With the onset of warm spring weather outside, every dog owner is faced with the problem of protecting their pet from hungry ticks after hibernation. Arriving at a pet store, your eyes begin to run wide from the assortment of drugs: collars, drops, sprays, tablets, and the questions arise: “What to choose? Which remedy is better and really effective?” In this article, we will talk about the most popular and effective flea and tick chewable tablets for dogs and look at their advantages and disadvantages. We will also look at the types of ticks and diseases that these drugs protect against.
Who are ticks and why are they dangerous?
Ticks are one of the oldest groups of terrestrial invertebrates that belong to the phylum arthropods, the class of arachnids. Today there are more than 54 thousand species. Representatives of the orders acariform and parasitiform mites are of the most important veterinary importance, and we will consider them.
Acariform mites
As a rule, mites of this order have a microscopic structure, among which there are species that cause severe dermatological diseases.
Sarcoptes canis
An intradermal parasite in dogs that parasitizes and multiplies in the epidermal layer of the skin and is the causative agent of canine sarcoptic mange. In common parlance, this disease is called “scabies,” which is associated with the manifestation of the main clinical sign - severe itching. In the dog, on the affected areas, most often the skin in the ears, muzzle, elbows and hock joints, you can notice areas of alopecia, bleeding scratches, and scales. The skin becomes thickened and hyperemic. To confirm the diagnosis, microscopy of skin scrapings is necessary.
Otodectes cynotis
This is the causative agent of the disease otodectosis of carnivores, parasitizing the auricle in the external auditory canal. Sick animals constantly experience itching: they itch their ears against objects or scratch them with their claws. You may notice your pet sitting with its head lowered or tilted to the side. In advanced forms, there is a discharge of purulent-ichorous exudate from the auricle. The disease is diagnosed based on clinical signs and detection of mites in skin scrapings.
Demodex canis
It is the causative agent of demodicosis in dogs. This mite parasitizes hair follicles and sebaceous glands. There are scaly, nodular, pustular and mixed forms of demodicosis. Each form is characterized by its own specific manifestation of the disease, but the general symptoms are: the formation of alopecia and small nodules with a diameter of 1-2 mm in the affected areas, accompanied by severe itching. Diagnosis is made based on clinical findings and microscopic examination of skin scrapings.
Parasitiform mites
This order includes the Ixodid tick family, which is widespread throughout the world. The most important are representatives of the genera Ixodes, Dermacentor and Rhipicephalus - carriers of the most dangerous blood-parasitic diseases.
Piroplasmosis (babesiosis) of dogs
A disease caused by microorganisms of the genus Babesia. The disease is transmitted by ticks D. reticulatus, R. sanguineus, I. ricinus. The latent period of the disease lasts from 2 to 20 days, after which the first symptoms begin to appear in the animal - fever, refusal of food and food, inactivity, later you can notice bloody urine and jaundice in the dog. If these symptoms do not immediately contact a veterinarian and begin treatment, this will be fraught with serious complications that will lead to death.
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis
The disease is not common in Russia; it is mainly diagnosed in the southern regions of our country. The causative agent of the disease is E. canis; carriers are the same ticks. The incubation period is up to 20 days. Initially, the clinical symptoms are the same as in the case of piroplasmosis. In the absence of timely treatment, it leads to renal failure, glomerulonephritis, and arthritis.
Canine anaplasmosis
Caused by intracellular parasites of the Anaplasmatacea family that infect dog platelets. The course of the disease is almost completely similar to the previous ones, which makes it quite difficult to correctly diagnose without special diagnostic systems.
Lyme disease (borreliosis) in dogs
The causative agent of the disease is the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Vectors I. ricinus and I. persulcatus. In most dogs, the disease goes silent. The first clinical signs appear after 1-6 months, and are usually of a sad nature (anorexia, arthritis). Accurate diagnosis can also be obtained if the clinic has special test systems.
Review of drugs
You can buy several types of tablets in veterinary pharmacies; they may differ in price and composition, but they are always highly effective.
Bravecto
One of the new products among anti-tick products. The drug contains fluralaner and is available in the form of chewable tablets with different dosages depending on the weight of the animal. The active substance causes paralysis of parasites, they die within 4–12 hours. The drug promotes the gradual restoration of hair. For treatment and prevention, it is enough to give the dog 1 tablet; re-treatment must be carried out after 3 months. The medicine is contraindicated for puppies under 8 weeks of age and dogs lighter than 2 kg. The average cost, depending on the dosage, is 1–1.9 thousand rubles. per package with 1 tablet.
