the Merial company. After the tablets enter the animal’s body, their composition is absorbed by the blood, after which the parasites feeding on this blood begin to die. The destructive effect of the tablets begins after 30 minutes, and complete destruction occurs in 2 days. From the use of tablets, a dog may experience adverse reactions in the form of: vomiting, drowsiness, diarrhea. Systemic drugs are effective, but are very rarely in demand, due to the difficulty of use and the presence of adverse reactions.

These are the two most popular companies today that produce protection products for animals against small parasites. It is also worth noting the following companies from which you can find various drugs in pet stores:

Stronghold;
Hertz;
Biphar;
Rolfclub;
Leopard.

In Russia, the latest remedy of Russian origin called Bars is popular. It can be found in the form of drops and spray. Key properties such as effectiveness, safety, duration and effectiveness can be noted. Ten drops of the drug Bars are enough to treat a dog weighing up to 10 kg, and the duration of the effect is up to 2 months. When choosing a drug, you should not rely only on cost, because the Russian analogue of Merial and Bayer is no worse, but also has a reasonable price.

"Children's" drugs

Anti-tick drops for dogs.
Products containing strong insecticides should not be used for puppies. When purchasing medications to treat a baby, owners should carefully study the instructions and consult a doctor about the dosage and treatment method. Manufacturers offer the following anti-tick medications for small dogs:

Dana Ultra - the drug is effective against parasites located on the animal’s body, and also has a long-lasting repellent effect. If the instructions are strictly followed, the product can be used to treat puppies over 7 weeks of age, as well as dogs weighing up to 10 kg.
Frontline – destroys all forms of ectoparasites, regardless of their stage of development. The protective effect lasts for 3-5 weeks. Puppies older than 9 weeks can be treated. A special dosage is provided for small breed dogs.
Stronghold. Drops on the withers contain 12% selamectin. Allows you to get rid of not only ticks, but also endoparasites. The maximum protective effect lasts up to 40 days after the first treatment of the dog. Veterinarians allow treating puppies after six weeks of age, as well as dogs of decorative breeds.
Inspector Total S. A highly effective new generation product with a broad complex effect. Used for the prevention and control of ecto- and endoparasites. It is based on a unique two-component formula based on fipronil and moxidectin. The medicine causes instant paralysis of ixodid ticks and other parasites at all stages of development. The protective effect is guaranteed for 2 months with the destruction of 100% of parasites. The drug is recommended for dogs weighing less than 4 kg, as well as for puppies from 7 weeks of age.

Review
I recommend Inspector drops to everyone who has small dogs. I regularly treat my baby, and there are no ticks on him. I recommend it.
Olga, Ufa

Review of the most effective anti-tick products

Today we can highlight the following most popular insecticidal agents for protection against blood-sucking parasites:

Chewable tablet Bravekto MSD (Bravekto) - Netherlands

Round tablet of dark or light brown color. Available in separate packaging, one piece at a time.

It works on the basis of the active component fluralaner, which, when it enters the parasite, blocks the transmission of impulses and disrupts the functioning of the nervous structure, which kills the insect. There are 5 doses for dogs of different weights: 112.5 mg; 250 mg; 500 mg; 1000 mg; 1400 mg. If the dog’s weight exceeds, the recommended drug is dosed from two tablets according to the principle: 25–56 mg of the substance per 1 kg of body weight.

Side effects: vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness are sometimes observed.

Contraindications: individual reaction to the constituent substances. Not recommended for puppies under 8 weeks or animals weighing less than 2 kg.

The recommended frequency of use is 8–12 weeks.

Valid for two years.

Average price: 1300 rubles per 1 piece.

Chewable tablets Merial Frontline Nexgard (Merial Frontline NexgarD) - France

The main component is afoxolaner from the isoxazoline group. Affects the nervous system of blood-sucking insects, causing paralysis and death of pests.

Dosages:

pet weight from 2 to 4 kg - afoxolaner dose 11.3 mg (0.5 g tablet);
weight from 4.1 to 10 kg - dose 28.3 mg (1.25 g);
from 10.1 to 25 kg - dose 68 mg (3 g);
from 25.1 to 50 kg - dose 136 mg (6 g);
over 50 kg, the dose is combined from two tablets according to the principle of 2.5 mg per 1 kg of animal weight.

