7 Common Mistakes Pet Parents Make with Flea and Tick Prevention

So you can’t remember the last time you plucked a tick off your pup or flicked a flea off your feline? That’s great news! But just because you don’t spot these parasites today doesn’t mean you can take a backseat to flea and tick preventative care.

Fleas and ticks are two of the most common pet health concerns across the U.S. These pesky parasites not only cause extreme discomfort for our furry friends, they also carry diseases.

Left untreated, these illnesses can cause serious health issues for our pets—which is why prevention is key.

The good news is that flea and tick prevention is simple—as long as you follow a consistent schedule and work with your veterinarian to determine the best flea and tick prevention for your pet.

It’s easy to forget a few simple tips throughout the year. Let’s look at the most common mistakes pet parents make, and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: "It's OK to miss a dose now and then."

Flea and tick preventive treatment works best when given on time, all the time. You may think there’s no harm in occasionally skipping a flea and tick dose, assuming it can’t hurt your pet if it’s not a frequent occurrence.

Unfortunately, even one lapse in flea and tick prevention exposes your dog or cat to these parasites.

Fleas and ticks can hop rides into our homes through our clothes and spread from one animal to the next. If your pet missed a monthly dose of their care, they are now open for business and a flea or tick can move right in. 

If you tend to forget your pet’s regular dosage, set up automatic calendar reminders on your phone.

It may also be helpful to give your pet their flea and tick prevention the same day and time when it’s due, so that the date becomes routine in your schedule.

Remember to read all product instructions carefully, as not all flea and tick prevention is formulated the same. While most flea and tick products are a monthly dosage, others may be less frequent based on formulation.

Chat with your veterinarian or with a vet directly through Chewy’s Connect with a Vet service if you have any questions regarding your pet’s flea and tick product.

Mistake #2: “My pets can take a break from treatment in winter.”

Fleas and ticks thrive in warmer weather, which is why most people may only pay attention to their pet’s flea and tick care during the summer months.

The first frost was once an indication that winter had officially set in, and many assumed flea and tick season was officially over.

But as climate change increases and warm-weather spells are more frequent during winter months, fleas and ticks are no longer completely dying off once winter sets in.

Since these parasites are here year-round, you must stick to flea and tick prevention every single month.

One missed dose of prevention opens the door for fleas and ticks to latch onto your pet, no matter the season.

Mistake #3: "It's OK to mix flea and tick products throughout the year."

Flea and tick prevention works best and most effectively when given consistently. Finding a flea and tick preventative that is effective and safe for your pet is the main goal.

Experimenting with products during the same calendar year may disrupt the frequency of giving your pet their timely dose.  

While it might be tempting to buy what's on sale now, sticking to the same flea and tick product for your pet is the best way to ensure it works effectively—so long as your pet tolerates it.  

If you notice your pet no longer takes their flea and tick chew as easily as they once did, or they are suddenly showing side effects from the product, contact your veterinarian.

There are plenty of options available on the market, including Bravecto®, Simparica®, and NexGard® to name a few. Your vet will be able to recommend a flea and tick option based on your pet’s age and health.

Mistake #4: "I can give my cat the same flea and tick product as my dog."

Never give your cat a flea and tick product formulated for a dog. Preventatives formulated for dogs can be extremely toxic to cats.

You should also never give your dog flea and tick medication formulated for a cat.

Flea and tick preventatives are based on weight, age, and other criteria that are specific to an individual pet. Your dog and cat are prescribed a flea and tick formulation based on these factors.

If you accidentally administered a flea and tick product to the wrong species, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Mistake #5: "I can eyeball the dosage."

You may take a guess on how much to give your pet, but it’s important to remember that these dosages are broken down based on the size and weight of the pet. This is why it’s important to work with your vet to determine the best flea and tick option based on your own pet.

Overdosing or underdosing flea and tick treatment can lead to health complications and side effects. Additionally, this can also lead to reduced effectiveness of the flea and tick product.

Remember to carefully follow all instructions on the product package, and work with your veterinarian if you have any questions regarding dosing.

Particularly if you have a puppy or kitten, it is important to check the weight of your pet more often as they grow, to ensure the right dosage is prescribed for them.

Mistake #6: "My indoor pet doesn't need flea and tick prevention."

No pet is safe from fleas and ticks. Indoor cats are a prime target for these parasites, just as easily as dogs. Remember, fleas and ticks can hitch rides on our clothes, lurk in our yards, or get inside through another pet’s transportation.

Ensuring all pets in your home are on year-round prevention is the best way to keep these parasites at bay.

Mistake #7: "Vaccines are all I need to keep my pet healthy."

Ticks carry various infections that can cause severe health issues in pets. Lyme disease is one of those tick-borne illnesses that can cause damage to a pup’s immune system. While a Lyme disease vaccine is available and recommended for dogs, the vaccine doesn’t completely protect them from ticks.

Additionally, there are other types of ticks and diseases that have no vaccine (anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and ehrlichia). Routine flea and tick prevention keeps all ticks away and prevents you from having to deal with an unexpected health crisis for your pet.

If you suspect your pet may have a tick-borne illness, or if you find and remove a tick from your pet, save the tick in a plastic bag and contact your veterinarian immediately. Identifying the tick can help determine if any steps need to be taken right away to ensure the health of your pet.

Keeping Your Pet Safe from Fleas and Ticks Starts with Prevention

There are several options when it comes to selecting the right flea and tick prevention for your dog or cat. Your veterinarian is the best partner in helping you determine which one makes sense for your pet.

Remember, flea and tick prevention is only effective if given on time and consistently throughout the year—with no gaps in administration of the product.

The key to a happy pet starts with preventative care. With these helpful tips in mind, you’ll be setting your pet up for a healthy (and parasite-free) year.