As every responsible dog owner knows, protecting our beloved huskies from the persistent menace of fleas and ticks is of paramount importance. These tiny yet formidable pests can cause many health issues for our canine companions, ranging from skin irritations to severe infections and diseases.
Below we will explore the world of flea and tick preventatives, medications, and the best flea and tick treatment for huskies, ensuring their well-being and providing you with peace of mind. Moreover, we’ll also explore effective strategies for treating your home and creating a formidable defense against these relentless invaders.
Best Flea and Tick Medicine for Huskies
👉 NexGard: Fast-Acting Chewable Preventative
NexGard is a fast-acting chewable preventative and medication that provides protection and helps to kill fleas and ticks for a full month. A prescription from a veterinarian is required to purchase this item, but Chewy will coordinate with your veterinarian’s office to ensure that the prescription is on file, so it really isn’t too much of a hassle.
FDA-Approved Protection and Effectiveness
This product is also FDA-approved to help prevent Lyme infections as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks. Additionally, NexGard is highly effective. In a well-controlled laboratory study, NexGard® began to kill fleas four hours after initial administration and demonstrated >99% effectiveness at eight hours.
Safe for Puppies and Proper Dosage
It is also safe for puppies eight weeks and older and above 4 pounds. You’ll want to make your purchase based on the weight of your dog for proper dosage.
How NexGard Works
NexGard contains afoxolaner, which is absorbed into the bloodstream after ingestion. When fleas and ticks ingest blood containing afoxolaner, they quickly die. It should be noted that it should be used with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.
Pros:
99% effective after only eight hours
Chewable
Safe for puppies eight weeks and older
Cons:
Some dogs may not like the flavor
👉 Simparica: Chewable Flea and Tick Preventative
Simparica is another option for chewable flea and tick preventative for dogs. It is given once a month and provides continuous protection against fleas and ticks from day 1 to day 35. Because it is an oral medication or treatment, it does require a prescription from your veterinarian. It can be given to dogs six months of age and older. Like NexGard, it should be noted that Simparica should be used with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.
Pros:
Highly effective
Chewable
35 days of protection
Cons:
Some dogs might not like the flavor
It can’t be used on puppies younger than six months
👉 Bravecto: Long-Lasting Chewable Treatment
Bravecto is another great chewable treatment option for dogs, but it does require a prescription from your veterinarian. I personally use and like Bravecto for my dogs because it only needs to be administered once every three months since it provides up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks.
Effective and Fast-Acting
Additionally, it is able to terminate Lone Star ticks for up to 8 weeks. And it starts killing fleas within the first two hours and will kill all of them within 24 hours. Bravecto kills ticks faster, too, killing 100% of attached ticks in 12 hours – whereas other treatments can take over 48 hours. It is approved for dogs six months and older. Additionally, Bravecto should be given with food, so it is best to administer it at mealtime.
Pros:
Only needs to be administered once every three months
Starts killing fleas within two hours and ticks within 12 hours
Cons:
Pricey
Not for puppies under the age of 6 months
Best Flea and Tick Treatment for Huskies
👉 Frontline Plus: Fast-Acting Topical Treatment
Frontline Plus is a topical treatment that does not require a prescription. It is fast-acting, long-lasting, and works to kill adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, chewing lice, and ticks. It contains two active ingredients to help disrupt the flea life cycle and prevent new infestations.
How to Apply Frontline Plus
To apply this treatment, part your pet’s hair between the shoulder blades until you can see the skin, and place the tip of the applicator on the skin. Then squeeze the applicator to apply the entire tube in a single spot on the skin monthly.
Precautions after Application
Be sure to wait at least 24 hours after application before bathing your dog or letting your dog go swimming. You’ll also need to keep other dogs and cats separated from each other for 24 hours after application to prevent ingestion. This is especially important to do if your pets like to groom each other since they could ingest the medicine during their grooming of each other.
Pros:
Safe for puppies eight weeks of age and older
Offers 30-day protection
Cons:
You’ll need to keep pets separated for 24 hours
You’ll need to keep your dog dry for 24 hours
It can leave a bit of a greasy spot where it is applied
Best Flea Shampoo for Huskies
👉 PetArmor Flea and Tick Shampoo
Another great option for treating fleas on dogs is bathing them with a flea and tick shampoo. I like this one from PetArmor because it includes the soothing properties of oatmeal. It is formulated to quickly kill fleas and begin eliminating ticks after 1 or 2 days. This one is safe for dogs and puppies over 12 weeks old. This is my recommendation as the best flea shampoo for huskies.