Contraindications: Particular sensitivity to components, impaired liver and kidney function, puppies up to two months, lactating females.

Frequency of use: 1 time per month.

Average price: 2000 rubles per package (3 pcs.).

Anti-tick drops Merial Certifect Spot-on (Certificate Spot-On) - France

Composite insectoacaricidal solution for external use with repellent and destructive action.

One chamber of the pipette contains the active ingredients fipronil and isopropyl ether, and the second chamber contains amitraz. Available in various dosages (1.07; 2.14; 4.28; 6.42 ml) in 1 or 3 pipettes per package.

Begins to act within two hours after application.

Contraindicated in sick and weak animals, puppies under 2 months, and lactating females.

Average price: 800 rubles for 1 pipette.

Merial Frontline Combo drops (Frontline Combo) - France

The main components fipronil and S-methoprene destroy blood suckers at the level of the nervous system.

Sold in pipettes of 0.5; 0.67; 1.34; 2.68; 4.02 ml.

Before and after use, your pet should not be bathed for two days.

Not recommended for puppies under two months, sick dogs and females during the lactation period.

Average price: 600 rubles for 1 pipette.

Drops Hartz Ultra Guard Plus (Hartz Ultra Guard plus)

The components fipronil and S-methoprene have a repellent and destructive effect for 1 month. Onset of action within two to three days after application.

Available in pipette tubes of various volumes (4 dosages). There are 3 pieces in a blister.

Contraindicated in weak and sick animals. Can be used in lactating and pregnant females under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Waterproof, inexpensive and effective, but difficult to find.

Average price: 1760 rubles per package (3 pipettes).

Drops on the withers Bayer Advantix (Bayer Advantix) - Germany

The main components imidocloprid and permethrin repel and kill blood-sucking insects and reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Available in polymer pipettes of 0.4; 1.0; 2.5; 4.0 ml

It is retained on the skin fat, spreading through the coat, and is active for up to 1 month.

The parasites die within 12 hours, and the ticks detach after two days. If exposed to environmental factors (sun, rain) and the pet frequently bathes in water bodies, secondary use is possible (once every seven days).

May cause allergic reactions.

Shelf life 3 years.

Average price: 1800 rubles per package (4 pipettes).

Collar Kiltix Bayer (Klitix Bayer) - Germany

Powdered substances propoxur and flumethrin. They gradually release from the tape, repelling and destroying insects for seven weeks (if worn continuously).

The disadvantages are: strong odor, the possibility of allergic reactions, a shorter period of effectiveness than the manufacturer claims.

Average price: 1200 rubles.

Collar Bayer Foresto (Foresto) – Germany

The content of imidacloprid and flumethrin protects against tick bites for 8 months (with constant wear). Not afraid of water.

Almost does not enter the cells of the body and quickly disperse throughout the pet’s body.

The drug disables the insect's nervous structure, killing it through paralysis.

The disadvantages include high cost and a shorter period of effectiveness than declared.

Price: 2300 rubles.

Spray Hartz Ultra Guard Plus (Hartz Ultra Guard Plus) - USA

Contains the active components tetrachlorvinphos and S-methoprene, which repel and kill ticks for a week. They begin to act actively 5–10 minutes after application.

It is not afraid of minor bathing, but is washed off with shampoo.

Not recommended for puppies under one and a half months.

Spraying is done at a distance of 15–20 cm from the dog so that the fur is moistened to the roots.

Average price: 1000 rubles for 473 ml.

Spray Merial Frontline (Merial Fpontlayn) - France

Made on the basis of fipronil, it protects and heals for a month.

Contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components and sick, weak pets.

Average price: 1200 rubles per 100 ml.

It should be remembered that these parasites quickly adapt to the active components. For more effective protection, a combination of products with excellent composition is recommended. For example:

Advantix drops and Hartz Ultra Guard plus spray;
Foresto collar and Green Fort spray;
for increased activity of ticks: Advantix drops, a week later a Foresto collar and spray before walking.

