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What flea, tick, heartworm meds are best for my swimming dog?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | neutered | 72 lbs

For monthly canine OTC and prescription prevention, there are many choices for protection against: ticks, fleas, ear mites, mange, heart worm, whip worm etc. some kill adult, some kill eggs and stop infestation, and some work on a broader variety of ticks - but nothing address all the issues. So what is right for an retriever in eastern PA that spends time running in the woods and swimming in the pool and lake?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 15th, 2017

Great question! You are correct there are a lot of options out there, and there isn't a treatment that covers all of them. I will give you my opinion on the best medications for many of these things. Because Arthur spends time running in the woods, tick protection is quite important for him, so I recommend giving him NexGard. It protects against three different types of ticks as well as fleas, and because it's a chew, you don't have to worry about it washing off if he gets wet within 24 hours of giving it to him. It's safe to give along with heartworm protection, and for that I recommend giving Arthur Heartgard. It's an excellent heartworm preventative, and when I lived in the US, it's what I used on my dogs (there's no heartworm in New Zealand, so no need for me to use it now). Be sure to have him tested for heartworm first before giving him this medication. The test can be done by your vet. As for worms, I recommend Drontal. It's available by prescription only from the vet, but it kills roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    You are correct in identifying that no single product addresses all risks in dogs. Prevention programs especially for heartworm and ticks are especially important. As he swims regularly, oral medications are preferable as they will not be washed off or affected by water. You should discuss options with your local vets office re seasonal risks but a monthly heartworm prevention tablet and three monthly bravecto tablet would cover both internal and external risks

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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