The paramount goal of every pet parent is to protect their fur babies against all possible illnesses. Among many, fleas ticks and heartworms are the most common parasites that compromise the health of our loved animals. In fact, they are more than parasites. Fleas can cause skin irritation; they can lead to hair loss and skin allergies as well. On the other hand, heartworms can be fatal when not provided with the required treatment and care in a timely manner.
Gone are those days when people needed to treat their loved animals with two or three different kinds of products to protect them against various infections. The medicine has advanced into the veterinary sector as well and the new all-in-one, multi-spectrum treatments have enabled pet parents to provide a secure and effective way of maintaining a layer of protection for our four-legged friends. And if you have a pet, you’ll know that ensuring protection against fleas and heartworms is half the job done. This is what all-in-one flea and heartworm treatments do for you.
So which are these all-in-one treatments and how useful are they in terms of protecting our fur babies? Read through to know more:
The best way to start the proceedings is to check with a vet
When you are on a hunt to find out the most effective flea and heartworm treatment for your pet, there are enough options to confuse you. Moreover, each product is different from the other in terms of the protection they offer and how they are used. For example, some of the all-in-one treatments are available in a topical liquid solution that needs to be applied to a dog’s body surface, whereas the chewable/tablets need to be taken orally. It is worth knowing that not all pets respond to a treatment in the same way. Perhaps this is why it is crucial that we should discuss with a veterinarian how to go about using the all-in-one treatments.
Some of the popular multi-parasitic treatments for dogs include but are not limited to Nexgard Spectra chewable for Dogs, Advantage Multi, Simparica Trio, and Revolution.
1. Nexgard Spectra for Dogs
Made by combining Afoxolaner and Milbemycin Oxime, Nexgard Spectra protects your dog against all the major parasites with just one treatment and keeps the animal protected for the entire month.
The all-in-one oral chewable comes with a tasty beef flavor and is easily digested when administered as per the vet’s recommendation. This Product effectively kills fleas before they lay eggs. Plus, the product also treats ticks and mites infections along with gastrointestinal worms and prevents heartworms, lungworms, flea tapeworms, and eye worms.
This Product is recommended to use in puppies and dogs from 8 weeks of age. It is mostly available in 3 and 6 dose packs.
It is proven to be safe in different breeds of dogs including Collie breeds. One of its ingredients, Afoxolaner, is part of the isoxazoline family of substances. This family of chemicals rarely shows any adverse effects, but when they occur, the types of reactions include diarrhea, vomiting, tiredness, itching, and seldom seizures.
2. Advantage Multi for Dogs
Advantage Multi (Imidacloprid and Moxidectin) is a monthly topical broad-spectrum parasite protection for dogs that are resistant to the oral form of treatments.
In dogs, Advantage Multi kills fleas, treats, and controls gastrointestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and sarcoptic mange. Besides, the spot-on formula effectively prevents heartworm infection for four weeks.
Advantage Multi should be administered directly on the dog’s skin between the shoulder blades. It should be applied on two-three spots in line with the animal’s spine, and the substance gets absorbed into the dog’s skin.
3. Simparica Trio for Dogs
Simparica, the older flea and tick oral treatment from Zoetis was upgraded to a newer version, Simparica Trio. This advanced formula now comprises three active substances; Sarolaner, Moxidectin, and Pyrantel which forms the protection against fleas, ticks, intestinal worms (roundworms and hookworms), and heartworms.
Simparica Trio is safe for puppies as young as 8 weeks and weighs at least 2.8 lbs and more. The product effectively treats and kills 5 different types of ticks, whereas the other brands kill a maximum of four tick types.
Simparica Trio kills fleas before they lay eggs and starts killing them within 4 hours, and kills 100% of fleas in just 8 hours from application.
4. Revolution for Dogs
Revolution (Selamectin) is a topical solution for dogs that provides protection against various internal and external parasites. The spot-on formula kills adult fleas, flea eggs, controls American dog tick infections, kills ear mites and sarcoptic mange. Also, prevents heartworms.
The liquid composition gets dried quickly without leaving any bad odor, and you can enjoy playing with your puppy within 2 hours from the time of application.
Revolution is a non-greasy, non-sticky composition that is safe to use on 6 weeks and older puppies. Besides, it is safe for use in heartworm-positive dogs and ivermectin-sensitive collies.
Conclusion:
All the leading broad-spectrum treatments offer more or less similar protection. Regardless of which treatment you choose to use on your animal companion, the health and safety of your pet should be the paramount goal. Read the product leaflet prior to using any flea, tick, and heartworm treatment on your dogs. Also, ensure that the treatment is verified by your veterinarian.