Frontline Nexgard
The drug contains afloxolaner. The substance has a detrimental effect on most bloodsuckers; the dosage of the medicine depends on the weight of the animal. The active substance begins to act after half an hour, the death of the parasites occurs after 4 hours. The tablets are safe for pregnant and lactating animals, but are not suitable for puppies under 2 months old or small pets weighing less than 2 kg. Treatment must be carried out every month. Price – 600–800 rub. for 3 tablets.
Simparica
Good tablets based on the substance sarolaner are available in 6 dosages for small breeds and large dogs; a blister can contain 1, 3, 6 tablets. The medicine has a detrimental effect on eggs and adults of fleas and 9 species of ticks; the parasites die after 8–12 hours. It can be given to puppies older than 8 weeks, pets whose weight is more than 1.3 kg, but the tablets are not recommended for the treatment of sick and weakened animals. The duration of the drug is 28–35 days. Price – 430–650 rub. for 1 tablet.
Comfortis
The safest drug against ticks and fleas on animals. The tablets are packaged in blisters of 6 pieces, divided into dosages for small and large dogs. The main active ingredient is spinosad, a natural ingredient that is obtained by processing the waste products of microorganisms living in the soil. Despite their low toxicity, Comfortis tablets are quite effective; the therapeutic effect occurs 2–4 hours after taking the medicine. Disadvantage: treatment must be carried out twice a month. The drug is not suitable for treating puppies under 3.5 months. Price – 520–550 rub.
When using any drugs in tablet form, adverse reactions rarely occur, provided that the instructions for use are followed. Most often, pets experience apathy, loss of appetite, severe drooling, diarrhea and vomiting, and loss of coordination.
To enhance the therapeutic effect, the tablets should be given to the dog during meals, or within 20 minutes after feeding.
Benefits of Chewable Tablets
Every year, this method of protection against ectoparasites becomes more and more popular among owners of four-legged friends. This is due to the fact that chewable tablets have a number of advantages over other drugs.
- One of the main advantages of such tablets is their simple and convenient use.
- Thanks to the aromatic taste and smell, the dog thinks that it is a treat, so he eats it himself.
- You can pet and bathe your dog immediately after treatment.
- Protection on any part of the body due to the uniform distribution of the active substance.
- Can be treated during pregnancy and nursing puppies.
- The substances included in the tablets are low-hazard.
How are tablets divided?
All tablets, depending on how much active ingredient it contains, are available for dwarf, small, medium, large and very large dogs.
Compound
All tablets consist of the main active ingredient of an insectoacaricide from the isoxazoline group, for example fluralaner, sarolaner, afoxolaner and various other excipients.
How do the pills work?
After giving the tablet, DV is absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract and begins to act within 4 hours. The drug is not able to repel ticks! So don't be alarmed if you see a tick attached to your dog. Immediately after the parasite bites, the active substance enters the flea or tick and blocks the receptors that are responsible for inhibition and excitation in the brain. Thus, the transmission of nerve impulses is disrupted, which leads to paralysis and death of the parasites. For most tablets, the effect on fleas lasts for 8 hours, on ticks - 12.
Brands of Anti-Tick Tablets for Dogs
In veterinary pharmacies, a specialist will be able to offer several options for medications in tablet form, which differ in some characteristics.
Bravecto
Bravecto tablets contain the main active ingredient – fruralaner, which destroys parasites. The drug is made in chewable form. The shape, color and roughness remind the dog of the tasty treat, so the pet will happily swallow the tablet.
What is the effectiveness of the product:
- Complete death of the parasites will occur after a few hours.
- The drug will serve as prophylaxis for another 3 months.
- The action of the drug ensures the gradual restoration of hair and skin.
- The drug does not accumulate in the liver and is excreted in the urine within 3-4 days.
- After taking the medicine, the animal does not need additional treatment in the form of an antiparasitic collar or drops.
Bravecto should not be given on an empty stomach, as the effect of the active substance will be significantly reduced. It is recommended to give the medicine during meals or 20-25 minutes after meals. The product is prohibited for puppies under 8 months.
Frontline
The medicine Frontline has been the leader in popularity among anti-tick drugs for many years. The package contains only one tablet, the active substance of which is afoxolaner. It is prescribed, like other medications, based on the dog’s weight.
What is the effectiveness of the product:
- Full protection will be provided within 4 hours after administration.
- Destroys several types of ticks and 2 types of fleas.
- Non-toxic for adult dogs and puppies from the second month of life.
- Treats demodicosis and is a prophylactic for this disease.
- Under the supervision of a veterinarian, it is allowed to treat parasites in pregnant and lactating females.
Frontline provides reliable protection for four-legged pets from parasites for 30 days. The tablets have a meaty taste, so dogs swallow the drug with great pleasure.
