Hard to apply Frontline on Husky's dense fur? Oral tick options?

Flea infestations can be really frustrating to manage! It sounds as though you're doing all of the right things to manage this issue. However, in recent years, I have not found Frontline Plus to be as effective as it once was. Consider talking to your vet about switching to an oral flea preventive, such as Bravecto, Nexgard, Credelio or Simparica. (All are prescription-based, which is why you'll need to first talk to your vet.) I find these medications MUCH more effective at rapidly killing several flea lifestages, which helps to break the flea life cycle (adults lay eggs, which become larvae, then pupae, then adults, which lay more eggs). Consistently giving flea preventives is the best way to resolve a flea infestation. Over the counter oral medications like Capstar are great at killing adult fleas, but only last for 24 hours. K9 Advantix II is an over the counter topical option that works well, but isn't quite in the same league as the prescription orals. Also be sure to wash any blankets, pillows or bedding that is machine washable on the hottest setting allowable. Try to wash these things at least once a week. If all else fails, consult an exterminator to treat your environment. Flea baths are largely ineffective at treating fleas. Many of these flea shampoos cause skin irritation, so I would just try using a regular dog shampoo every few months to wash off any dead fleas or flea dirt. Also be sure to talk to your vet about checking a stool sample for tapeworms, as dogs can ingest tapeworm eggs if they eat infected fleas. I hope this helps and that all goes well for Atlas! https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/flea-infestation-1/

I prefer oral however each brand of tick medicine is only labeled for a select few species of ticks so it may be ineffective if you are encountering a different species. You may want to try Bravecto that last longer or add advantix or tick collar that can help repel

Bravecto last for three months, but I prefer using a monthly topical treatment personally. That's because it can be reapplied after two weeks at the earliest if needed, while you would need to wait longer to give your pet Bravecto again.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Yes, there are lots of other non-topical flea and tick prevention options. Nexgard and Bravecto have oral chews that dogs can eat as treats. Nexgard is monthly whereas Bravecto is every 3 months. Both of these prevent against fleas and ticks. Heartgard is an oral medication that protects against heartworm and other intestinal parasites. There is a Seresto collar that can be worm by dogs to prevent flea and tick infections for up to 8 months. I recommend reaching out to your local vet to see which products they have available. I hope this is helpful!

Nexgard is an excellent product that provide tick protection in addition to flea prevention. Bravecto is a similar product, but it provides coverage against fleas and ticks for 3 months. All of these medications require a prescription. I would recommend discussing them with your vet to determine the best fit for Charlie.

Vet’s typically recommend year round flea/tick prevention as even in the winter fleas are seen during unseasonably warm weeks. As warmer days are likely in the coming month of March I would start now. In general, the oral flea /tick preventatives such as monthly Nexgard, Simparica or every 12 weeks Bravecto chews are more effective than topical products such as Frontline without the risk of skin sensitivity. When you run out of your current product, before the warmer spring months arrive, definitely inquire with your vet about the oral flea/tick products. Great job for being so proactive of an owner in protecting Snowball!

I recommend oral flea & tick preventatives. There are several brands, and all are effective: Nexgard, Simparica, and Credelio are monthly, or Bravecto which is given every 12 weeks. My top two are Nexgard and Bravecto. These are prescription products available from your veterinarian. Hope this helps!