Best Flea & Tick Treatments for Australian Shepherds
Fleas and ticks can transmit serious and dangerous diseases to your dogs.
That’s why you must know the best flea and tick treatment for your Australian Shepherd. But with so many products on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for your dog.
In this article, we will take a look at the best flea and tick treatments for Australian Shepherds.
We’ll also cover the early signs of fleas, and we’ll answer some of the frequently asked questions related to flea and tick treatment.
So keep reading to learn everything you need to know about keeping your Aussie free from pests.
By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to choose the best flea and tick treatment for your Australian Shepherd.
What are fleas and why are they dangerous?
Fleas are the most common parasite affecting fur-bearing animals, such as dogs and cats.
There are over 2,000 species of fleas worldwide, with around 300 types occurring in the United States. As they are considered parasites, they live off of the blood of their host.
This kind of wingless parasite has three pairs of legs and measures just 2 to 3 mm in length. Fleas have flattened bodies, which makes it easy for them to move through animal fur.
They are reddish-brown and have sharp biting jaws that they use to pierce the skin of their host and feed on their blood.
Although they are wingless, they can leap up to 200 times their body length. Fleas can breed quickly, making flea infestations difficult to eradicate.
In fact, fleas can lay as many as 400 to 500 eggs during their lifetimes.
Despite their tiny size, fleas are a serious threat. The greatest concern these little insects pose is the diseases they spread and transmit.
Some of the most prevalent illnesses that fleas spread and transmit include bubonic plague, murine typhus, tularemia, and tungiasis.
The saliva of fleas can cause Flea Allergy Dermatitis in dogs, and their debris has been linked to human allergies.
Fleas can also transmit tapeworms and put animals at risk of having anemia.
What are the early signs of fleas?
It can be difficult to tell if your pet has fleas, as the early signs are often subtle.
However, there are a few key indicators that can help you identify an infestation.
Here are some of the early signs of fleas :
1. Excessive scratching or biting
If your pet is constantly licking or biting at their fur, it may be a sign that they are trying to relieve itching caused by fleas.
2. Tiny black specks on the skin or flea dirt
These are flea droppings, and their presence is a good indication that your pet has been hosting fleas.
Flea specks of dirt are dark brown or black powdery substances that look like tiny black pepper-like flecks. Flea dirt may be found in your dog’s fur or on its skin.
3. Red patches of skin
The saliva of flea bites can cause allergic reactions in dogs.
These allergic responses may not be limited to the bitten region only, and flea bite hypersensitivity can lead to red patches of skin lumps all over your dog’s body.
4. Hair loss
Hair loss, or alopecia, can be caused by a variety of factors, including flea bites. Dogs tend to remove portions of their hair as a result of excessive scratching due to flea bite biting, or licking.
5. Pale gums
Having pale gums is one of the common signs of anemia, and it may indicate that your pet has a serious case of flea infestation.
This is because the amount of new red blood cells produced by your pet isn’t enough to offset the loss of blood fleas are eating from your dog.
Best flea treatments for Australian Shepherds
While there are a variety of flea treatments available on the market, not all of them are effective for Australian Shepherds.
There are also different forms of flea treatments, but of course, you use the form that is most convenient for you and works for your dog as well.
Here are the different forms of flea treatments with our recommended brand of the best flea treatment for Aussie dogs.
1. Oral flea treatments
This is the kind of flea medication that is being taken as chewable or tablets and is consumed by your pets rather than applied to their body.
Most of these oral treatments include both insecticide to kill adult fleas and a hormone growth regulator to target eggs and larvae.
When adult fleas bite your pet, the medicine that the treatment contains is absorbed into your dog’s system.
There are many different active chemicals in flea and tick oral treatments, some of which last a few days and even a month.
One of the best oral treatments is Beloved Pets Flea and Tick Control Treats.
These delicious bacon-flavored chews are not only a treat for your beloved pet, but they also are designed to provide daily protection against fleas and ticks.
So you can rest easy knowing your furry friend is safe.
This product’s advanced formula is safe and effective, as it is made by experienced veterinarians in the USA.
Its formula contains hemp, which has a complex healing effect on your dog’s body.
This oral flea treatment is made of all-natural ingredients and is suitable for dogs of any age.
Simply give your dog the recommended number of chews per day, based on their weight, and you will be assured that your dog is getting the best possible care.
Recommended number of chews per day based on weight:
- Up to 10 pounds – 1 chew
- 10-30 pounds – 2 chews
- 31-60 pounds- 3 chews
- 61-90 pounds – 4 chews
- 90+ pounds – 5 chews
2. Topical Flea treatments
Flea and tick treatments applied to the skin, also known as “spot-on” medications, are most often placed between a pet’s shoulder blades so it can’t lick them off.
The majority of topical medicines persist for a month. Some topical products not only kill fleas and ticks but also repel them.
By using topical flea treatments, the chemicals are absorbed into your pet’s skin and spread out, killing fleas all over its body after treatment.
Spot-on treatments have the benefit of being quick to become active and keep working for a set period.
