Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

What flea, tick, heartworm meds are best for my swimming dog?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | neutered | 72 lbs

For monthly canine OTC and prescription prevention, there are many choices for protection against: ticks, fleas, ear mites, mange, heart worm, whip worm etc. some kill adult, some kill eggs and stop infestation, and some work on a broader variety of ticks - but nothing address all the issues. So what is right for an retriever in eastern PA that spends time running in the woods and swimming in the pool and lake?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 15th, 2017

Great question! You are correct there are a lot of options out there, and there isn't a treatment that covers all of them. I will give you my opinion on the best medications for many of these things. Because Arthur spends time running in the woods, tick protection is quite important for him, so I recommend giving him NexGard. It protects against three different types of ticks as well as fleas, and because it's a chew, you don't have to worry about it washing off if he gets wet within 24 hours of giving it to him. It's safe to give along with heartworm protection, and for that I recommend giving Arthur Heartgard. It's an excellent heartworm preventative, and when I lived in the US, it's what I used on my dogs (there's no heartworm in New Zealand, so no need for me to use it now). Be sure to have him tested for heartworm first before giving him this medication. The test can be done by your vet. As for worms, I recommend Drontal. It's available by prescription only from the vet, but it kills roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You are correct in identifying that no single product addresses all risks in dogs. Prevention programs especially for heartworm and ticks are especially important. As he swims regularly, oral medications are preferable as they will not be washed off or affected by water. You should discuss options with your local vets office re seasonal risks but a monthly heartworm prevention tablet and three monthly bravecto tablet would cover both internal and external risks

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored