Flea & Tick Prevention for Dogs and Cats

Preventing fleas and ticks in dogs and cats is a perennial worry for many pet parents. Beyond the “ick” factor, these external parasites can transmit diseases that affect both pets and people. Fortunately, there are many tried-and-true methods for keeping fleas and ticks at bay for both indoor pets and for dogs and cats that go outside.

What are fleas and ticks: the basics

While fleas and ticks are constantly grouped together, they are actually quite different species. Fleas are small, dark brown insects with flat bodies about 1 to 3 mm in length. They don’t have wings, but their powerful legs allow them to jump great distances. Fleas have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Adult fleas lay eggs on a host animal. When the eggs fall off into the environment, it can create a cycle of reinfestation. While the most important aspect of flea control is to control the adult fleas, adult fleas only represent 5% of the problem. It is important to combat the pre-adult fleas in the environment.

Ticks, on the other hand, are arachnids and have eight legs like spiders. They may be as small as a pinhead or as large as a grape, depending on their life stage and whether they have fed. Ticks also go through four stages of life: egg, larva, nymph and adult. After the egg stage, they require a blood meal at each stage to continue development.

Signs of a flea or tick infestation

These things may indicate that your dog or cat is infested with fleas or ticks.

Scratching and biting at the skin: This can be a sign of fleas, particularly when the behavior is directed at the neck, back and base of the tail.
Inflammation: Red, inflamed skin or small red bumps may be a sign of flea infestation. Skin irritation may also indicate ticks, since there is often redness around an attachment site.
Flea dirt: These small black specks appearing on your pet’s skin or bedding can indicate a flea infestation.
Anemia or weakness: This may be an indication of a severe tick infestation that has resulted in blood loss.

Health risks caused by fleas and ticks

Fleas and ticks can cause a number of serious diseases and health conditions. Flea-related issues include:

Allergic reactions: Bites from dog or cat fleas may cause allergic reactions in some pets, causing severe itching and dermatitis.
Tapeworms: A tapeworm infection may occur when a pet ingests a flea carrying tapeworm larvae.
Anemia: A severe flea infestation can lead to significant blood loss and anemia, especially in young or small pets.
Flea-borne illnesses: Fleas can transmit several illnesses including Bartonella, Murine typhus and Bubonic Plague. Visit your veterinary provider with any concerns to ensure you get the proper care plant for your pet.

Tick-related issues include:

Tick-borne illnesses: Ticks can carry and transmit bacteria that cause serious illnesses in dogs, including Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis. Visit your veterinary provider with any concerns to ensure you get the proper care plant for your pet.

Checking your pet for fleas and ticks

Your dog’s health and cat’s health are important. There are multiple steps you can take to protect against the dangers of fleas and ticks.

Regular grooming and inspection: Inspect your pet’s skin regularly as you brush to look for signs of a flea or tick infestation. For cat and dog tick prevention, inspect for ticks around the areas around your pet’s neck, ears, belly and between the toes. For fleas, these can be found anywhere on the body, but be sure to check the ‘tailhead area’ which includes the back, near the base of your dog’s tail, where infestations usually occur.
Environmental cues: Be on the lookout for ‘flea dirt’, a byproduct of biting fleas (also known as flea poop) and can be found on your pet and places where they spend a lot of time, like their bedding. It will look like small pieces of dirt but is darker red in color. Finding ‘flea dirt’ is confirmation that your environment and your pet have fleas. If you experience severe infestations, use flea and tick control products within your home.
Outdoor Exposures: Prevention of tick control includes outdoor exposures, especially in wooded or shady areas where ticks live and come in contact with pet parents and pets alike.
Preventative treatments: These include topical treatments applied skin, oral medications, flea and tick collars and shampoos and sprays to repel parasites. Flea & tick collars can be quite beneficial for tick control, but not as effective for fleas. When using these products, be sure to follow the product instructions carefully.

Choosing a flea and tick treatment

When it comes to deciding on the best way to prevent fleas and ticks, you have several good options to choose from. It’s always wise to consult your veterinarian about the product they feel is best for your pet.

