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How Should I Transition from One Flea and Tick Medication to Another?

How Should I Transition from One Flea and Tick Medication to Another?

Updated On March 19th, 2020

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Reviewed By Dr. JoAnna Pendergrass

[Flea and tick prevention](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-do-i-pick-the-right-flea-and-tick-product-for-my-pet/) is a key component of responsible pet ownership. Numerous flea and tick medications are available. Although these medications vary in what active ingredient they contain and how they work, the overarching goal is to protect pets from the itchiness, irritation, and [illness](https://www.petcoach.co/article/8-serious-diseases-your-dog-can-get-from-fleas-and-ticks-and-how-/) that fleas and ticks infamously cause.

Usually, just one monthly dose of preventive, given by mouth or applied directly to the skin, is all that’s needed to keep pets adequately protected from the little pests.

However, at some point in your pet’s life, you might want to transition from one flea and tick medication to another.

Reasons to Switch Flea and Tick Medication

There are several reasons why a pet parent may consider making the switch. The first reason is that the medication might no longer be working. If a pet becomes miserably itchy or you see evidence of [fleas in your home](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-ways-to-rid-your-house-and-yard-of-fleas/), the product may no longer be effective. Another sign of ineffectiveness is the sight of ticks setting up shop in your pet’s fur.

Flea treatment works in two ways: killing fleas or breaking the [flea life cycle](https://www.petcoach.co/article/fleas-life-cycle-anatomy-disease-transmission/). Prolonged or improper use of a flea medication can make fleas resistant to that medication’s active ingredient. For example, if you’ve been using a medication to break the flea’s life cycle and it becomes ineffective, adult female fleas will continue laying eggs. These flea eggs will develop into flea larvae and eventually adults, keeping the life cycle going.

A second reason to switch is that a pet is having negative side effects to the medication, such as vomiting or an allergic reaction.

Third, the medication’s formulation might be a problem. For example, a pet may keep spitting out an oral medication or licking off the topical medication.

Making the Transition

So, how do you make the transition from one medication to another? First, talk with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you determine why the medication is no longer effective, recommend a different product to try, and instruct you on how to properly use it.

If the current medication is no longer effective, your veterinarian will recommend another medication that has a different active ingredient. This will reduce the chances of the pesky parasites being resistant to the new active ingredient.

Although flea and tick medications are available in pet stores and online, it is best to purchase them directly from your veterinarian. Doing so will ensure that the medication has been rigorously tested to be safe and effective.

After starting the new medication, monitor your pet closely for negative side effects. If your pet isn’t tolerating the new product, notify your veterinarian.

Be aware that it might take some time for the new medication to begin working, so do not expect immediate results.

While transitioning to a new flea and tick medication, be sure to continue practicing other prevention strategies. Vacuum your home regularly, focusing on areas where flea eggs and larvae like to hide (e.g., pet’s bedding, couch cushions, baseboards). If you take your dog for walks in wooded areas, perform a thorough “tick check” before coming inside. If you see a tick, carefully remove it with tweezers and put it in rubbing alcohol to kill it.

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