In Idaho, flea issues tend to not be a predominant problem so most of our efforts are aimed at controlling ticks. We have three tick species in Idaho—Deer Tick, Brown Dog Tick, and American Dog Tick. All three have the potential to carry blood-borne diseases, but we do not have a prevalence of those diseases in Idaho yet.

To understand what the current incidence of tick-borne disease in Idaho is visit these websites:

• For Parasite Prevalence Maps & Guidelines: capcvet.org
  
• For general knowledge of various disease, ie Lymes disease visit; veterinarypartner.vin.com
  
• To send in a tick for disease analysis = www.ticknology.org

TOPICAL FLEA & TICK OPTIONS FOR PETS

Vectra 3D

This is a topical product to be applied to the skin once per month during flea, tick and mosquito season. The chemical compounds in Vectra 3D are Dinotefuran, Pyriproxyfen and Permethrin. None of these sound good but they are all at low levels and in combination are the most effective at killing and repelling fleas, ticks, mosquitos, lice, sand flies and mites. This product is also one of the only products that is labeled to kill all three types of ticks we have in Idaho. Many of the products listed to treat fleas and ticks only kill certain species of ticks and not necessarily the species we have in Idaho.

Pros

• Does not get absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Repels mosquitos.
• Remains effective after average bathing and swimming.

Cons

• Not guaranteed to cover the animal completely (depends on haircoat, application process, and condition of the skin).
• It’s a topical product, so touching the dog soon after application may result in chemicals on human skin at very low levels.
• There may be occasional an allergic skin reaction (we suggest applying a very small amount and then wait a couple of hours to observe for skin reaction, redness, swelling, itchiness).

Vectra 3D does not require a prescription and can be purchased through our Marketplace vendor, VetSource:

HERBAL PRODUCTS

There are many, many herbal products on the market at this time. They all contain a variety of combinations, usually including peppermint, geraniol, eugenol, clove, cedar, thyme, rosemary, lemongrass, citronella, patchouli, neem, pennyroyal, catnip, or sage, among others. Some of the herbals have some scientific justification, some of them just smell so strong they will repel anything! Some of them claim to kill the fleas and ticks, however, most of them are repellent only. You will just have to see how it works for your dog. All dogs are different. Some are avid swimmers, some are hunters, some are house dogs, some have long hair coats, some have short hair coats, etc. These are some of the factors that will determine which products you chose and how effective they are for your dog.

The products I choose to carry in the clinic and recommend to the general public have ingredients with some scientific basis, do not smell grossly offensive to us human companions, and the companies that make the products are honorable.

• Herbal Flea and Tick Collar: Variable duration of action, depending on brand but can last up to 4 months.
  
• Herbal Topical Spray: Use as needed before exposure.
  
• Herbal Spot On: Once per month application of herbal liquid applied to skin along the neck and spine, traverses the skin on its own and protects against fleas, ticks, mosquitos, etc. Depends on the brand.
  
• Herbal Wipes: Use as needed before exposure, wipe onto fur before going for a hike. Focus on the head and neck for ticks. Usually a good idea to apply to your own pant legs too.
  
• Tick Killing Spray: Spray directly onto the tick for quick killing effect and easy removal.
  
• Mosquito Repellent: Spray on as needed.
  
• Flea & Tick powders: Rub into haircoat down to the level of the skin. Dr Hunter’s favorite product is “Parasite Dust” by Buck Mountain botanicals.

SHOP DR. HUNTER’S FAVORITE HERBAL PRODUCTS HERE!

The following company offers flea and tick products that I endorse. Feel free to explore the site for your preference:

Explore Wondercide.com using our affiliate link!

ORAL FLEA & TICK OPTIONS FOR PETS

“Brewer’s Yeast & Garlic”

This is a safe and effective natural bug repellent. It repels fleas and ticks by conferring an undesirable odor to your dog’s skin, but the odor is not strong enough for us to smell :). It does not kill fleas or ticks, but it is a good, safe repellent. Usually available in powder or tablets. (Onions are not safe to feed dogs, but garlic is.)

Brewers Yeast & Garlic is available for purchase at Springtimeinc.com.

“Capstar” Once Daily Tablet

Capstar is a flea control product only, and does not affect ticks or any other insects. The drug name is Nitenpyram and it is very, very safe. This drug has been on the market for many years with no adverse reactions reported, and it can be safely used in very young animals. The drug begins to kill fleas within 30 mins, >90% efficacy! You will be amazed!

Capstar does not require a prescription and is available at capstarpet.com.

“Bravecto” Once Per Month Pill

Bravecto is a chemical (fluralaner) designed to circulate in the bloodstream and kill any blood sucking insects. It is labeled for the control of fleas, ticks, and some mites. It is not effective for mosquitos as it does not kill or repel them. Although it is not natural (it is a drug), it seems to be rather safe if using the one month pill. (Please note that I do not recommend the once every 3 month pill; the drug dosage is exponentially higher in the 3 month pill, thus risking more potential side effects.) In addition, do not use in dogs with seizure disorders. *This medication requires a veterinary prescription.

Pros

• Not a topical, so no residue on the skin for humans to come in contact with.
• Since it is circulating in the bloodstream, it confers full coverage from tip of the nose to tip of the tail.
• Will not wash off with swimming or bathing.
• This product has been tested and is safe for use in dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation.

Cons

• This is a chemical floating around in the bloodstream, the chemical is a foreign substance to the body so the reactions to it are not totally predictable . If your dog has an adverse reaction you cannot just wash it off.
• The insect has to bite and obtain a blood meal in order to die. So your dog can have 50 ticks crawling around on him/her and they will not die until they feed. This product has zero repellent properties.

What Does Dr. Hunter Use?

For her own dogs—a Border Collie and a Lab Mix—Dr. Hunter uses the following:

“The Border Collie has a long hair coat and I often only find the ticks after they have become engorged, I cannot rely on the herbals to prevent bringing the ticks home and into our yard. I also use Herbal Wipes before a hike just for added repellent properties. For the Lab mix, he has a short solid black coat and I can see the ticks before they engorge and can just pull them off. For him, I just use Herbal Wipes before a hike as a repellent. Sometimes, I only use the I Brewers Yeast and Garlic tabs by Springtime, it depends on our activities.”

I really do hope this answers most of your concerns for flea and tick prevention in the Treasure Valley. It truly is a pet owner’s preference on what works best for your pet. Have a happy summer!

– Dr. Hunter