TOP 7 best anti-flea and tick drops for cats and dogs: selection tips, reviews

With the onset of warm weather, parasites wake up outside. A cat is a pet, but insects can easily get on it. They can be brought on shoes, clothes or a bag. The most common are ticks, fleas and worms. Therefore, to protect our dear cats, we have compiled a rating of the best drops against fleas and other parasites. Their advantage over tablets and sprays is that they are easy to use and have broad capabilities against parasites. All of them are applied to the cat’s withers - always on the skin, not the fur. Remember that the cat should not lick them, otherwise it may be poisoned. The rating presents drugs with various recommendations and effects on parasites.

Insecticides for dogs

CLEANITY Spray

Price - from 188 rub.

Type of product: drops.

The list of the best remedies for blood-sucking parasites in dogs opens with an inexpensive and cost-effective drug made in Russia. It is suitable not only for the animals themselves, but also for treating their habitats. The active ingredient in the spray is permethrin.

The disadvantages of the spray include its strong chemical smell. Because of this, when treating with Celandine, the dog must be held (that is, an assistant is required). And the treatment itself is best done outdoors. However, the smell quickly dissipates.

Advantix (Bayer)

Price - from 502 rub.

Type of product: drops.

This drug will protect your dog not only from fleas and ticks, but also from mosquitoes. It contains imidacloprid and permethrin, which protect against blood-sucking parasites, as well as flies and lice for up to 28 days.

Bayer Kiltix

Price - from 799 rubles.

Type of product: collar.

Long service life (up to 180 days), the ability to choose a collar for both small and large dogs, and German quality have provided this product with positive user reviews. The active ingredients in the collar are propoxur and flumethrin.

The cleaner the animal’s skin, the more effective the collar will be. Therefore, before using Bayer Kiltix, it is recommended to wash your pet with pet shampoo.

Frontline (Merial) Spot-On

Price - from 549 rub.

Type of product: drops.

This is a latest generation insectoacaricidal drug that effectively protects your pet from fleas and ticks. It is produced for both small (from 2 kg) and large dogs (up to 40 kg). The active ingredients in Spot-On are fipronil and S-methoprene. The first component contributes to disruption of the transmission of nerve impulses, leading to the death of ectoparasites. And S-methoprene prevents flea larvae and eggs from reaching the stage of chitin formation.

Bayer Dog Advocate

Price - from 1395 rub.

Type of product: drops.

In first place in the ranking of the best flea and tick remedies for dogs is a German-made drug. It has a combined effect and protects against three scourges at once: fleas, ticks and helminths. Available in four dosages for different “weight categories” of dogs.

One milliliter of the drug contains the active ingredients imidacloprid - 100 mg and moxidectin - 25 mg. Imidacloprid acts on the central nervous system of parasites and kills them within 12-18 hours upon contact. Moxidectin disrupts the muscle innervation of ectoparasites and nematodes, causing paralysis and death.

Indications for use and contraindications

Stronghold drops for cats are prescribed for the following indications:

• flea dermatitis (caused by fleas);
• trichodectosis (caused by the lice-eater Felicola subrostratus);
• otodectosis (ear scabies caused by Otodectos cynotis mites);
• sarcoptic mange (caused by acariform mites of the genus Sarcoptes);
• helminthic infestations (toxocariasis, hookworm).

Additionally, the medicine is used against dirofilariasis, as a prophylactic agent.

The use of Stronghold in cats with infectious pathologies is not recommended. Also, the drug should not be used in animals with a weakened immune system due to previous illness.

Rating of the best flea drops for cats

MSD Animal Health Bravecto Spot On, 1 dropper

Rating: 4.9

The drug comes from the USA. It has been on the market for many years and has established itself as one of the best products for cats. Narrowly targeted drops fight only against ticks and fleas. Therefore, the product cannot be used to protect against internal parasites. Apply to the withers. Used to destroy adult blocks and their larvae. The product is also effective against ixodid (or encephalitis) ticks. 12 hours after application, fleas die, and 48 hours later, ticks die.

