Flea and tick prevention that actually works

Year-round protection beats reactive treatment — here's how to choose.

Fleas and ticks aren't just itchy. Fleas can trigger allergic dermatitis and tapeworm infections; ticks can transmit Lyme, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. Prevention is dramatically easier than treatment.

Modern options come as monthly chewables, topical spot-ons, and long-acting collars. Chewables (like isoxazoline-class products) are popular for dogs and start working within hours. Cats need cat-specific products — never use a dog flea treatment on a cat, as some ingredients are toxic.

Treat year-round in most climates. Fleas survive indoors through winter, and ticks are active any time temperatures climb above freezing. If one pet in the house is treated and another isn't, you'll keep seeing fleas.

If you spot a tick, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers close to the skin, pulling straight out. Save it in a sealed bag in case symptoms develop later, and book a check-in if your pet becomes lethargic or develops a fever within a few weeks.