Shampoos

Anti-tick shampoo
This type of insecticide is the best remedy for ticks and fleas for puppies and small breeds of dogs. They are quite effective, safe, have a mild, delicate effect, and are quite easy to use. Wool cleaning products contain insecticidal components of various spectrums of action. They provide protection for the dog against ticks for 1 week.

On a note!
It should be borne in mind that flea and tick shampoo is an auxiliary and not the main means in the fight against parasites.

The most effective, according to consumers, are the following detergents:

Bolfo from the German company Bayer.
Domestic shampoo Phytoelite based on an infusion of medicinal herbs with the addition of permethrin.
Doctor Zoo has a completely natural composition and is approved for use for two-week-old puppies. The price of a tube is within 100 rubles.
Beaphar is an expensive but effective and safe bathing product for adult dogs. The price of the bottle is approximately 500 rubles.

Specialized stores always have safe shampoos for all age categories of dogs.

Tick and flea collars

Tick repellents for animals in the form of a plastic strap impregnated with an insecticidal preparation are quite popular among owners of four-legged pets. The principle of their operation and use is quite simple. The owner just needs to unpack the tape and put it on the pet and adjust it to the correct size. Ammunition does not guarantee complete protection of the animal from ticks, so a tick collar for dogs is used as a preventive measure and is supplemented with more effective means.

On a note!
The straps are intended to combat surface parasites only. Before use, it is necessary to clarify the duration of action and change the tape on time. Collars allow you to protect the dog’s head, ears, withers, neck and partly the chest.

The following products are considered the best:

Foresto collar from Bayer. The price of polyvinyl tape is around 1,800 rubles, but the pet will be reliably protected from ticks and other parasites for 8 months. The collar is available in two types - for dogs weighing less than 8 kg and large animals.
Riltix (Bayer). The latest generation insecticides - flumethrin and propoxur - will provide a protective effect for 7 months. Polyvinyl tape costs about 800 rubles.
The Hartz collar, depending on the model, can protect a dog for 3-7 months. Price – approximately 500 rubles. Can be used for one and a half month old puppies.

Review
In the summer, my dog spends a lot of time outside, as we go to the country. Our salvation from parasites is the Hartz collar. A very effective device.
Pavel, Moscow

The principle of action of drops against fleas and ticks

Products for application to the withers also contain substances that act on parasites. Most of them work in much the same way as collars, only a kind of “depot” is created directly in the sebaceous glands of the skin.

“BARS” drops on the withers contain three active components that work as synergists, that is, they mutually reinforce each other. These substances are lipophilic, in other words, they easily dissolve in fats and are almost insoluble in water. Each dog’s hair is covered in a thin film of fat, the so-called “mantle,” which gives it elasticity and protects it from water.

When Bars drops are applied, this film absorbs the components of the drops. Moreover, the drops create a small supply of active substances in the sebaceous glands of the skin. Since the fatty mantle is constantly renewed due to the activity of the sebaceous glands, the protection is also updated. A tick or flea, in search of a convenient place to bite, crawls along the dog’s fur, coming into contact with substances that are harmful to them. The most persistent of parasites receive a “control blow” at the moment of the bite. This is practically not dangerous for a dog, since the scourge of our pets - the disease piroplasmosis - is not transmitted immediately, but during the process of feeding the parasite.

Insectoacaricidal Drops "BARS" in recommended doses do not have a locally irritating, resorptive-toxic or sensitizing effect. It is well tolerated by dogs of different breeds and ages.

Aerosol repellents for dogs

Anti-tick spray Spray
is very popular among owners of large breed dogs. The bottle allows you to spray the drug onto the entire body of your pet, providing complete protection for the animal. The duration of action of this dosage form lasts for 4 weeks. It is necessary to spray the product in the fresh air and make sure that the animal does not lick the insecticide.

The anti-tick aerosol contains powerful poisonous components that provide an instant effect. Many drugs have a repellent effect. Before directly applying the anti-tick product, you must carefully study the instructions. The following drugs are popular among consumers:

Leopard;
Beaphar;
Frontline, price – 1700 rubles;
Bolfo, a bottle costs 350 rubles.

The list is not limited to the named means. Effective protection against fleas and ticks for dogs can be provided by preparations of domestic and foreign production.