Buying Guide for Pet Flea and Tick Treatment and Protection
Every pet owner wants their pet to be happy, safe and healthy, and one part of ensuring this is giving them regular flea and tick treatments. These pests can affect your beloved companions at any time, and you want to remain prepared and stay ahead of infestations with the right products. Luckily, you can find many flea and tick prevention products and treatments at Tractor Supply, offering abundant options in our extensive pet selection to make addressing these problems easy and efficient.
Importance of Flea and Tick Protection for Pets
To protect your pet and keep them comfortable, you should have pets on a year-round flea and tick treatment plan. Dogs can attract fleas, ticks and other pests regardless of their age, breed or lifestyle. The same is true for cats. When fleas and ticks infest your pet, it can lead to excessively itchy skin, as well as the development of certain medical conditions, such as Lyme disease or anemia.
Traditional flea and tick treatments work by absorbing into the skin and working to kill fleas and ticks on contact. For oral preventatives, medications are absorbed into the bloodstream. When fleas and ticks bite your dog or cat, the medications from the bloodstream kill the pest.
As a pet owner, you want trustworthy, safe products recommended and approved by a veterinarian, which we sell in our selection. To find the best flea and tick prevention product, you should always discuss your options with your veterinarian, who can recommend the right dosage based on your pet’s weight and any health concerns.
Types of Flea and Tick Products to Keep My Pet Safe
Whether you have a friendly, furry lapdog or a cat who enjoys their quiet time, pet owners can find many products that work with their lifestyle while clearing flea and tick infestations effectively. Our products are designed for quick pest elimination for pets with active infestations, as well as overarching protection for year-long tick and flea prevention. Our options include:
Dog Flea and Tick Products
Dogs require canine flea and tick prevention to keep them active, healthy and safe. We carry options for all breed sizes, from extra-small to medium to extra-large, with a complete selection of products including:
Dog Flea and Tick Topical Treatments
Designed to kill ticks and adult fleas, as well as flea larvae and eggs, topical treatments for dogs are ideal for pups who are apprehensive about taking medications, as well as those with certain food allergies. Most topical treatments are applied between your dog’s shoulder blades, making it challenging for dogs to reach the spot to lick or scratch off treatment.
Alongside fleas and ticks, our range of topical treatments can protect against other pests, such as lice, mosquitoes, mites and stable flies, allowing for full protection against insects. We also sell topical treatment forms, such as kits with applicators and pipettes for easy application. Our topical treatments feature different dosages, such as four-month or three-month protection options, so you can find a product that suits your timeline.
Dog Flea and Tick Collars
Our dog flea and tick collars make it easy to protect your pet from fleas and ticks, offering longer-lasting, convenient prevention. The collar looks and acts like a regular pet collar but includes medications to kill fleas and ticks – and keep them away. Great for both dogs and cats, our range of tick collars protects your furry friend for up to several months, offering a more cost-effective option than other methods.
Many pet parents prefer flea and tick collars over topical or oral solutions because they don’t have to remember to apply medications every few months. Instead, the collar does all the work for you, giving your canine companion full flea and tick protection. Besides fleas and ticks, our collar options can protect against other pests, such as mosquitoes, giving your pup the power they need to repel harmful insects.
Dog Flea and Tick Pills and Chewables
Most effective for pups with active flea and tick infestations, dog flea and tick pills and chewablesquickly eliminate fleas and ticks, as well as other pests, such as mosquitoes. Pills and chewables are also a great alternative for pups who bathe or swim a lot. With topical treatments, dogs must wait for the solution to dry before they can have their fun in the water. With chewables, furry friends simply ingest the medication and go back to splashing around.
If your household has little ones or other pets, you may want to consider pill forms, as children and pets may rub topical solutions off when they pet or play with your pup. Pills are also great for dogs with dry skin, as topical treatments and shampoos may cause skin to dry further.
Our range of oral flea and tick treatments includes chew and tablet forms and can protect against other risks, such as heartworm. Find solutions that quickly kill fleas and ticks for pups with active infestations, or browse our options for long-lasting flea and tick protection.
