Two of the most common flea and tick treatments include topical spot-on treatments and oral chewable tablets. Topical treatments are applied to your dog’s coat from shoulder blades to tail. Chewable medicines provide long-lasting barriers from the inside out.

In this post, we’ll be comparing the two options to help you understand which one is a better choice for your pet!

Comparing chewable versus topical tick & flea treatments

Chewable Treatment

We recently had the opportunity to review the range of Bravecto chewable and topical treatments. The chewable tick & flea option is administered orally and contains fluralaner. It can only be used for dogs to help kill ticks, fleas, sarcoptic mites and ear mites. This medicine starts working after 4 hours of being administered. It promises to kill up to 95% of fleas within 12 hours. For flea and tick protection, chewables give you up to 12 weeks before you need to give your dog another chewie.

Unlike most tick and flea products, Bravecto’s chews are safe for pregnant, breeding, and lactating dogs. It’s also safe for pets with an MDR 1 gene mutation. They are safe for puppies too, as long as they’re older than eight weeks and weigh at least 2kg.

There’s no guesswork to be done since pet owners can choose between suitable dosages for toy, small, medium, large, and extra-large breeds. Since dogs love the taste of Bravecto chews, they’re effortless to administer and non-messy.

If your dog happens to get sick and vomits after he or she ingested the tablet, it won’t offer any protection. You also need to keep in mind that these chews don’t repel ticks and fleas. The pests die when they bite your dog. Another thing to keep in mind is the price. Bravecto Chews are not the cheapest on the market. They’re much more expensive than spot-on treatments. But they’re one of your most effective solutions.

Spot-On Treatment

Bravecto’s spot-on treatment also contains fluralaner but is applied topically. This isn’t a product that’s as specific as the chews since it comes available in variants for both dogs and cats. The spot-on treatment takes a little longer to kick in. It’ll also only start working around 8 hours after it has been applied.

Protection wise, you can rest assured that your dog or cat will be protected against fleas for up to 24 weeks if they’ve been treated with Bravecto spot-on. As far as ticks are concerned, the treatment offers roughly 16 weeks of protection.

Just like Bravecto chews, the spot-on treatment can be used for pregnant, breeding, and lactating dogs. It’s never a good idea to treat puppies with tick & flea products before the age of 8 weeks or until they weigh at least 2kg.

The downside to spot-on treatments is that they can be messy because they have to be applied topically. The solution also needs to dry for at least 30 minutes. This means you need to prevent your pet from licking the treatment area and getting wet during this time.

After you’ve applied the treatment, your pooch (or purr baby) also needs to stay away from kids and water for at least three days. Although this option is cheaper than chews, it works well to repel ticks and fleas.

Which option is best?

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which option better suits your needs and budget. If you own a cat, there are no two ways about it. Spot-on is about your only option in the Bravecto range.

Keep in mind that spot-on might not be the best idea for dogs that have sensitive coats, avid swimmers, and dogs that basically live like members of the family.

Bravecto chews are convenient than topical tick & flea treatments, but the protection doesn’t last as long as the topical spot-on treatments. Chews are mess and fuss-free, but spot-on treatments offer direct, parasite-repelling and killing action that’s also long-lasting.

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Best gadgets to track your pet

Kippy Vita Smart Tracker

Kippy Vita is a smart tracking and activity monitoring device for your pooch. It has a bunch of great features like live GPS tracking and activity recording. If your dog happens to get lost during a walk just use the app to activate the tag’s alarm which works within a 30m radius. Your app will drop a pin on the map of your dog’s last recorded location if he wandered outside of the 30m radius, guiding you in the right path.

The good old microchip

Microchips are some the easiest and cheapest ways to ensure your pet will always find its way back to you. Or the other way around. Although microchips can’t be tracked like a GPS, they act like electronic IDs for your pets. If your animal gets lost, a vet or the SPCA can scan the chip, which contains all the owner details of the pet. Unlike a collar, a microchip can’t break or fall off, so it’ll last a lifetime. You can get your pet microchipped at the SPCA or your nearest vet for roughly R300.

AlleyCat GPS Tracker

Cats love exploring, but sadly, that curiosity for exploring can also lead them to explore too far from home. With AlleyCat, you can track your pet from the comfort of your smartphone. The tracker is waterproof and has an unlimited range with an accuracy of up to 1 meter. The device’s battery life really depends on how often you check in on your cat, but it can last anywhere from 6 to 10 days on power-saving mode. Keep in mind that this gadget requires a SIM card for the GPS to stay active.

Dog Monitor App

If you’re curious about what your canine companion gets up to when you’re not home, the Dog Monitor App is ideal for helping you check in on them. To use the app, you just need two devices with cameras, and you can watch(and even speak to) them any time you wish. The app records activity logs and also details noise levels. The cool thing about this app is that you can also use pre-recorded commands to help distance-discipline your dog.

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A roundup of the best Pet Instagram Accounts to follow

Hamilton the Hipster Cat

Hamilton is best known for his stunning moustache. But he also happens to be an adorable rescue cat that got adopted from a feral cat community back in 2012. This accounts advocates adopting over shopping and also use the platform to make donations towards shelters in need.

Norbert the Dog

Norbert is a therapy dog, author and philanthropist who was adopted in 2009. Due to his super small size, he was a special needs adoption, but after passing his test, he now visits hospitals to provide comfort and love to people that need it most. The little man even has two books of his own published. They’re titled Norbert: What Can Little Me Do? And Norbert’s Little Lessons For A BIG Life.

Jiff Pom

Jiff Pom, the Pomeranian had an impressive 9.6 million followers, making this one of the most famous pet Instagram accounts out there. Jiff was inducted into the Guinness World Records as the fastest dog runner on two paws and even made it into Katy Perry’s 2014 music video for the song Dark Horse. Although Jiff sadly passed away in 2019, this is still one of the best Pet Instagram Accounts we ever followed.

Jill the Squirrel

Jill was just a baby when Hurricane Isaac ripped through Louisiana and destroyed her tree home. Thankfully a human family took her in, and everyone now happily contributed to this rodent’s Instagram page, sharing life stories that are a little unlike the ordinary pet-owning household’s.

Grumpy Cat

Grumpy Cat has been around since before the birth of Instagram, so it’s a name most of us are familiar with. Her real name, by the way, is Tardar Sauce. Grumpy Cat took the web by storm in 2012 with her iconic looks and has since appeared in numerous TV shows and even a film. Grumpy Cat sadly passed away in 2019, but her family keeps her legacy alive by updating her Instagram account regularly.

Esther the Wonder Pig

Esther the Wonder Pig was supposedly a “micro “pig, but like so many other before, her owners were fooled and soon discovered that Esther was everything BUT micro. She grew up to be a whopping 270kg, totally outgrowing her parents’ small suburban home. Esther’s size forced the family to move to a farm where she’d have enough space to lead a happy, healthy life. The family launched the Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary in 2014, where they rescue and rehabilitate abandoned and abused farmed animals.

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A roundup of the best pet blogs

Cat blogs

The Conscious Cat

The Conscious Cat contains all the information you need to keep your cat happy and spinning. We also love the cute cat pictures.

Cat Wisdom 101

Cat Wisdom 101 is owned by a cat owner (pretty obviously) that shares a home with four feline furries. The blogger dishes out a lot of useful tips and advice for cat lovers out there.

I Have Cat

I Have Cat is a blog owned by a single NYC girl that shares her tall tales about her life filled with love for cats.

Life With Cats

So this is one of the most jam-packed pet blogs for cat lovers since it pushes out around 20 blogs a week. We’re pretty sure Life With Cats will keep you more than satisfied with cat content.

Dog blogs

HerePup

If you’re keen on reading cool stories and news about dogs, HerePup is a great blog to check out for some entertaining content.

Pawcurious

This blog comes straight from the proverbial pen of a doctor that loves offering tips and tricks on various topics when it comes to dogs. The Pawcurious advice covers anything and everything from cooking to grooming and more.

