Which Tick Treatment Is Best - Spot on, Shampoo, Tablets, or Sprays?

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Types of Tick Treatment Available

Pros & cons of tick treatments

When it comes to protecting our pets from ticks, there's no shortage of options on the market. You can opt for spot on treatment, shampoos, sprays, tablets or collars. But let's make sure you buy the right treatment for your furball. There's lots of pros and cons for all tick treatments, hopefully by the end of this you'll have made a decision.

Types of Tick Treatment Available

Before we delve into the specifics, let's take a quick look at all the different types of tick treatments on offer:

  • Shampoo - These are specially formulated tick shampoos designed to kill and repel ticks during your pets’ bath time.

  • Tablets - Oral medications that provide protection against ticks by preventing their attachment and feeding.

  • Sprays - Tick sprays are applied directly onto the fur and skin to repel and kill ticks on contact.

  • Collars - Tick collars infused with tick-repellent chemicals that provide ongoing protection.

  • Spot on treatment - Topical medication is the most effective at keeping ticks off your pet for good! Vet approved spot-on treatment like Itch flea for dogs and Itch Flea for cats kills ticks within 48 hours. Fast acting treatment means there's less chance of infection from the tick bite. Bonus points for Itch Flea as it also prevents and protects against fleas and biting lice.

Pros & cons of tick treatments

Click for a breakdown of all the good and bad each tick treatment has to offer...

  • Tick shampoo

    + Pros: Tick shampoo is easy to use and provides immediate results. It's suitable for pets that enjoy baths and offers a visual way to ensure coverage.

    - Cons: The protection provided by tick shampoo is typically short-lived and might require frequent application. Some pets may not be a huge fan of baths too… making this treatment a little less practical for them.

  • Tick tablets

    + Pros: Tick tablets offer systemic protection, preventing ticks from attaching and feeding. They're convenient and often require less frequent administration than other methods.

    - Cons: Not all pets are great tablet takers (even when you hide it in a tasty treat)! They also may not be suitable for pets with certain health conditions. The effectiveness of tablets can vary between individuals.

  • Tick Sprays - pros & cons

    + Pros: Tick sprays provide immediate protection and can be applied directly to problem areas. They're also versatile and can usually be used alongside other treatments.

    - Cons: Sprays need to be reapplied frequently, and some pets might not enjoy the application process. Over saturation can also lead to skin irritation.

  • Tick collars - pros & cons

    + Pros: Tick collars offer continuous protection and are often water-resistant. They're convenient for pets that dislike oral medications or topical applications.

    - Cons: However, collars might cause skin irritation or discomfort for some pets. The efficacy of collars can decrease over time, and some pets may mistake it for a toy and try to chew or remove them!

  • Spot on treatment

    + Pros: Spot on treatments like Itch Flea is a vet approved that kills fleas, ticks and lice all in one! It only needs to be applied once a month and it will kill ticks within 48 hours. 

    - Cons: Spot on treatments will kill the ticks that have attached to your pet during feeding but, like other treatments, it won't make them detach from your pet. You'll still need to check your pet for ticks (both dead and alive) and remove carefully with a tick remover to make sure all parts (including those horrid jaws) are extracted.

When choosing the best tick treatment for your pet, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Each type of treatment has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Factors such as your pet's preferences, lifestyle, health status, and the severity of the tick problem should all be considered. Consulting your vet is always wise for making an informed decision.


Whether you opt for tick shampoo, tablets, sprays, collars, or Itch Flea Treatment for Cats and Itch Flea Treatment for Dogs, the goal remains the same: to protect your furry companion from the risks associated with tick infestations. By understanding the pros and cons of each method, you can make a choice that aligns with your pet's well-being and your convenience. Remember, a proactive and multifaceted approach to tick control is the key to keeping your pets happy, healthy, and tick-free!

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