Keeping fleas and ticks off your pets is critical. These parasites are carriers for serious diseases. Many options are available for controlling fleas and ticks, including collars, powders, topical liquids, and oral medications. Have you ever wondered how they work? 

The primary ingredients in most canine flea and tick medications are neurotoxins. These work by attacking the insect's central nervous system, resulting in paralysis and, eventually, death. Some ingredients prevent larvae from developing into adulthood and reproducing. Other chemicals are slow-acting and give parasites time to return to their nests and spread the poison to other insects. 

Topical remedies applied on the skin monthly are the most widely used, but monthly oral medications are gaining in popularity. In general, neither of these solutions is repellant, meaning that fleas and ticks must bite your pet before they are killed. Therefore, you will need to take additional pest control measures to stop the cycle if there are existing infestations in the home. 

Not every product is a good fit for every pet. in fact, using the wrong products can be harmful, so avoid self-prescribing a preventative. The veterinarian who knows your pet is the best person to recommend any type of medication.