Protection against fleas and ticks is not just a matter of convenience, but a matter of health and safety. Fleas can cause allergic dermatitis and anemia, and they also carry helminth eggs. Ticks are carriers of babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and borreliosis. Some of these diseases can be transmitted to humans.

Several types of products are used to prevent parasites. However, not all products are equally effective, especially against Ixodes ticks (Ixodes spp.), which are the most dangerous.

Main types of means

Tablets (oral insecticides and acaricides)

They work systematically: the active ingredient enters the bloodstream, and the parasite dies after the bite.

Advantages:
– stable level of protection,
– not washed off by water,
– safe for people after application.

Disadvantages:
– the tick must bite in order to die,
– they do not have a repellent effect.

For dogs:

* Simparica (sarolaner) – monthly,
* Nexgard (afoxolaner),
* Bravecto (fluralaner) – every 12 weeks.

For cats:

* Credelio for Cats (lotilaner) – monthly,
* Bravecto (tablets for cats) – available in some countries, check with your clinic.

Spot-on drops

Important:

Stronghold (selamectin) and Advocate (moxidectin + imidacloprid) are not effective against ixodid ticks.
* They provide protection against fleas, worms, sarcoptosis, demodicosis (in dogs) — but not against Ixodes spp. ticks.

Drops that are effective against fleas and ticks:

* Stronghold Plus (selamectin + sarolaner) — for cats, effective against ixodid ticks, fleas, and helminths.
* Vectra 3D (for dogs) — contains permethrin, acts on ticks and fleas, has a repellent effect.
* Advantix (imidacloprid + permethrin) — only for dogs, has a contact action and repellent effect.

Collars

* Foresto (imidacloprid + flumethrin) — effective against fleas and ticks (including ixodid ticks), approved for both dogs and cats.
Duration of action — up to 8 months.

Advantages:
– long-lasting protection,
– combination of contact and repellent action,
– suitable for animals that cannot tolerate other forms.

About permethrin

Permethrin is a powerful acaricide and repellent that is often used in products for dogs.⚠️ Dangerous for cats — even a small amount can cause tremors, convulsions, and death.
Therefore, products containing permethrin (Advantix, Vectra 3D) must not be used on cats or in environments where cats are present.

Combining medications

In cases of high risk of tick infestation or in endemic regions (e.g., southern Ukraine, Kyiv region), you can combine products as recommended by your veterinarian:

* Foresto + Stronghold — for dogs or cats that need protection from fleas, ticks, and worms.
* Bravecto + Advocate / Stronghold — when systemic action and additional protection against worms is needed.
* Advantix + tablets — during peak tick activity (but only for dogs).

Features of selection

Situation	Recommended approach
Domestic cat, not allowed outside	Stronghold або Stronghold Plus щомісяця
A cat walking on the street	Stronghold Plus або Foresto
Dog in the city, with walking	Bravecto / Simparica / Nexgard
Dog at the cottage, in the forest	Bravecto + Foresto or Advantix
Puppies and kittens	Caution! The choice depends on age and weight. Start with safe drops.

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Frequently asked questions

1. Can I bathe my pet after treatment?
Yes, but not immediately. For example, after using drops, wait 48 hours. Tablets do not restrict bathing.

2. Is treatment necessary in winter?
Yes. Fleas are active indoors all year round. Ticks become active at temperatures above +5°C.

3. Are ticks dangerous in the city?
Yes. Cases of babesiosis are also recorded in animals that do not leave the city.

Conclusion

Not all products are equally effective: regular Stronghold and Advocate are not effective against Ixodes ticks.
Repellent action (repelling ticks before they bite) — only in products containing permethrin (for dogs) or fluomethrin (in Foresto).
Avoid using permethrin on cats — it is dangerous to their lives.
The correct protection strategy is individual selection of the product, taking into account the lifestyle, risks, and health of the animal.