We recommend using this product to combat flea dermatitis. Bravecto causes paralysis in insects and, as a result, death. The medicine belongs to the category of “low-hazard”: it has a minimal number of side effects, the drug does not affect the animal’s body systems.

Suitable for cats over 11 weeks of age and weighing at least 1.2 kg. Do not use on animals in weakened or painful conditions. But it is permissible to use drops during pregnancy or lactation. According to the results of our analysis, the effect of the product lasts from two to three months. Depends on the characteristics of the cat. Re-use is allowed no earlier than after eight weeks. It is forbidden to bathe the animal for the next three days after treatment. The main feature: effective control of fleas that have acquired immunity to other medications.

Advantages

• Safe.
• Effective.
• Against fleas with immunity.
• For pregnant cats.

Flaws

• High price.
• Highly flammable.
• Only from external parasites.

Zoetis Stronghold for fleas and helminths, 3 pipettes

Rating: 4.8

A universal remedy for most types of parasites. We added it to the rating due to its wide range of pet protection capabilities. It is designed to combat fleas, various types of ticks and roundworms. Thus, by treating your cat once, you will receive effective prevention against all types of parasites. For each type of insect, you need to remember some features of using the drug. Stronghold works with fleas at different stages of development - from egg to adult. It is recommended to use the drops a month before the start of the season to keep the animal as safe as possible. To treat ear scabies, a one-time use of the product is sufficient. After the first use, the effectiveness of the drug reaches 94%!, after repeated use – 100%

Flea drops can be used starting from the age of six weeks for a kitten. They are as safe as possible; side effects are possible only if the medicine gets inside the cat. In order to harm the animal, the dose must be exceeded ten times. In cats, the maximum effect of Stronghold occurs after a day. The drug is applied only to dry hair. It is advisable not to touch the animal for 24 hours, but you can wash it after two hours.

Advantages

• Value for money.
• Safety.
• Wide range of possibilities.

Flaws

• Flammable.
• Doesn't always work with worms.
• Rarely does a minor allergy occur.
• Inconvenient pipette.

Merial Frontline Combo against fleas and ticks, 1 dropper

Rating: 4.7

French drops for cats against fleas and ticks. Their action is based on the destruction of the insect's nerve connections. Thus, it loses the ability to reproduce and dies. The action of Frontline Combo applies to two types of ticks (ixodid and cheylitella), fleas, lice and lice. The drug is completely distributed throughout the body within 24 hours; during this time it is not recommended to touch the cat. The full effect of the drug begins on the third day after treatment.

What's included

Stronghold is produced in liquid form and is a clear solution. A pale yellow color of the drug is also allowed. The active component is selamectin with a concentration of 6% or 12 percent.

The medicine is packaged in plastic pipettes with a volume of 0.25 ml (with a purple cap) and 0.75 ml (with a blue cap), which are packaged in individual blisters. The manufacturer puts 3 doses of the drug in each pack.

Insecticides for cats

Ms. Kiss (Miss Kiss)

Price - from 353 rub.

Type of product: drops.

The top 5 popular products for fleas and ticks for cats opens with the Ms series. Kiss. It contains drops for both small fluffies (up to 2 kg) and large ones, such as Maine Coons - one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world.

The drug is valid for up to 90 days and contains natural ingredients - essential oils of clove, neem and citronella oils. Thanks to this Ms. Kiss not only protects against ectoparasites, but also moisturizes the animal’s fur and skin, and also smells pleasant when applied.

RolfClub 3D

Price - from 353 rub.

Type of product: spray.

Inexpensive and large-volume (200 ml) spray to combat ectoparasites. It is quickly absorbed, and as a “bonus” to the main effect, it also protects the animal’s skin from mosquitoes and midges. The active ingredients of RolfClub 3D spray are pyriproxyfen, fipronil and etofenprox.

The spray is suitable for antiparasitic treatment of the room where the pet is located.