Famous Chihuahua

If you’re a Chihuahua owner and need some advice, we highly recommend Famous Chihuahua.

All Things Dog Blog

While life with dogs can sometimes be messy ad hairy, the owner of All Things Dog Blog is here to help remind pawrents that life with dogs is actually all fun and play.

Upside Down Dog

So the Upside Down Dog blog is one of the most popular pet blogs out there and has even been featured on talk shows. We recommend checking it out.

Pet Travel Blogs

Take Paws: Go Pet Friendly

Pet owners that are keen on learning more about dog travel, safety and health should swing by Take Paws to get clued up on responsible pet travel.

Bodie on the Road

Bodie on the Road goes into the details of a dog owner that’s determined to show the world just how fun and amazing travelling with a dog can be.

My GBGV Life

My GBGV Life is a blog about a world-travelling dog. If you’re planning to travel the globe with your furry friend, this might be one of the best sources of inspiration when it comes to travel tips and product recommendations.

Pet Health Blogs

Fidose of Reality

Fidose of Reality is a great blog that provides tips on the emotional and physical wellbeing of dogs. It’s also got a great FAQ section that can help you solve some common problems in dogs.

Slim Doggy

As the name implies, Slim Doggy is a blog that’s aimed at helping dog owners take control of their dogs’ weight and general wellbeing. It also provides some great tips on keeping your dogs active.

Rubicon Days

If you’ve got a pet that’s less than easy (behaviorally speaking), Rubicon Days is just the place to pick up some great tips on how to handle them.

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One of the reasons we really love Frontline flea & tick protection is because it’s basically foolproof and couldn’t be easier to use. Not sure how to use it? Here’s a quick look at the basics.

Using Frontline flea & tick protection

Before you get started

The first thing you need to know is that frontline comes available in three different pipette sizes, and depending on your dog’s breed, you’ll have to choose either a small, medium or large pipette. After you’ve picked the right pipette, you’ll need to prep your dog.

Prep the pooch and the formula

To get started, simply tap the top of the pipette to ensure all the liquid falls to the bottom of the container. You really don’t want to spray the fluid all over the place once you open it. After you’ve allowed the fluid to drain out of the pipette, break open the tip and then part your dog’s fur at the back of the neck until the skin is visible.

Apply the magic formula

All you need to do now is to squeeze the Frontline onto the exposed area of skin, all in the same place. You can gently rub it with the pipette and then just close the fur up again.

Keep in mind that you might have to apply Frontline to three spots on your dog’s body if you own a large breed. If this is the case, aim for the back of the neck, the middle of the back, and the base of the tail. This helps to ensure that the treatment works effectively and covers the entire surface of your dog’s body.

Seal the deal

It’s super important NOT to give your dog a bath for at least three days before and three days after you’ve applied Frontline. on your dog’s skin, and if your pooch has been freshly bathed, the skin would have been stripped of oils, which means the Frontline won’t be effectively absorbed.

Your dogs need to be treated against annoying little parasites on a regular basis, and if you follow the tips we’ve just mentioned, keeping your dogs tick free really is as easy as one, two, flea!

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What is MuttMix?

As an alternative to DNA testing (which can be crippling in the finance department), MuttMix is an allergy test that’s done in South Africa. The tests can help you identify 100 allergens that could be affecting your pet’s health. The best thing about this product is that you can order the kit and run the tests in the comfort of your own home! Once you receive your kit, all it takes is a quick swab inside your pet’s mouth and you’re done. You send the swab off to their labs for analysis and reporting.

MuttMix Allergy Tests are designed as cost-effective and easy-to-use pet sensitivity tests to help pet owners find out what might be affecting the health of their pets.

Find a sustainable solution to your pet’s allergies

If you’re looking for a lasting solution to pet allergies, you need to understand that even the best high-end pet shampoos, food and prescription meds will only address the symptoms of allergies, and not the root cause.

When used for prolonged periods, prescription medications and antihistamines can cause susceptibility to infections, gastrointestinal ulcers, muscular weakness, abnormal behaviour and even some types of cancer.