Topical treatments: Also known as spot-on treatments, these are liquid products that are applied directly to your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Topical treatments are easy to apply and highly effective, and they typically last one month. However, these treatments can get washed off if your pet swims regularly or gets bathed frequently.
Sprays: Flea and tick sprays are applied to your pet’s coat or to their environment. Sprays provide immediate protection and can be used both on your pet and household areas. On the downside, they may need to be applied frequently, and they can be messy.
Shampoos: Medicated shampoos can be effective at killing fleas and ticks on contact. Shampoos provide immediate relief while also cleaning and conditioning your pet’s coat. However, their effect can be short-term, so they may require regular bathing.
Oral medications: Oral treatments are available as chewable tablets or as pills that can be added to your cat or dog’s food to provide systemic protection against fleas and ticks after your pet ingests them. These products offer more convenience, as they may last up to three months, and they’re unaffected by bathing or swimming. They may need to be used in combination with other treatments for effective protection.
Natural treatments: Some essential oils like cedar oil, peppermint oil and rosemary oil are believed to repel fleas and ticks. These treatments can be less harsh on pets, but the effectiveness varies. Additionally, some essential oils can be toxic to pets if not used properly.
Diatomaceous earth: This fine, powdery substance is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a kind of microscopic algae. The sharp edges of diatomaceous earth particles cut through the exoskeletons of insects like fleas and techs, causing them to dehydrate and die. This is a natural and non-toxic preventative, but it can be difficult to clean up and requires frequent reapplication. It also may need to be used with other treatments to control heavy infestation. Visit your veterinary provider with any concerns to ensure you get the proper care plant for your pet.

FAQs

What are fleas and ticks?

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals, while ticks are arachnids related to spiders that also feed on blood. Both are common external parasites for dogs and cats.

How do pets get fleas and ticks?

Pets can pick up fleas and ticks from the environment, such as infested grass, bushes or contact with other animals. Fleas can also enter the home on clothing or other pets.

How often should I treat my pet for fleas and ticks?

The frequency depends on the product used. Some treatments are monthly, while others (like certain collars or oral medications) can last up to three months or more. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult your veterinarian.

Can flea and tick treatments be used on puppies and kittens?

Many flea and tick treatments are formulated for use on young animals, but age restrictions vary by product. Always check the label and consult your veterinarian before treating puppies or kittens.

Are flea and tick treatments safe for my pet?

Most commercially available flea and tick treatments are safe when used as directed. However, some pets may have adverse reactions. Consult your veterinarian to choose the safest and most effective option for your pet.

What should I do if my pet has a reaction to a flea or tick treatment?

If your pet shows signs of an adverse reaction, such as excessive drooling, vomiting, lethargy or skin irritation, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How do I remove a tick from my pet?

Dog tick removal often involves using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick. Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

Can fleas and ticks affect humans?

Yes, fleas can bite humans, causing itching and irritation. Ticks can attach to humans and transmit diseases. It’s important to check yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Can flea and tick treatments harm humans?

While generally safe, it's important to follow all application instructions and safety precautions to avoid accidental exposure. Keep treatments out of reach of children and wash hands after application.

Can I use dog flea and tick treatments on my cat?

No, many dog flea and tick treatments contain ingredients that are toxic to cats. Always use products specifically formulated for cats.

Do I need to treat my pet for fleas and ticks year-round?

Yes, in many regions, fleas and ticks can be a year-round problem. Continuous prevention helps protect your pet from infestations and related health issues.

Can indoor pets get fleas and ticks?

Yes, indoor pets can still get fleas and ticks brought in on clothing, other pets, or from brief outdoor excursions. Regular prevention is essential for all pets, regardless of whether they live primarily indoors or outdoors.

What are flea combs?

Flea combs are grooming tools specifically designed to remove fleas and flea dirt (flea feces) from your pet’s fur.

Need other pet supplies while you’re shopping? PetSmart carries everything you need for your dogs and cats—including dog food, cat food, cat toys, dog treats, leashes & harnesses, and more.

PetSmart offers convenient shopping with Curbside Pickup or in-store pickup. Need something today? We have select items available for Same-Day Delivery in most areas powered by DoorDash.

For items you purchase frequently, PetSmart has Autoship that automatically delivers the items you want to your door as often as you’d like. Check the website to see which items are eligible.

Information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure your pet and is not a substitute for veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian. For any medical or health-related advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet, contact your veterinarian.