Tick Prevention

[Melissa]

My city is just starting to be infested with ticks, so this is all new to me. I've owned a dog all my life (37 years) and have only seen one tick which was two years ago.  I am now starting to see a lot of posts on local social media about owners finding ticks on their dogs. I've asked my vet if they think we should start using a tick preventative and she said yes.

These are the two types she recommended: 

K-9 Advantix II
Bravecto

Any thoughts about these? Suggestions? Advise?  

[Star and Goldie]

Nexgard scares me. I did google it and oh my! Lots of seizures and paralysis reported. They are all pretty scary really which is why I'm trying the natural route (so far so good).

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

I am battling ticks this year too...never seen one in my whole life, now my dogs have both had ticks...and me!  My vet says she just got back from a conference about a new chewable Simparica ...and was very impressed.  I have been using front line plus...the ticks I have found on the girls have still been alive.  Front line doesn't kill them immediately, takes up to 48 hours I think.   So, I probably found the fleas before frontline had a chance to kill them.  The vet said the one had not started gorging.  Simparica kills fleas in 3 hours and ticks in 8 hours.  Anyway, that's what I'm going to start using.  Even tho we live in Michigan, we still get fleas in the cold months.  They could be anywhere...maybe on someone else's animal and your dog is exposed to them.  We fought fleas in January one year, so I dose my girls all year round.

[Star and Goldie]

I found another live flea on Goldie last night. I'm wondering if the Advantix isn't working or if that's normal when battling fleas to keep finding them for a while? Is that what you've experienced too? I'm not sure how to tell if I need to try something new or how long to give it.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

When my girl ended up with fleas in January here in Michigan, I sent her to the groomer for a flea bath and then I dosed her with the frontline plus that I had been using.  That took care of the problem....but I acted immediately when she presented the fleas in her fur.  The reason I didn't use frontline in January, is because my Vet at the time said I wouldn't need it due to Michigans cold weather.  I no longer go to that Vet. 

When did you apply the Advantix?  The first of the month?  If so, I would call the Vet and ask if you can apply another dose.