Further reading:
Best Flea and Tick Prevention for Huskies
The Best Flea Collar For Huskies 👉 Seresto Flea Collar
Another great option for preventing fleas and ticks is through the use of a flea and tick collar. This one by Seresto is a long-lasting collar that kills and repels fleas for eight months. It starts working quickly to kill and repel fleas on contact, so pests don’t have to bite your dog to die. I also like that these are non-greasy. Check periodically and adjust the fit of the collar if necessary, especially when puppies are rapidly growing.
Proper Fit and Application
To get started, fit the collar around your pet’s neck, allowing for two fingers to fit between the collar and your pet’s neck to ensure a comfortable yet snug fit. Once the collar is properly fitted, cut off any excess collar measuring 1″ or longer.
Water-Resistant and Long-Lasting
It is unnecessary to remove the collar before immersing your pet in water. Seresto remains effective following a shampoo treatment, swimming, or exposure to rain or sunlight. In order to maintain an eight-month duration, pets must not be bathed more than once a month. So, if your dog is a frequent swimmer or needs baths frequently, this may not be the best option as the flea and tick control duration decreases significantly.
Further reading: Best collar for a husky
Pros:
Kills and repels fleas and ticks for up to 8 months
Non-greasy
Easy to fit the collar to your dog’s neck
Cons:
It is water resistant, but too much swimming or bathing can reduce how effective it is
How to Give Your Husky a Flea Bath
Bathing your husky is an essential part of husky grooming.
To give your husky a flea bath, follow these steps:
Step 1: Thoroughly Wet Your Dog
Start by getting your dog thoroughly wet.
Step 2: Apply Shampoo
Start at the back of the neck and work the shampoo in a lather and scrub it thoroughly into the dog’s wet coat all the way down to the skin. I like to do their head last because some shampoos are quite potent, and I don’t want those strong chemicals around my dog’s mouth, nose, and eyes for too long. Once the body is fully scrubbed, then scrub the head and then let the lather stand for five minutes or according to the packaging. And then be sure to rinse well!
Step 3: Use a Flea Comb
Additionally, during the bath and afterward, you may need to use a flea comb to remove fleas. A flea comb is made with close-set pins that help to remove fleas, flea eggs, and debris from a pet’s coat. You’ll be able to comb the flea dirt and fleas out of your dog’s coat with a flea comb.
Step 4: Repeat as Necessary
A single use of this shampoo kills adult fleas and ticks for up to 10 days. It also helps provide relief from itching. Be sure to wait at least a week before doing another treatment or preventative, as it is not recommended to use more than one treatment or medication at a time.
Blow drying your husky can help too. So make sure you have the best dog blower for huskies.
How to Remove Ticks From Your Husky
When it comes to ticks, you’ll want to be sure to remove them as soon as you see them. The longer they are on your dog’s body, the more likely it is that they can transfer diseases. I personally like to use tweezers to remove ticks, but you can also use specially designed tick removers that work great too. This tick remover by TickEase has a dual-tipped design that is made for animals on the slotted end and for people on the thin, pointed end. It also complies with CDC tick removal guidelines and includes a bonus magnifier and tick testing instructions.
Using Tweezers for Tick Removal
To use tweezers, just grab the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible. Pull it out slowly in a straight, steady motion. Don’t jerk or yank since anything left behind could lead to an infection. You’ll want to check the area to make sure there are no fragments left behind, and then clean your dog’s wound with an antiseptic and clean your tweezers with isopropyl alcohol.
Regularly Check for Ticks
It is always best to regularly check your dog for ticks, especially after playing in grassy areas or hiking in the woods. This is especially important since symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses may not show up until weeks or months after a bite, and they are often vague, making them difficult and time-consuming to diagnose.