Dog Flea and Tick Shampoo
Dog flea and tick shampoo can kill ticks and fleas on-contact, as well as provide enhanced protection for a few weeks after application. Best for active infestations, our shampoos are formulated to kill fleas and ticks, plus other pests, such as lice, flies and mites. They’re also great for dogs with itchy, irritated skin and made with therapeutic ingredients, such as aloe and oatmeal.
Flea and tick shampoos are designed to keep flea eggs and larvae from maturing, featuring pleasant scents to make your pup smell and feel good. However, shampoos may only protect against fleas and ticks for a couple of weeks – meaning they are great as a short-term solution for immediate control and active infestations. You’ll want to use shampoo with other products for efficient, long-term flea and tick protection.
Dog Flea and Tick Sprays, Wipes and Powder
If you require easy-to-use alternatives for flea and tick prevention, rely on our selection of dog flea and tick sprays, wipes and powder. Our products eliminate active flea and tick infestations while preventing new ones. Liquids and sprays can not only be used on your dog but also around the house and yard. Alongside fleas and ticks, our products can be used to eliminate other types of bugs, including mosquitoes, flies and gnats. Our spray options should be applied as frequently as every couple of days.
Cat Flea and Tick Products
While many felines stay in the comfort of their homes, they still need regular flea and tick treatments to stay safe and healthy. We offer products for all breed sizes, from extra-small to extra-large, and all life stages. Our cat flea and tick products include:
Cat Flea and Tick Topical Treatments
Just like dog flea and tick treatments, cat topical treatments go between your cat’s shoulder blades on their skin, where they can’t scratch or lick at it. The medication absorbs into the skin to kill fleas and ticks, alongside other insects, such as lice and mosquitoes.
Our selection of liquid formulas provides up to one month of protection, making them great for furry friends who won’t take oral medications. They’re also ideal if you’re looking to give your cat multi-pest prevention, protecting against more than just fleas and ticks.
Cat Flea and Tick Collars
Our cat flea and tick collars offer long-lasting prevention against fleas, ticks and even mosquitoes for up to eight months. They work to kill fleas and ticks on contact, as well as prevent them. Featuring buckle closures for secure wear, you can find options for all breed sizes, from extra-small to extra-large, to ensure your feline companion has full protection.
While collars are great for giving your pet added protection against fleas and ticks, they may not be recommended as your cat’s only line of defense. Check with your veterinarian to see if they advise using collars in combination with other treatments, such as oral or topical applications. This is especially true for outdoor kitties, as they can easily contract fleas or ticks and bring them inside to fester.
You want to make sure the collar you choose is suitable for your cat and fits them tightly. Collars shouldn’t be too tight or loose – you should be able to fit a couple of fingers between the collar and your pet’s neck for an optimal fit.
Cat Flea and Tick Pills and Chewables
If your feline friend isn’t picky about their food or has sensitive skin, try our selection of cat flea and tick pills and chewables. This application method is most effective for cats with existing flea infestations, working to quickly kill pests and eliminate infestations. As cats take treatments orally, medications disperse throughout their bloodstream. When ticks or fleas try to snack, the medications effectively kill them.
Cat Flea and Tick Shampoo
While many kitties hate baths, our cat flea and tick shampoo options are most effective for killing fleasand ticks on cats with active infestations. They can also be formulated to kill and prevent other insects, such as mosquitoes and lice, from impacting your furry feline. Available as liquid or shampoo forms, our line of products also contains skin-safe ingredients that work to soothe and rejuvenate.
Cat Flea and Tick Sprays and Wipes
If your kitty hates bathtime or refuses to take oral medications, our cat flea and tick sprays and wipesare great alternatives. We carry liquid and spray forms designed to spray or wipe directly on your cat’s coat to kill adult ticks and fleas. Browse through our options with formulas that offer protection for up to 30 days, as well as ones with shorter coverage periods. You should avoid using sprays or wipes if your cat has sensitive skin, as sprays and wipes may contain harsh ingredients that dry out the skin.
