Protect Your Pet – Prevent Diseases from Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitoes

Last updated: May 10, 2017

If Toto could talk, he would be chanting "Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes-Oh My!" as he trots down the yellow paths of summer. It is important for your pet to guard against these disease vectors. The good news, there are a variety of prescription products available to prevent fleas and ticks from using your dog or cat as a host or a mosquito from injecting heartworm into your beloved.

Guard Against Fleas and Ticks

Flea and tick prevention has become relatively easy for dogs with products like Bravecto that increase compliance. Bravecto is only dosed one time every 12 weeks. Another good option are products like Frontline Plus for dogs and cats that are placed topically on the pet every month.

Defend Against Mosquitoes

The second part of the equation is to prevent heartworms. The heartworm parasite is actually carried by mosquitoes. Many of these products can do double duty on heartworm, fleas and other worms as well. Examples are Sentinel for dogs, Sentinel Spectrum for dogs and Advantage Multi for cats and dogs. If a pet owner's veterinarian goes with Bravecto or Frontline Plus for flea and tick protection, then a prescription for Heartgard Plus for dogs, Heartgard feline, Iverhart Plus for dogs, and Iverhart Max for dogs, maybe good heartworm prevention choices. With these combinations, the coverage for all the major vectors are covered.

Treat Year Round

Generally, a veterinarian will recommend treatment year round for the prevention of deadly diseases like Lyme's disease, heartworm, and flea infestations. This mainly is because most southern areas are never cold enough to kill all of these disease carrying pests. Unless an individual lives in the upper northern area of the United States, most vets will recommend year around treatment. The good news, there are an abundance of choices so fleas, ticks, and heartworm can be prevented.

If you have a question about a prescription item, call our experienced and knowledgeable Pet Care Pros at 800.786.4751.

- The Revival Pharmacy Team

Note: Many heartworm preventatives contain ivermectin; however, caution is advised when using ivermectin with breeds that have the MDR1 gene concerns. Studies have shown dog breeds such as collies, Shelties and breeds that have collie and Sheltie genetics in them, have a higher sensitivity to the effects of ivermectin. For these breeds, consider using Bravecto for mange therapy and Sentinel if you'd rather avoid giving medications containing ivermectin.

Learn more about the Revival Full Service Pharmacy.

The materials, information and answers provided through this website are not intended to replace the medical advice or services of your personal veterinarian or other pet health care professional. Consult your own veterinarian for answers to specific medical questions, including diagnosis, treatment, therapy or medical attention.