Comfortis
English tablets, which are available in packs of 6 pieces. Equally suitable for both large and small dog breeds. It is important to note that, despite the fact that effectiveness occurs after a one-time dose, you will need to complete a full course of treatment, which will be prescribed by a veterinarian.
What is the effectiveness of the product:
- The active component is spinosad, which has a detrimental effect on blood-sucking insects.
- After 2-3 hours the medicine begins to act.
- Re-infection after taking the drug is minimal.
- Oral administration of the medication involves bathing the dog and walking it without the risk of infection.
- If necessary, re-treatment can be carried out after 14-15 days.
- Comfortis is allowed for dogs during pregnancy and lactation.
In order to prevent infection by parasites, it is recommended to give the medicine at the very beginning of spring, when the vital activity of ticks is activated. Comfortis tablets are prohibited for puppies under 3-3.5 months.
Simparica
The package contains 3 tablets in a blister, which have the taste of liver, so they are easily and happily swallowed by animals.
What is the effectiveness of the drug:
- A highly effective product that has a lethal effect on fleas and several types of ticks.
- Complete death of the parasites occurs within 7-8 hours.
- The medicine reliably protects dogs for a month.
- Not only adults die, but also their eggs.
- Can be used for both large and small breeds.
- It is recommended to give the medicine to puppies starting from three months of age.
- The tablets work as a preventive measure against tick-borne diseases.
Simparica is a chewable antiparasitic tablet for dogs that is prescribed based on the animal's weight (2 mg/kg).
Also learn about other ways to prevent ticks on dogs.
The best insectoacaricidal tablets
Today we have four of the most popular and effective tablets for combating ectoparasites - Bravecto, Simparica, Frontline Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra. We also looked at less popular drugs that are not available on the Russian market, such as Comfortis, Tsapstar and Credelio. .
Bravecto
| Trade name of the tablet | Description | pros | Minuses |
| Bravecto, Austria, Intervet GesmbH |
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Simparica
| Trade name of the tablet | Description | pros | Minuses |
| Simparica, USA, “Zoetis” |
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FRONTLINE NEXGARD
| Trade name of the tablet | Description | pros | Minuses |
| FRONTLINE NEXGARD France, “Marial” |
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Frontline Nexgard Spectra (FRONTLINE SPECTRA)
| Trade name of the tablet | Description | pros | Minuses |
| Frontline Nexgard Spectra (FRONTLINE SPECTRA) France, “Marial” |
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Comfortis
| Trade name of the tablet | Description | pros | Minuses |
| Comfortis Belgium, Elanco |
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Capstar
| Trade name of the tablet | Description | pros | Minuses |
| Capstar |
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Credelio Elanco
| Trade name of the tablet | Description | pros | Minuses |
| Credelio Elanco |
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Operating principle
The therapeutic effect of the drug is achieved thanks to fluralaner, the main active component. It leads to hyperexcitation of parasite neurons, blocking glutamate-dependent and GABA-dependent receptors and, as a result, causes paralysis and death of fleas and ticks.
The components of the drug begin to be absorbed into the circulatory system after entering the intestines. If the effect of the tablets needs to be accelerated, give the drug to the dog with food. Keep in mind that the highest concentration of active substances in the animal’s blood is observed on the first day after consumption, then the percentage of concentration decreases.
According to the instructions for use, the drug protects dogs from fleas and ticks for about 85 days. This is due to the peculiarity of the elimination of fluralaner from the animal’s body. The component is excreted very slowly along with urine and feces. Thus, the use of the drug protects the pet from dangerous parasites for 12 weeks.
Most often, pets suffer from piroplasmosis and demodicosis; diseases can be triggered by the appearance of ticks or fleas. Bravecto tablets can not only cure these dangerous diseases, but also prevent re-infection.
The degree of impact of the drug on the animal’s body is hazard class 4, which makes it a low-hazard substance.
How to choose the right product for your dog
Since all the above tablets have quite effective properties and safety, you should choose a drug based on:
- Age of the dog. If your puppy is under two months of age, then this method of treatment is strictly prohibited.
- Pet weight. Cock your dog before purchasing the tablet. It is desirable that the weight information be up to date: no more than a month should pass from the moment of weighing to purchase and processing. Buy a tablet strictly by weight, and remember - you cannot divide it into parts!
- How often are you going to carry out the treatment (monthly or once every 3 months). Here it depends on your capabilities. If you cannot give a tablet once a month, then only Bravecto will suit you.
- Do you need the deworming properties of the tablet. One pill for everyone at once. In this case, the only option is Nexgard Spectra.
