Information about tick treatments for dogs and cats

Over-the-counter tick treatments

Spot-on
Spot-on treatments are solutions applied to the skin at the back of the neck and are both tick-killing and repellent, meaning you rarely see ticks on your dog or cat. They repel ticks. Most treatments last up to 4 weeks. Several options are available at pharmacies today.

Collars
Collars are worn around the neck like a regular collar and should generally be kept on at all times, though it is recommended to remove them when bathing in lakes or streams. They have tick-killing and repellent effects. Scalibor vet (not for cats) lasts 5-6 months. Seresto vet is effective for up to 8 months. Collars are recommended when protection against mosquitoes that spread diseases such as leishmaniasis is also needed.


Prescription tick treatments - issued continuously, including weekends such as Easter

Spot-on
Spot-on treatments are both tick-killing and repellent, meaning you rarely see ticks on your dog. Most last up to 4 weeks. For example, Bravecto is given every 12 weeks. Suitable for dogs from 2 kg and 8 weeks old, and cats from 1.2 kg and 9 weeks old.

Chewable tablets
Chewable tablets are given orally to dogs and have a tick-killing but not repellent effect. The tick must attach to the host to ingest the substance. These can be given to dogs from 8 weeks old and 2 kg; some from 1.3 kg. Bravecto lasts up to 12 weeks but may need more frequent dosing for protection against the brown dog tick, which is not normally found in Sweden. NexGard works for up to a month, as do Simparica and Credelio. For cats, Credelio is available from 0.5 kg and 8 weeks old as a monthly tablet.

Many of these products also work against other parasites. It is important to read the package leaflet before starting treatment on your dog or cat. Consult your pharmacy or veterinarian if you are unsure.

See www.fass.se for more information about tick treatments for dogs and cats.

See www.sva.se for information on tick-borne diseases in dogs