Fleas and ticks are a year-round menace in Singapore’s warm climate, causing immense discomfort and potential health risks for your beloved pet, from itching, irritation, and even transmitting diseases. So, the question arises: How do you effectively combat these pests? And should you give them the medication routinely?
Routine Treatment is King:
While treating only when you see a problem might seem tempting, consistent preventative measures are vital. Here’s why:
- Prevention is Key: Fleas and ticks can thrive year-round, especially in Singapore’s warm climate. Regular treatment helps prevent an infestation before it starts, protecting your pet from discomfort and potential health risks.
- Long-Term Protection: Many flea and tick medications offer weeks or even months of continuous protection. This eliminates the need for frequent applications and ensures your pet remains shielded against these parasites.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your pet is protected provides peace of mind. You can enjoy playtime and cuddles without worrying about potential infestation.
What if I Miss a Dose?
Life happens, and occasionally, a dose might be missed. Don’t panic! Here’s how to navigate:
- Check the Product Label: Most medications have a small window of time where the effectiveness remains even after missing a dose. Refer to the product label for specific guidance.
- Consult Your Veterinarian: If you’ve missed a dose significantly outside the safe window, consult your veterinarian. They can advise on the best course of action, potentially recommending an additional dose or a switch in medication.
- Double Down on Prevention: While a missed dose shouldn’t cause immediate concern, it highlights the importance of setting reminders or establishing a routine for administering the medication.
Read also: All You Need to Know About Fleas and Ticks in Pets
Introducing Autoship: Never Miss a Dose Again
Managing pet medication can be stressful. ZumVet offers Autoship, a convenient solution that automatically delivers your pet’s flea and tick medication and other pet supplies right to your door.
Benefits of Autoship:
- Automated on-time delivery: Choose your schedule and ensures your pet receives uninterrupted protection.
- Save time and avoid the hassle: No more scrambling to remember or repurchase medication or pet foods.
- Enjoy exclusive discounts: Get up to 20% off your pet supplies purchase through Autoship.
- Free delivery forever: Save on delivery fees with every Autoship order.
Browse our selection of flea and tick medications and activate Autoship during checkout to enjoy these benefits and ensure your pet stays pest-free year-round.
How to Choose the Right Preventative for Your Pet
Consult your veterinarian to determine the most suitable option based on your pet’s:
- Breed: Certain breeds may have sensitivities to specific medications.
- Age: Puppies and kittens require age-appropriate formulations.
- Lifestyle: Outdoor pets or those frequently exposed to high-risk areas might need stronger protection.
Types of Preventative
Topical Treatments
These are applied directly to your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. They offer long-lasting protection and come in various formulations like spot-ons and sprays.
1. Revolution Plus For Cats – Topical application for cats
Revolution Plus for Cats is a topical treatment that offers protection against fleas, ticks and ear mites. It also covers internal parasitic worms like heartworms, intestinal roundworms, and hookworms. The topical treatment makes it easy to administer – a small volume of solution is applied to the back of the neck and provides monthly protection for your cat.
2. Selapro® Spot On Puppy/Kitten – Topical application for puppies and kittens
Selapro® Spot On Puppy/Kitten is effective in preventing and treating fleas, ear mites, heartworms, and intestinal worms. It is recommended for puppies and kittens from 6 weeks of age, weighing up to 2.5 kg. Selapro contains the same active ingredient as Revolution (selamectin), which makes it a great alternative if sourcing for Revolution is difficult.
3. Advocate for cats – Topical application for cats
Advocate is an all-in-one parasite protection to protect your cat from fleas, mites, heartworms, and intestinal worms. However, there is no tick protection in this product. A single dose is effective for a month and is recommended for fully indoor cats, or cats with a low risk of acquiring ticks from the outdoors.
Read also: How to Deworm Your Cat at Home [Easy Tips]
Oral Medications
These are administered as chewable tablets or pills. They are convenient and often provide broad-spectrum protection against fleas, ticks, and other parasites.
1. Bravecto Oral Tablet – Chewables for dogs
Bravecto is an oral treat that treats and prevents external parasites including fleas, ticks and mites with a protection of three months per chew. Each chew is formulated to taste like any other treat, making it easy to give, and can be administered with food.
2. Drontal for Dogs – Oral medication tablets for dogs
Drontal for Dogs is an oral intestinal deworming tablet formulated to remove common internal parasites (including tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms) in dogs. Each oral tablet can be taken once every three months and can easily be mixed into your dog’s food.
3. NexGard Spectra – Chewables for dogs
If buying two products at the same time could be a hassle, you can also opt for NexGard Spectra, which is developed to be a complete protection product against fleas, ticks, mites, and intestinal worms in one tasty beef-flavoured chew.
It is safe and effective and can be given to puppies from 8 weeks of age, and weighing at least 2 kg. NexGard Spectra also comes in different weight classes for the appropriate doses for your dog.
Unlike the first option, NexGard Spectra also protects your dog from heartworm, which can be transmitted by mosquitoes. If your dog is not on regular heartworm control before starting NexGard Spectra, do seek a veterinarian for heartworm testing to ensure that your dog is heartworm-negative before purchasing and administering this product.
Remember: Consistent flea and tick prevention is crucial. By following a regular schedule, consulting your veterinarian, choosing the right product, and utilising Autoship for automatic delivery, you can ensure your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and pest-free throughout the year.
P.S. Get $25 worth of monthly vouchers on our shop and save up to $1,000/year with ZumVet Membership. Learn more here.