The disadvantages of the spray in the reviews include a pungent odor that quickly dissipates.

Frontline (Merial) Spot-on

Price - from 494 rub.

Type of product: drops.

These drops, containing 10% fipronil insecticide, are applied to the cat's withers. Straighten the fur and apply a few drops to your pet's skin. The drug has no side effects (provided it is applied correctly).

Spot-on will kill 100% of adult fleas within eighteen hours of application and 100% of ticks within 48 hours of use.

RolfClub 3D

Price - from 225 rub.

Type of product: collar.

You must start fighting fleas when they are not yet visible. This is why any cat that goes outside should wear a good flea and tick collar. It works excellently as a repellent and contains chemicals that are gentle enough not to cause irritation even if the animal wears the collar for a long time. RolfClub 3D contains amitraz, fipronil and cyphenothrin, and protects the cat from ectoparasites for up to 180 days.

Foresto (Bayer)

Price - from 1259 rub.

Type of product: collar.

This waterproof collar with reflective elements protects your pet from bloodthirsty insects for up to 8 months. The substances in the collar that act on ectoparasites are imidacloprid and flumethrin. Foresto can be used as early as 10 weeks of age.

Don’t forget: even the most expensive product from the rating of the best sprays, drops and collars for fleas and ticks will cost much less than treating a cat or dog with piroplasmosis.

Tips for choosing

Before purchasing, we strongly recommend that you contact a qualified veterinarian to select the most optimal option suitable for your pet. We advise you to pay immediate attention to:

• Active substance. The less toxic the product is to the animal, the better.
• Brand. Choose only proven products in specialized stores.
• Age and breed. For this purpose, selection is carried out individually.
• Weight. Depending on this parameter, the amount of product required, as well as the cost, fluctuates.
• Duration of action. The longer the drops keep unwanted insects away, the better.
• Efficiency. There are usually a lot of reviews. People willingly share their observations online. Please read and take note.
• Package. Check it for integrity.
• Instructions. Read it carefully for any contraindications and possible side effects.
• Best before date. The longer it is, the better. Do not use expired medications.

We wish your pet health!

special instructions

The medicine Stronghold has a number of features that must be taken into account when using this remedy in therapy:

1. Do not apply the drug to damaged areas of the skin.
2. The pet's fur should be clean and dry at the time of treatment.
3. Stronghold is not used for puppies under one and a half months old.
4. Complete absorption of the product into the dog’s tissue is achieved in half an hour. During this time, the animal is prohibited from bathing and petting, and the animal is not allowed to itch.
5. Do not allow the dog to come into contact with children for two hours after treatment.
6. After applying the drug, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the animal in order to promptly identify an allergic reaction or ensure its absence.

Stronghold should not be stored near food or at high temperatures.

How do you recommend deworming puppies, if not pyrantel, and how often?

If a puppy is without fleas and does not go outside yet, then his mother and himself should be treated with, say, “Advocate”, “Stronghold” - this solves the problem of toxocara well. It is necessary to take into account age restrictions and whether his mother is feeding him milk. This treatment should be done once a month. If your wallet doesn’t allow it, ivermectin is given orally or injected to the entire litter (don’t forget about the age restrictions!). Milbemax is somewhat less effective, but it can be used from a very early age. It is better to use drugs containing pyrantel with adults who are not pregnant (male dogs, for example) precisely for prevention - it is convenient, cheap and highly safe.

For selections in shelter conditions, you have to choose cheaper schemes. If a puppy or kitten is picked up from the street, the first deworming should not be carried out immediately when the animal gets home, in the very first days. It is best to fatten him first, give him vitamins, then something containing pyrantel, and then ivermectin.

How long do the drops last?

The instructions will answer the question of how often the treatment should be repeated. High-quality preparations have not only an insecticidal, but also a repellent effect; insects simply do not want to settle on the fur again. When warm days arrive, animals that do not leave the apartment are often taken to the dacha. To prevent parasites from jumping onto your cat from the grass, treat the withers with drops before the summer season.