Symptoms of tick-borne illness can include:
- Lethargy
- Joint pain or swollen joints
- Skin rash
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite or thirst
- Inflammation at or near a bite mark
- Neurological problems
Treating Sources of Fleas and Ticks
It is important to remember that because fleas tend to rise to the top of a dog’s coat as they die, you might start seeing more fleas after treating your pet. If you are still seeing fleas in the days after administering their medication, it is likely because your dog is picking them up from an infestation in their environment, like other pets, surfaces, or outdoor areas. To ensure you completely eradicate fleas, you’ll need to treat surfaces of your home like carpet, rugs, curtains, and your yard.
Treating Your Yard
👉 Black Flag Flea and Tick Killer Concentrate
As far as yard treatments go, I’ve had good luck with this yard treatment by Black Flag. It kills both fleas and ticks and even mosquitos! One bottle treats up to 5,000 square feet. It works continuously by breaking up the flea life cycle for up to twelve weeks. All you have to do is connect the bottle to your garden hose and activate the spray by flipping a switch and spray your yard.
Treating Your Home
In addition to treating your yard, you may need to treat the inside of your home in case your pet brought its flea and tick friends inside. Fleas bite your pet and your family because they thrive on blood, and your home is a great place for them to hide and breed.
👉 Adams Flea & Tick Home Spray
This spray by Adams can be used directly on bugs and in their hiding places, such as carpets, rugs, upholstery, mattresses, curtains, and pet bedding. One bottle of this spray will treat up to 350 square feet. With a product like this, it is best to keep the fans running, windows open, and people and pets away from the area being treated for at least an hour because it is very strong.
👉 Adams Flea & Tick Indoor Fogger
Another option for indoor flea and tick treatments are foggers. This fogger by Adams works great and covers up to 3,000 cubic feet. In order to use it, you’ll need to make plans for you and your pets to leave your home for a minimum of two hours, as it is very dangerous to inhale the product. Simply set the product on a chair or stool covered with some paper towels, activate it, and immediately leave.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Our Canine Companions
Safeguarding our canine companions from fleas and ticks is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership. By understanding the various preventative measures, medications, and treatments available, we can take proactive steps to shield our furry friends from the discomfort and health risks posed by these persistent pests.
Moreover, taking care of our homes and diligently maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is equally crucial in the battle against fleas and ticks. With the knowledge and tools provided in this comprehensive guide, you can confidently embark on a journey to keep your dog safe, happy, and free from these troublesome intruders.
What flea treatments have you tried for your husky?
Share your experiences in the comments below.
Further reading:
- Husky Shedding: Ultimate Guide
- Husky Skin Problems
- Best Dog Food for Shedding Huskies
- Why does my husky have dry skin?
- Why does my husky bite his paws?
- Why does my husky eat his fur?
- Why do huskies lick so much?
FAQ
What are the best flea and tick treatments for huskies?
The best flea and tick treatments for huskies include flea medicines like Nexgard, Simparica, and Bravecto chews. You also have great topical treatment options like that from Frontline Plus. The best flea shampoo is from Petarmor and the best flea collar is from Serest.
How does flea treatment for dogs work?
Flea treatment for dogs works by killing adult fleas and preventing flea eggs and larvae from developing into adults.
Can I use natural flea treatments for my husky?
Yes, there are natural flea treatments available for huskies. These treatments often use essential oils or other natural ingredients to repel fleas.
What is the best collar for flea and tick control?
The best collar for flea and tick control is the Seresto flea and tick collar. It provides long-lasting protection and is waterproof.
Can I give my husky oral flea treatment?
Yes, you can give your husky oral flea treatment. There are oral medications available that kill fleas and provide long-lasting protection. Some of the best brands include Nexgard, Simparica, and Bravecto.
Are flea collars effective for huskies?
Flea collars can be effective for huskies, especially if they contain active ingredients that kill and repel fleas. The Seresto flea and tick collar is a popular choice for husky owners.
What are the best flea control products for huskies?
The best flea control products for huskies include topical treatments, oral medications, and flea collars. It is recommended to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your husky.
Can I use flea and tick shampoo on my husky?
Yes, you can use flea and tick shampoo on your husky. Look for shampoos that are specifically designed for dogs and follow the instructions for proper use.
Is Frontline Plus safe for huskies?
Frontline Plus is generally safe for huskies when used as directed. However, it is always recommended to consult with your veterinarian before using any flea and tick treatment on your husky.
What is the best topical flea treatment for huskies?
The best topical flea treatment for huskies is Frontline Plus. It provides month-long protection against fleas and ticks.