One topical flea treatment that doesn’t disappoint is Solimo Flea, Tick & Mosquito Topical.
This product not only stops and repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes but also prevents flea infestations by eradicating flea eggs and flea larvae.
The monthly application of Solimo Flea & Tick Topical provides up to 30 days of protection against fleas.
Solimo Flea & Tick Topical is a waterproof treatment so your pet will still be protected even if they get wet.
The treatment starts eliminating fleas within 12 hours of application, so you can rest assured that your pet will be safe and comfortable.
3. Flea Collars
Flea collars work in one of two ways: releasing a toxic substance that destroys or repels fleas, or dissolving and disseminating throughout the fatty layers of the animal’s skin, killing fleas on the entire body.
This collar treatment transports fleas from the most vexing part of your dog’s head and neck, where they can be most bothersome, to the base of the tail, where the pests quickly perish and fall off.
Our pick for the best flea collar is Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs. It is an easy-to-use, 27.5-inch adjustable collar that is odorless and non-greasy.
This collar features a quick-release feature and optional visibility reflectors to provide extra safety for your pet even at night.
This flea collar is a veterinarian-recommended prevention treatment that kills fleas and ticks on puppies and dogs 7 weeks and older weighing over 18 pounds.
The collar provides continuous protection for 8 months so you can be sure your dog will be protected all season long.
The Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs contains two active ingredients: imidacloprid to control flea infestations, and flumethrin to repel and kill ticks, larvae, and nymphs.
This flea collar starts to repel and kill fleas within 24 hours of initial application and has a water-resistant formula that makes it effective even after your dog’s bathing, swimming, and sun exposure.
4. Sprays
Flea treatment sprays are a convenient and effective way to protect your home from fleas.
By using a spray, you can target specific areas where fleas are likely to hide, such as in carpets, upholstery, and cracks in the flooring.
Flea treatment sprays typically contain insecticides that kill fleas on contact. Some products also contain pyrethrins, which are natural compounds that help to repel fleas.
One of the best flea treatment sprays in the market today is Adams Flea and Tick Home Spray.
This flea and tick home spray is proven to be against fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, bed bugs, ticks, cockroaches, ants, spiders, mosquitoes, and many other labeled insects.
It provides up to 7 months of protection against fleas and starts to kill them in just 5 minutes.
Adams Flea and Tick Home Spray are fragrance-free, so it won’t leave any lingering odors.
It’s also non-staining and dries fast, so you don’t have to worry about it ruining your carpets or furniture.
This makes it the perfect solution for dog owners who want to keep their pets safe from these pests.
Conclusion
Fleas and ticks are a common problem for dogs, but there are many different ways to treat them.
The best flea treatment for Australian shepherds may not be the same as for another breed of dog. There are also many different types of flea treatments, like oral medications, topical solutions, flea collars, and spray.
It can be difficult to decide which one is right for your pet, but it’s important to take action if you see signs of fleas and ticks.
We hope that this article will help you keep your Australian Shepherd healthy and free of ticks and fleas for good.
FAQ
What are the best flea and tick treatments for Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds?
The best flea and tick treatments for Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds include topical treatments, tick shampoos, and veterinary-approved preventative products. It’s important to choose the right flea and tick prevention products for your dog’s specific needs.
How can I prevent ticks on my Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd?
Tick prevention for dogs can be achieved through the use of tick preventatives, regular tick checks, and consulting with a veterinarian for the best tick prevention products. It’s important to protect your dog from tick bites, especially during tick season.
What is the best flea and tick shampoo for Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds?
The best flea and tick shampoo for Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds is one that is formulated to be safe for use on dogs, effectively repel fleas and ticks, and recommended by veterinarians for use on your specific breed.
How do I choose the best topical flea and tick treatment for my Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd?
When choosing the best topical flea and tick treatment for your Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to find the most effective and safe option for your dog’s skin and coat.
What is the most effective flea and tick treatment for Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds?
The most effective flea and tick treatment for Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds is one that provides the best results in repelling fleas and ticks while being safe to use on your dog. It’s important to use a treatment that is recommended for your specific breed.
Are there natural flea and tick treatments suitable for Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds?
Yes, there are natural flea and tick treatments available that are safe for use on Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds. These treatments may include essential oils and other natural ingredients to repel fleas and ticks.
How can I protect my Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd from heartworm?
Protecting your Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd from heartworm can be achieved through using preventative products recommended by veterinarians and keeping your dog up to date on heartworm prevention medication.
What are the best ways to keep my Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd safe from fleas and ticks?
The best ways to keep your Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd safe from fleas and ticks include using a combination of effective flea and tick treatments, regular tick checks, and consulting with your veterinarian for the right prevention products for your dog.
Can I use the same flea and tick treatment for my Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd puppy?
It’s best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the safest and most effective flea and tick treatment for your Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd puppy. Some treatments may not be suitable for use on young puppies.
Is it safe to use chemical flea and tick treatments on Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds?
It’s best to consult with a veterinarian to ensure the safety of using chemical flea and tick treatments on Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds. Veterinarians can recommend the most suitable and safe treatments for your specific breed.