Flea Combs and Accessories
For pets with active infestations, you’ll want much more than shampoo or other tick and flea prevention products. You also want the right tools for efficient flea and tick removal. We offer flea combs and accessoriesfor all animals, including dogs and cats, so everyone can find the tools they need to keep pets satisfied and pest-free.
Our flea combs make it easy to rake fleas out of your pet’s fur. We also carry other devices, such as tick mittens or tick removal tools with adjustable-fit closures, to allow easy removal of ticks from the skin. You can also explore our reusable accessories for cost-efficient, convenient tick and flea removal.
Indoor/Outdoor Home Treatments
Treating your pet for flea and tick infestations doesn’t just include washing your pet and giving them the right medications – it also involves cleaning and spraying your home. If your pet is affected by fleas and ticks, then your home is probably harboring some pests, as well. You’ll want to use indoor home treatments to keep spaces safe and healthy for you and your pet.
You’ll also want to consider outdoor yard treatments in essential areas, such as driveways, lawns and walkways, to prevent pests from jumping onto you or your pet. You should also spray perimeters and plants and gardens to keep insects at bay and out of your home.
Alongside fleas, mites and gnats, our products can protect against other pests, including ants, flies, earwigsand spiders, to keep your home safe from infestations.
Finding Safe, Efficient Ways to Prevent Fleas and Ticks in Pets
Tick and flea prevention for pets is essential to their health and wellness. The right product to keep furry friends healthy depends on their size, typical behaviors and the types of insects affecting them. You should always consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet flea and tick medications, as they understand exactly what our fuzzy companions need to thrive and stay healthy. Search for our flea and tick products by:
Breed Size
When buying any flea or tick product for your pet, you should always pay attention to the compatible weight and breed size. Certain flea and tick medications, such as topical treatments or collars, feature different dosages depending on your pet’s overall weight, size and breed. Knowing this information about your pet ensures you aren’t over- or under-dosing them with flea and tick medications. We offer abundant options for pets of all breed sizes, from extra-small to extra-large, so everyone can find flea and tick prevention that works for them.
Some pet owners don’t fall into the “dog person” or “cat person” categories, instead loving both kinds of animals just as equally. When pet owners have both dogs and cats in their household, it can be easy to assume they can use the same flea and tick products for both animals. However, you should avoid giving your feline the same flea and tick medications you give your canine, even if they’re similar in weight. The ingredients in dog prevention products may be hazardous for cats, so you’ll want to read all medication packaging to ensure safety for all pets.
Life Stage
Just like breed size, different pets may require different dosages of flea and tick medication depending on their age. Young puppies and kittens under eight weeks shouldn’t be taking any flea and tick medications just yet. However, most dogs and cats over eight weeks of age should have some type of flea and tick prevention solution. We carry flea and tick products for pets of all life stages, including adult-aged pets.
If you have an older pup or senior kitty with certain medical conditions, you may have to adjust the type of flea and tick prevention they receive each month. Always talk with your veterinarian to ensure you choose the right options for your pet.
Product Form
When our furry friends deal with certain health conditions, we want to give them the products they need to keep them comfortable. That’s why we carry a large variety of flea and tick treatments, many of which work better than others to eliminate infestations, depending on your pet’s health. For example, liquid topical treatments may not be great for pets with sensitive, dry skin. However, our shampoos can work to eliminate active infestations while rejuvenating your pet’s skin.
Pets with allergies to specific ingredients also may not be able to take flavored chews or tablets. Additionally, dogs who love their water playtime may not be the most suitable for topical treatment, as they must avoid getting wet for 24 to 48 hours after application, as the product can wash off if not fully absorbed. If topical applications do not work for you, consider other methods, such as our range of collars or sprays. We also carry flea and tick removal accessories, such as flea combs, to give you endless options.
You should also consider the area where you live and which pests are most likely to affect your pet. If you’re looking to address fleas only, need flea and tick control or seek a defense against stables flies to bot flies to deer flies, we carry the products you need for full protection. You should check the labeling on different products until you find one that kills the correct parasites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flea and Tick Products
What are the differences between fleas and ticks?
