• We love our dogs.dog image by Erg??n ?--zsoy from Fotolia.com
  
  Our pets are important to us, and keeping them healthy and happy is a priority. Tick and flea infestations are easily remedied, but it is important to follow your veterinarian's advice. Your dog's doctor will prescribe medication that meets the risk and lifestyle of your pet and his overall health. Tick and flea medications are strong stuff. They do the job they are created to do--kill vermin. Never use tick or flea meds intended for dogs on cats and vice versa. Also, pay close attention to the weight recommendations for your pet. Never use a stronger dose than is recommended for the weight of your pet.
  
  

Frontline Top Spot

• Manufactured by Merial, Ltd., adverse effects from Frontline Top Spot has "remained consistently low since its introduction in 1996," according to the "Boston Globe." It is given as a monthly dose in topical form. It kills all the life stages of ticks including brown dog, American dog, lone star and deer ticks. It also kills 100 percent of existing fleas within 24 hours. The active ingredient is fipronil. The major complaint is temporary irritation at the application site.
  
  

K9 Advantix

• K9 Advantix is suitable for dogs 7 weeks old or older. The active ingredients are imidaclopid and permethrin, which repel ticks, fleas and mosquitoes. This product stops biting fleas within 3 to 5 minutes and will kill 98 to 100 percent of the remaining vermin within 12 hours. It is in topical application form with a monthly dose.
  
  

Bio Spot Flea and Tick Collar

• Bio Spot offers continuous protection against adult fleas and ticks for five months while wearing the collar. Its active ingredient is propoxur. It is waterproof. Caution must be taken with young children as exposure to this product can be harmful. Also, care must be used to not get it in your eyes, on skin or on clothing.
  
  

Preventic Tick Collar

• Made for dogs 12 weeks old or older, Preventic is a tick preventive, not a flea killer. The collar works for three months while worn. It detaches present ticks and prevents new ones from attaching. It is water resistant. The active ingredient is amitraz, which is an anti parasitic. It contains a monoamine oxibase inhibitor (MAOI) and should not be used in conjunction with other MAOI drugs.
  
  

Warnings

• Recently, there have been some complaints about some spot-on treatments causing injury to pets. These injuries range from mild skin irritation at the site to neurological problems and even death. New restrictions and increased scrutiny are being placed on these medications by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to Steve Owens, assistant administrator for the EPA office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. It seems that cats and small dogs are the most vulnerable, making it all the more important that the dosage given is exactly suited for the size and kind of pet you have.