- Price. All tablets are in approximately the same price category. But if there is an opportunity to buy something cheaper somewhere, then why not. The main thing is to check the expiration date of the drug before purchasing.
Safety precautions and contraindications
The most important thing is to strictly adhere to the dosage of the drug, do not give the tablet to puppies under 8 weeks of age, as well as to dogs with kidney and liver diseases.
All manufacturers say that their drug is completely safe for pregnant and lactating dogs, but it’s still not worth the risk and before use, go to your veterinarian and consult with him. The same recommendation applies to owners of dogs prone to allergies.
Benefits of tick repellent tablets
Before purchasing flea and tick tablets for dogs, you should consult your veterinarian or carefully read the instructions for use in order to correctly determine the dosage for your pet.
In addition, anti-tick tablets for dogs have the following advantages:
- there are no age restrictions (can be given to puppies from the second month of life and to old dogs);
- suitable for pregnant and lactating females;
- have a pleasant taste for dogs, which ensures that the medicine is swallowed;
- no repeated use of the drug.
It is also worth noting that such treatment of parasites does not pose a danger to small children who decide to pet the animal, unlike drugs that are applied to the withers, spreading through the coat and skin.
Reviews from owners and veterinarians
Owner reviews about Bravecto are mixed and a little terrifying. Most, of course, talk about the effectiveness of this pill without side effects. But many people also write the opposite.
There are those for whom the drug not only did not help, but also caused enormous harm to their health, followed by death. “Frontline Nexgard” and Nexgard Spectra, compared to Bravecto, have more positive reviews.
One of the disadvantages noted was the high price. Some owners have noticed an allergic reaction in their dogs.
People speak both positively and negatively about Simpariki. Similarly with Bravecto and Nexgard, most are satisfied with the action of the pill, but side effects have also been observed. As for veterinarians, many advise against using such tablets.
Table: popular brands of flea and tick products for dogs
| Drug name | Average cost per package | Who should not use it | Can it be used for puppies? | Is it possible for lactating and pregnant animals | Method of use | Duration of action | User rating on irecommend.ru | Side effects |
| Fiprist | from 317 rub. | Sick, weakened animals, with individual sensitivity to components | No | No | spray or drops on the withers | up to 5 weeks against fleas and up to 3 months against insects | 4,5 | Not observed if instructions are followed |
| Comfortis | from 505 rub. | For epilepsy and individual sensitivity to components | from 14 weeks | No | pills | 30 days | No |
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| Advantix | from 311 rub. | In case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, sick, weakened animals, weighing less than 1.5 kg | from 7 weeks | carefully | drops | up to 4 weeks | 3,3 | Possible allergic reactions (redness, itching) |
| Simparica | from 400 rub. | In case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug, impaired liver and kidney function, sick and weakened animals | from 2 months | carefully | pills | up to 35 days | No | Possible allergic reactions |
| Frontline Nexgard | from 550 rub. | In case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug, impaired liver and kidney function, sick and weakened animals | from 2 months and weighing at least 2 kg | under the supervision of a doctor | pills | up to 30 days | 5 | Possible loss of appetite, peeling of the skin (passes without treatment) |
Choosing flea and tick tablets is a difficult decision for a loving owner who wants to choose a product that is not only easy to use, but also safe for the pet. A veterinarian will help you with your choice, since the opinion of even the most experienced dog owners can be harmful.
Briefly about the main thing
- Ticks are not only visible, but also microscopic, and all of them are dangerous for our pets.
- Chewable tablets are a modern and convenient way to protect yourself.
- Thanks to its wide spectrum of action, the dog will be protected not only from ixodid ticks, but also from acariform ticks.
- Despite the fact that manufacturers say their drugs are completely safe, there is a possibility of side effects.
- If you have any doubts about using this treatment method, consult your veterinarian.
The article is based on the expert opinion of the author; consult a specialist before use.
Tablets against diseases caused by subcutaneous mites
Are there any pills against diseases caused by subcutaneous mites? Yes, but there are not many of them:
- In forms of the disease complicated by the development of inflammatory skin lesions of streptococcal and staphylococcal nature, the use of cephalosporin antibiotics is recommended. In some cases, Doxycycline is prescribed. Dosages and frequency of use should be selected by a veterinarian on an individual basis.
- Chewable tablets Simparica, Frontline NexgarD Spectra, Bravecto and others. Their effectiveness against demodicosis is not very high, but still these drugs can significantly slow down the development of the disease, including preventing the appearance of mite colonies in internal organs.
- Cycloferon is prescribed as an adjuvant. It is a broad-spectrum immunomodulator. Helps the dog's body cope with the consequences of demodicosis.