Fleas are fly-type insects that lay eggs, typically taking up residence in your pet’s coat. They can affect your pet anywhere from a couple of weeks to six months, as females reproduce and lay eggs that continually hatch throughout that time. On the other hand, ticks are a type of parasite that latch to the skin of pets, feeding off their blood. Ticks harbor a variety of diseases that can transfer to pets, and sometimes even humans.
How do I get rid of fleas and ticks on my pet?
If your pet has an active flea or tick infestation, there are many things you can do to eliminate them. Start by combing your pet’s fur with a flea comb, taking fleas and placing them in a separate bowl. The bowl should contain isopropyl alcohol to kill the fleas and ticks as they enter.
Next, you must bathe your pet and wash them using a flea shampoo. The shampoo you use should have soothing, calming ingredients to prevent irritation to damaged skin. While dogs are much more open to the idea of a bath, some cats may be apprehensive. If your cat resists you when taking a bath, you should schedule an appointment with your local groomer or veterinarian so they can receive the care they need.
After washing your pet, start them on a regular flea and tick medication regimen, whether that be topical, oral or via a collar. Once you start your regimen, it’s essential to stick with it so you can give your pet full protection from ticks, fleas and other pests.
Should I clean my house if my pet has fleas and ticks?
When a pet brings in pests, it’s essential to treat their infestations. However, it’s just as important to clear your home of pests. If your pet comes home with fleas, they can jump off and take residence in different areas of your home. Because of this, you must clean your home after treating your pet for fleas and ticks, helping to avoid future infestations, and keeping your place clean and sanitary.
Start by washing all your bedding using soapy, hot water. You should vacuum upholstery, rugs, carpets and other areas, as well as hard surfaces. This is especially true for areas near pet beds or food bowls. Additionally, consider spraying your home with a flea and tick spray, as well as treating the outside of your home.
How do I know if my pet has fleas and ticks?
Pets with fleas will intensely itch, scratch or bite at their skin. You may also notice “hot spots,” which are red, inflamed and dry skin areas. Signs of ticks can include head shaking (if the tick is in their ear), excessive chewing and licking, scabs or inflamed skin. Dogs can also become restless, and you may notice some hair loss in areas they frequently scratch or bite at.
Cats may show behavioral changes if dealing with a flea or tick infestation. If cats develop a tick-borne illness, they may become lethargic or lose their appetite. You should always watch pets for unusual skin or behavioral changes to ensure they are comfortable and healthy.
What are at-home alternatives to eliminating fleas and ticks on my pet?
If your pet has fleas and ticks, there are a few at-home alternatives you can try. Ingredients, such as baking soda, apple cider vinegar, lemon and Dawn dish soap, can help to kill and potentially repel fleas and ticks temporarily. However, you’ll want more powerful over-the-counter or prescribed solutions to efficiently treat infestations and successfully keep them from coming back. Additionally, these at-home treatments can potentially cause health problems or irritate skin. You should always speak with your veterinarian to come up with the best infestation treatment plan for your pet.
Do I need year-round flea and tick protection for my pet?
Many pet owners believe that fleas only affect pets during “flea and tick season” – typically during spring, summer and fall months. However, fleas can survive throughout the year and potentially reproduce on your pet – no matter the season. Because of this, you want regular, consistent and year-round flea and tick protection.
Do indoor cats require flea and tick protection?
Yes. While many cat owners believe their animals are safe from ticks and other pests if they stay indoors, this isn’t always true. Even though indoor cats don’t leave the home, spending much of their time roaming the house and finding new spots to lounge, this doesn’t mean they can’t catch fleas and ticks. Pests can still travel into a home through your shoes, clothing or other animals in your household. Because of this, even housecats should still have ample protection against fleas and ticks.
Protect Your Pet With Flea and Tick Products from Tractor Supply
Whether you brought home your first furry companion or already have a house full of fluffy, cuddly love, we all want our pets to thrive and stay healthy. When it comes to protecting your pet, you should always think about flea and tick prevention. We carry the products and supplies you require to keep your pets pest-free in your home and out on their adventures. To learn more about what we offer, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.