Frequently Asked Questions – Tick & Flea Treatment for Dogs
Oral tablet or spot-on - which one actually works better for ticks and fleas in India?
Honestly, both work. The difference is in how they work. Oral tablets like Fluralaner chewables get into your dogs bloodstream. When a tick or flea bites, it dies within a few hours. So the protection is from inside out. Spot-on solutions are applied on the skin and they work differently - they kill insects on contact and also keep some of them from biting in the first place, which is useful if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. Most dog owners prefer the chewable tablet because it is simple. No mess, no greasy coat, no waiting 48 hours before bathing, and one tablet covers 12 weeks. That is 3 months of protection in one go. Spot-ons make more sense if your dog is very small, under 2 kg, or if your vet specifically recommends a topical treatment for some reason. When confused, just ask your vet. They will pick what suits your dogs weight, age, and lifestyle.
How often do I need to give my dog a tick and flea tablet?
Depends on which tablet you are using. Most Fluralaner-based chewables like FurTICK, Nulura, Lanerwin, and Furaline protect for 12 weeks. So one tablet every 3 months is enough. Some other Isoxazoline-based variants work on a monthly schedule. Always read the pack before giving. The dose is based on your dogs weight, so make sure you pick the right variant. There are options for dogs under 4.5 kg, 4.5 to 10 kg, 10 to 20 kg, 20 to 40 kg, and above 40 kg. Missed a dose by a few days? Do not panic or give a double dose. Just give the tablet and restart the schedule from that point. Not sure? WhatsApp us and we will sort it out.
Is Fluralaner safe for puppies?
Yes, for puppies above 8 weeks and at least 2 kg in weight, it is generally considered safe. Products like Furaline 112.5 mg are made specifically for small dogs and pups in that weight range. That said, we always say - check with your vet before giving any antiparasitic medicine to a very young pup, especially if they are still being weaned or have any health issues. For puppies younger than 8 weeks, stick to topical options labeled safe for newborns, and only after your vet recommends it. Better to be careful with small pups. No harm in asking once before you give anything.
What is the difference between Fipronil spot-on and Fluralaner chewable tablets?
Fipronil is the active ingredient in most spot-on products like Fiprofort spray and VI-FI Forte. You apply it directly on the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It kills ticks and fleas on contact as they move through the coat. It also has a mild repellent effect, so some insects do not even try to bite. Fluralaner is taken by mouth. It goes into the bloodstream and ticks or fleas die after biting your dog. It does not repel them but kills them fast. And one dose lasts up to 12 weeks. In simple terms if your dog is outdoors a lot and you want ticks to stay away before they bite, spot-on makes sense. If your dog already has ticks or you want easy 3-month coverage without any topical application, go with the oral tablet.
Can I use tick and flea treatment if my dog is pregnant or nursing?
Some products are safe during pregnancy and some are not. Fipronil spot-ons are generally considered fine to use on pregnant and nursing dogs. Fluralaner-based oral tablets do not have enough published safety data for pregnant dogs, so most vets prefer to skip them unless absolutely needed. If your dog is pregnant or nursing pups, please check with your vet before using any tick treatment. Just because something is safe for a healthy adult dog does not mean it is safe during pregnancy. This is one situation where one quick call to your vet is far better than guessing. You can also WhatsApp us at 91 9907342444 and we will guide you before you order.
How do I remove a tick from my dog at home?
First, do not squeeze it, twist it, or try to burn it off. That is the wrong approach and it makes things worse. When a tick is disturbed this way, it releases fluids into your dogs skin and increases the risk of infection. The right way is to use fine-tipped tweezers or a proper tick removal tool. Hold it as close to the skin as possible, then pull straight up with slow, steady pressure. No jerking. Once it is out, drop it into alcohol to kill it and clean the bite area with Betadine or any antiseptic. Keep an eye on the spot for the next few days. If you see swelling or redness, or if your dog seems unusually tired and stops eating, take them to a vet. Tick-borne diseases like Ehrlichiosis can show up anywhere between 7 and 21 days after a bite. After this, please start your dog on a regular tick prevention routine so you are not going through this every monsoon.
Which tick treatment works best during the monsoon season in India?
Monsoon is peak tick season in India, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the Northeast. The humidity and rainwater create perfect conditions for ticks to breed and multiply. What works best during monsoon is a two-layer approach. Give an oral chewable tablet like FurTICK or Furaline every 12 weeks for full systemic protection. In between doses, use a Fipronil-based spray like Fiprofort or Extick spray on your dog before walks or after coming back from outdoor areas. Also make it a habit to check your dogs ears, neck, between the toes, and underarms after every outdoor outing during June to September. Regular grooming during these months is not optional. It is necessary.
Can the same tick and flea products be used on both cats and dogs?
No. And this is something every pet owner with both a dog and a cat at home must know. Many products that are completely safe for dogs can be dangerous or even fatal for cats. Permethrin, a very common ingredient in dog spot-ons and sprays, is toxic to cats. Even a small exposure to a Permethrin-based dog product can cause serious neurological reactions in a cat. Always use products that are specifically made for cats when treating a cat. We stock cat-safe options like Selaforte spot-on, VI-FI Forte for cats, Assurity Plus spot-on, and Kitty EC. None of these contain Permethrin. If you have both a dog and a cat at home, keep them separated for at least 24 hours after applying any dog spot-on, until the product has fully dried and absorbed.