Typically, flea medications protect the animal for 2 months. If you want to protect your pet from lice and ticks, remember that for them the period is shorter; after a month, parasites can again appear in the fluffy fur. Be sure to check the instructions for how long your drops last and how often you can repeat the treatment.

Application rules

An anthelmintic agent in the form of drops is used, observing the following rules:

A mandatory part of the procedure is to put gloves on your hands so that the drug used does not get on them.

1. The animal's skin must be undamaged and dry.
2. The medicine pipette is opened only before application.
3. Be sure to wear rubber gloves before working with the drug to avoid getting the solution on the epidermis of your hands.
4. The medicinal solution for parasites is applied to the cat's neck and between the shoulder blades so that she cannot lick the product.
5. After use, the pipette is discarded.

Analogues of the drug

When choosing analogues of Frontaline, it is necessary to note the effectiveness, as well as the smallest number of side effects that occur when treating cats.

Potential analogues of Frontline are the following insectoacaricides:

• Advantix drops (Bayer, Germany);
• Bolfo spray (Bayer, Germany);
• Ultra Guard drops (Hartz, USA).

Before starting to use any type of antiparasitic medication, you should always consult with a veterinarian.

Which substances can be used and which cannot?

Naturally, the drops contain compositions based on disinfectant components. Some of them are safe for cats, and some can even kill your pet. Safe ones include:

• Imidacporil;
• Finpronil;
• Silamectin.

But permethrin can cause mass poisoning, even if the animal is protected from licking the composition from its fur. It penetrates the systemic bloodstream and can cause serious disruptions in the functioning of internal organs. In particularly severe cases of intoxication, the animal may die.

What can a dog become infected with when fed (raw) meat? And how can this be dangerous for humans?

By the word “meat” I mean, first of all, products of slaughterhouse origin, this includes pure meat, liver, and lungs. The fact is that, as a rule, if an animal is fed raw meat, then it is probably fed the rest. In general, you can specifically ask the owner about each type of product, but I don’t see much point in this.

The meat may contain Toxocara larvae, less commonly cestode larvae. Trichinosis is not of great importance for cats and dogs, and with trichinosis everything is more or less in order in terms of examination - pigs are checked, but cows and sheep do not need this. Since we cannot be completely confident in the quality assessment of the meat we purchase, the dog should receive its dose of praziquantel once every 3 months, regardless of whether it is urban or not.

From products of slaughterhouse origin you can get a complete set:

• from pigs - echinococcosis, alveococcosis, taeniasis;
• from cattle – echinococcosis, teniosis;
• from sheep - muscular coenurosis (dogs), echinococcosis, extremely rarely (!) alveococcosis (cats and dogs), teniasis;
• rabbits - alveococcosis, teniosis;
• And also linguatulosis, toxocariasis, etc....

Actually, when they came up with preventive deworming, it was aimed specifically at these “comrades”, because a person becomes an intermediate host, receiving the invasive origin from his animals - predators, which are usually the final hosts. A dog should receive its dose of praziquantel every 3 months, regardless of whether it is a city dweller or not.

. Echinococcosis and alveococcosis are diseases that are controlled by WHO and WSAVA.

How do they work?

Anthelmintic drops for cats on the withers are used more often than injections and tablets, as they are very easy to use, and they also effectively remove helminths and other parasites. The product is applied to the skin, through which the medicinal substance is absorbed into the epidermal layer and accumulates, as a result of which the protective effect against worms lasts about a month. And some of the medication enters the animal’s blood and within 24 hours destroys parasitic worms inside the body. But drops against protozoa cannot be used if the cat suffers from urolithiasis and liver disease. In case of an overdose of the medicine, vomiting, excessive salivation occurs, and the cat refuses to eat.

Drops on the withers against ecto- and endoparasites can improve the condition of the coat, since in most cases they are made on the basis of fish oil, which contains omega 3 acids that nourish the animal’s coat.