Prevention (pets): topical spot-on tick preventives

01

Topical spot-on preventives are liquid acaricides applied to a small patch of skin between the shoulder blades, where the pet cannot lick it off. The active ingredient spreads through the skin's natural oils across the body surface.

02

Most products kill or repel ticks for about a month per application.

03

Apply to skin, not fur, after parting the coat.

04

Do not bathe the pet for 24-48 hours after application (check the label).

05

Cats are extremely sensitive to permethrin and several other acaricides - never apply a dog product to a cat. Always confirm species labelling.

06

Talk to your vet before choosing a product, especially if you have multiple pets, young animals, or pets with skin conditions.

07

Mechanism of action determines which ticks are killed before biting versus killed after biting; ask your vet for a product appropriate to the tick species in your area.