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What's the Difference Between Oral and Topical Flea and Tick Preventives?

What's the Difference Between Oral and Topical Flea and Tick Preventives?

Updated On February 18th, 2019

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Reviewed By Paula Fitzsimmons

Most pet parents are familiar with [topical flea and tick preventives](https://www.petcoach.co/article/flea-control-and-prevention/). Squeeze the solution from the little tube, apply it on your pet’s skin and she’s protected from the pesky parasites for about a month.

[Oral flea and tick prevention](https://www.petcoach.co/article/breaking-down-what-you-need-to-know-about-flea-treatments/), in the form of pills and chewables, is another option. So which is better for your pet—topical or oral?

**Oral vs. Topical Flea Medications: Key Differences**

When you apply a topical preventive to your pet’s skin each month, a solution containing a pesticide is absorbed through the skin and then delivered throughout the bloodstream.

Some topicals are able to kill fleas at the egg and larval stage, while others can only target adults. Topical preventives also repel fleas and ticks, meaning your pet doesn’t have to be bitten in order for the treatment to work.

Similar to topicals, oral tick and flea prevention products are usually given every 30 days, but some can be given every three months. The flea or tick must bite the animal in order to ingest the active ingredients. Most oral medications cover only adult fleas.

While many topical preventives are available over the counter, oral flea and tick medications are usually prescribed by your veterinarian.

**Which is More Effective at Flea and Tick Prevention?**

Both topical and oral preventatives can be equally effective, provided the product is veterinary- approved and is administered properly, says [Dr. Zenithson Ng](https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/FacultyStaff/SitePages/CVMProfile.aspx?NetID=zng), a clinical assistant professor at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. “Ensuring all animals in the household are treated will help in efficacy,” adds Ng.

Whether topical or oral, it’s important to [closely follow the instructions](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-reasons-your-flea-prevention-isnt-working/).

“The key is to use the products consistently—not just when fleas are observed—and correctly, making sure the entire dose is consumed at regular intervals or applied properly at regular intervals,” says [Dr. Mitchell Song](https://vetmedaz.com/the-vetmed-team/dermatology/), a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with VetMed in Phoenix. “Many of the failures in flea control have nothing to do with the products, but in how they are used.”

Even when used correctly, you may still notice flea bites on your cat or dog. “Many require the flea or tick to bite first, which is a reason an owner may still see a live flea or tick on their pet even if they received the preventative appropriately,” says Ng.

**When Oral Flea Preventives Are Recommended**

Some pet parents are uncomfortable with being exposed to the pesticides in topical medications. “The preventatives sold through veterinary clinics are generally safe, but many people want to avoid touching them if they can,” says [Dr. Susan Jeffrey](http://www.trueanimalcare.com/doctors-staff.php), a veterinarian at Truesdell Animal Care Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

If you have a thick-furred dog, it can be challenging to apply a topical directly to the skin, so an oral medication may be more effective.

Dogs who enjoy swimming may benefit from oral medications, as topicals have water restrictions. “Depending on the topical medication, it is recommended to avoid bathing and swimming anywhere from 24 to 72 hours after application of the product,” says Jeffrey.

Oral solutions are also a good option for treating fleas on dogs when cats are present in the home. Some topical preventatives used for dogs are toxic to cats if ingested, so an oral medication can eliminate the risk.

If you do use a topical on your dog and have cats in the home, keep in mind that it can take a few hours for the medication to dry. “It’s ideal to keep pets separated from other pets who may lick the application site or from people who may touch it,” says Jeffrey.

**Oral or topical, NEVER use a product formulated for dogs to treat fleas on cats.** Kitty should have a treatment formulated specially for cats.

**Why Consider a Topical Flea Medication?**

Oral flea and tick preventives can cause vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset in some dogs. If your pet has [food allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-allergies-and-food-intolerance/), a sensitive stomach or is a picky eater, an oral medication may not be an option, says Ng.

Depending on the stage of flea life cycle you’re treating (eggs, larvae or adult), using a topical may be your only option, as oral solutions only target adult fleas. “If using prevention for an animal with flea allergy dermatitis or an active infection, treating all life stages is critical,” says Ng.

Every pet is unique, so work with your veterinarian to determine the best flea control method for your furry friend.

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