How does a tick tablet work for dogs? - briefly
A tick tablet for dogs works by quickly killing ticks upon contact. The active ingredient in these tablets is typically an insecticide or acaricide that disrupts the tick's nervous system, causing paralysis and death within a short period after ingestion by the tick.
How does a tick tablet work for dogs? - in detail
Tick tablets for dogs are designed to quickly and effectively kill and repel ticks, providing protection against these parasites and the diseases they can transmit. The active ingredients in these tablets work in a multi-stage process to target both adult and immature ticks.
Firstly, when a dog ingests a tick tablet, the active ingredient, typically an ectoparasiticide such as fluralaner or afoxolaner, is absorbed into the bloodstream. These compounds are lipophilic, meaning they can easily pass through the blood-brain barrier and other cell membranes in the dog's body.
Once in the bloodstream, the active ingredient begins to circulate throughout the dog's system. Ticks that feed on the treated dog ingest a lethal dose of the compound as they take in blood. For adult ticks, this typically results in death within 12-48 hours. The precise time frame can vary depending on the specific active ingredient and the tick species.
In addition to killing adult ticks, these compounds also target immature stages of ticks, such as larvae and nymphs. This is particularly important because many tick species require multiple blood meals over their lifecycle to complete development. By addressing both adult and immature ticks, the tablets provide comprehensive protection against infestations.
Moreover, some active ingredients in tick tablets have a repellent effect. This means that after treatment, ticks are less likely to attach to the dog. The combination of quick killing action and repellency helps reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.
It is essential for owners to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding dosage and frequency of administration. Typically, these tablets are given monthly, but specific schedules may vary depending on the product and local tick seasonality. Additionally, some products require the dog to have eaten prior to ingesting the tablet to ensure proper absorption.
In conclusion, tick tablets for dogs work by distributing an ectoparasiticide throughout the dog's system, which is then ingested by ticks during a blood meal. The active ingredient kills both adult and immature ticks quickly, while also providing repellency to reduce the likelihood of future infestations. By following the appropriate administration protocol, owners can effectively protect their dogs from ticks and the diseases they carry.