Ticks

Ticks are blood-feeding parasites that attach to pets and people outdoors. This page supports US shipping from Canada while helping shoppers compare tick prevention choices for dogs and cats. Many products aim to kill attached parasites and reduce new attachments, which can lower the chance of disease transmission.Most options here are veterinary ectoparasiticides, meaning medicines that treat external parasites. They come as chewables, spot-on topicals, and combination products that also cover fleas or worms. You can compare brands, dosage ranges by weight, and dosing intervals, plus practical details like water exposure, grooming, and household contact. Inventory can change, so listed strengths and pack sizes may vary over time.What’s in This CategoryThis category focuses on veterinary medicines used to prevent and treat tick infestations on dogs and cats. Many products are designed for monthly dosing, though some schedules differ. The goal is consistent coverage during higher-risk seasons, plus reliable dosing when travel or weather changes exposure. For homes dealing with ticks on dogs, the product choice often depends on weight band, chewing behavior, and whether the pet tolerates topicals.You will see two common forms. Oral chewables use systemic action, meaning the drug circulates in the bloodstream after swallowing. Spot-on topicals spread across the skin oils, so application technique matters. Some options also cover intestinal parasites, which can simplify routines for multi-pet homes. If a pet swims, gets frequent baths, or is groomed often, that can shape which form fits best.Shoppers often compare products by how broad the coverage is and how easy dosing feels. Examples include a monthly chewable tick prevention for dogs at this dog chewable option, as well as cat-focused topicals that combine flea and tick coverage. Some cat products also include heartworm prevention, which can matter in mosquito seasons. Packaging may list age limits and minimum weights, which helps avoid under-dosing.How to Choose for TicksStart with the pet’s species, age, and current weight band, since dosing is weight-based for most medicines. Next, decide whether an oral or topical routine is more realistic in your household. Oral products can be easier when bathing is frequent, while topicals can be helpful for pets that refuse pills. If your pet takes other medications, check for interactions and share a full list with a veterinarian.Coverage differences matter, especially if your plan includes more than tick control. Some products focus on fleas and ticks only, while others add heartworm prevention or intestinal parasite coverage. Combination products can reduce missed doses, but they also require careful matching to your pet’s needs. Storage and handling are usually simple, yet still important. Keep products in original packaging, store at room temperature unless labeled otherwise, and wash hands after applying topicals.Common selection mistakes can raise risk or waste doses.Using a dog-labeled product on cats, which can be unsafe.Guessing weight bands instead of weighing the pet first.Applying topicals to fur instead of directly to the skin.If a tick is found, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers and clean the area. Monitor for unusual lethargy, fever, appetite changes, or limping over the next few weeks. Those changes can signal infection and need clinical advice, even when prevention is used consistently.Popular OptionsProducts differ by species and by what else they protect against. For cats, some families prefer a topical that also addresses other parasites. One example is a topical for cats and kittens, which may fit homes that want a single monthly routine. If your cat is difficult to medicate by mouth, a spot-on format can feel more manageable with good application technique.Some cat households want broader “all-in-one” coverage that includes both external parasites and internal worms. An example is a broad parasite combo for cats, which may suit pets that need multi-parasite coverage in one dose. This format can reduce the number of separate products to track. Read the label carefully for age and weight limits, since kittens may have different eligibility.For dogs, many families prefer a chewable format for routine protection. See a topical selamectin option for dogs if you prefer spot-on dosing, or compare with oral options depending on bathing and skin sensitivity. Do ticks fly is a common concern, but they typically latch on from grass, brush, or other animals. That makes consistent prevention and daily coat checks useful after hikes or yard time.Related Conditions & UsesTick exposure can connect to skin irritation and, in some cases, infection risks. After removal, mild redness can be normal, but expanding redness, swelling, or drainage can be concerning. In people, clinicians often discuss follow-up based on geography and symptoms, but this page stays focused on browse guidance for pet-focused products. If anyone in the home develops fever, rash, or joint pain after exposure, medical evaluation is important.Pets can also face illness from organisms carried by ticks, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. Early signs can be vague, such as low energy, decreased appetite, or limping that shifts between legs. Tick-borne disease symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, so timing and exposure history matter. Prevention products aim to reduce the chance of ticks attaching and feeding long enough to transmit pathogens.If you are comparing cat options, a topical selamectin option for cats may be considered for certain parasite coverage needs. For deeper reading on combination formats, review NexGard Combo for cats guide for plain-language explanations of what combination products cover. If a pet shows sudden weakness, trouble walking, or severe lethargy, seek urgent veterinary care, since tick paralysis and other emergencies can progress quickly.Authoritative SourcesFor background on prevention and safe removal, see CDC guidance on tick exposure prevention and removal basics for the general public.For veterinary drug safety and labeling, FDA resources explain animal medicine oversight and product information in the United States.When reviewing myths like can ticks jump, university extension programs often summarize tick behavior and habitat well, such as tick identification and habitat education for practical risk reduction.This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.