Parasiticide for Dogs: Safe & Effective Flea Control?
While there are many methods of flea control to keep dogs safe and healthy, many of these ways are evolving into products that contain parasiticides.
Parasiticides are agents used to kill various kinds of parasites, and sometimes their eggs as well. While parasiticides for dogs are generally considered safe and most dogs do not experience any side effects, there is a slight risk of using them.
Negative side effects rarely occur, but tend to be more common in smaller dogs and those with highly sensitive skin. Those risks include vomiting, diarrhea with or without blood, decreased appetite, lethargy, salivation, rapid breathing, itching, welts, hives, and redness of the skin. Rarely have death or other health concerns been reportedly caused by parasiticides.
Despite the risk, products containing parasiticides for dogs are extremely effective and highly recommended by most veterinarians. Products using them kill fleas, ticks, and their eggs within 36-48 hours.
Parasiticides for dogs are usually topical in nature and applied on the skin in between the shoulder blades at the base of the neck. Through natural licking, playing, scratching, etc, the dog will spread the parasiticide all over its body, which is what makes this method so effective. Once the liquid is dry, it is safe for human contact. It is also safe to give a dog a bath two hours after the application of a parasiticide.
Many parasiticides are not limited to killing fleas, ticks, and their eggs. For example, the Revolution Flea Control brand kills fleas, ticks, ear and sarcoptic mites, and prevents heartworm. One dose of a parasiticide is effective for one month.
Although parasiticides kill fleas and ticks that are living on the dog, owners may still see fleas for a few months because fleas can live in many household locations like between couch cushions, carpet, mattresses, etc. This is where flea sprays and flea powders can help. In order for parasiticides to be effective, the fleas must be on your dog.
