🏥 Health
Moderate (lethal if disease transmitted)
Fleas and ticks: complete prevention and treatment
An infected tick can kill in 15 days. This guide covers products that actually work, which to avoid, and the environmental elimination protocol.
🚦 Urgency triage: yellow vs red flag
🟡 Yellow flag — monitor / vet in 24-72h
- 1-2 fleas seen / mild itch
🔴 Red flag — emergency NOW
- apathetic dog + pale gums / tick attached >48h
Products that work (proven)
| Product | Duration | Fleas | Ticks | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bravecto (chewable) | 3 months | Yes | Yes | R$ 200-350 |
| NexGard | 1 month | Yes | Yes | R$ 90-140 |
| Simparica | 1 month | Yes | Yes | R$ 90-140 |
| Frontline Combo (spot-on) | 1 month | Yes | Yes | R$ 70-120 |
| Seresto collar | 8 months | Yes | Yes | R$ 250-350 |
What does NOT work (waste of money)
- Cheap market collars (no effective active)
- Anti-flea shampoo (kills live ones, no prevention)
- Essential oils (myth, some toxic)
- Ultrasonic apps (proven ineffective)
- Garlic in food (toxic to dogs)
Diseases transmitted — no joke
- Ehrlichiosis (tick): fever, bleeding, kills untreated
- Babesiosis (tick): destroys RBCs, severe anemia
- Lyme disease/borreliosis (tick): chronic joint pain
- FAD - Flea allergy dermatitis: intense itch, wounds
- Anemia from infestation (heavily infested puppy can die)
Frequently Asked Questions
My dog lives indoors, need flea prevention?
Yes. Fleas enter via owner's shoes, indoor cats get from humans. Ticks can be brought by visitors.
Is Bravecto safe?
Yes, ANVISA and FDA approved. Adverse reaction in <0.5% of dogs. Benefit greatly outweighs risk in endemic regions.
Removed tick, need vet?
Watch 30 days. Signs of ehrlichiosis (fever, apathy, pale gums) at any point → vet ASAP for CBC.
How to remove tick correctly?
Tweezers, grab close to skin, pull straight without twisting. Do NOT use alcohol, lighter, oil — makes tick regurgitate pathogens.
Infested house, what to do?
Treat all pets. Vacuum 2× a day, disinfect rugs with insecticide, wash bedding at 60°C. Full cycle takes 30-60 days.