By performing an allergy test at home, you’ll be able to identify the root cause of your pet’s allergies. This will help you limit your pet’s exposure to risks and keep you informed on what to avoid in the future.

What happens once you submit your dog’s swab?

MuttMix doesn’t only provide you with a list of items that your pet is sensitive to, they also throw in an easy-to-use food and supplement list to avoid at all costs. The professionals from MuttMix will also indicate which environmental factors your pet needs to stay away from and others that should be approached with caution. You’ll get everything you need to help you find the right food and supplements and even household supplements that your dog can safely get into contact with.

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Africanpure Pets CBD Oil is a plant-based remedy for cats and dogs. It’s formulated to help ease stress and anxiety in your beloved pets, and can also assist with pain, inflammation and seizures. CBD oil can also help to improve the appetite. Africanpure products are made from a quality, naturally grown hemp plants to ensure their purity, safety and efficacy.

What exactly is Africanpure Pets CBD oil?

CBD oil, as you probably know by now, is cannabinoid oil derived from hemp, or better known as the cannabis plant. It’s non-psychoactive and doesn’t contain any THC, so it won’t get your pet high.

Just like humans, domestic pets also have endocannabinoid systems (ECS). These systems influence proper physiological functions and other essential systems of the body and CBD oil works symbiotically with the ECS.

Here’s why we love Africanpure Pets CBD oil

• It’s made with 99% pure CBD isolate
• The product is 100& organic and GMO-free
• It doesn’t contain any flavours, emulsifiers, preservatives or additives
• The CBD oil is made using a green (CO2) extraction method, eliminating the use of heat or solvents
• It has been tested for quality and purity

How does it work?

When CBD enters the bloodstream, it activates a specific group of receptors in the brain, which in turn influence the body functions like pain sensation, mood, memory and appetite.

Pet owners can give their pets a maximum of 9 drops of CBD oil per day as a supplement to their pet’s daily regimen. Since safety in circumstances like pregnancy and lactation hasn’t been confirmed yet, it’s not advisable to administer CBD oil to female pets that are pregnant or nursing their babies.

Although the market is literally flooded with CBD oils, we especially love the Africanpure range since it’s sourced and manufactured right here in South Africa. This means that by supporting the Africanpure brand, you’re helping with job creation and economic growth for our country. You’ll also save significantly on shipping costs and won’t have to wait weeks for your parcel to arrive at your door so you can start making a difference in the wellbeing of your pet.

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A quick guide on buying dog toys

If your dog loves chewing

• Rope toys, bone-hard chew toys and dental chews are all designed for low to medium chewers.
• If you’ve got more of an aggressive chewer, you’re better off opting for pet toys that are made of rubber because these toys are more durable. These kinds of toys were built to last and will probably also give your dog a chewing workout.
• Heavy chewers need extreme dog toys that are made to be durable and can’t be quickly chewed into bits.
• Senior pets like smooth, soft and squishy vinyl or latex toys because they’re not so rough on the teeth.

Is chase your dog’s favourite game?

If you’ve got a dog that loves chasing everything, it’s best to opt for retrieving toys that fly or bounce erratically. This will help exercise and entertain your dog without tiring them out completely. A flying disc for pets is a great idea as long as it’s made with soft plastic or cloth. Hard plastic can damage your dog’s mouth, teeth and gums, so avoid hard materials as far as possible.

So your dog likes to carry and cuddle…a lot.

Lots of dogs choose to keep their bounties to themselves once they’ve acquired it, and if you’ve got a cuddler, it’s best to invest in soft toys made with fleece or plush fabric. These soft toys also make great companions when your dog just wants to engage in some quiet snuggle time.

Perhaps he or she loves rewards?

Balls and other shapes that have hollow cores can be filled with treats and work amazingly well for dogs that love playing reward games. These toys can keep your pup occupied for ages because most dogs won’t give up until they’ve emptied out all the treats inside the toy. Moist food and soft dog treats work well inside these toys. We love interactive toys because they stimulate your dog on a mental and physical level. This really is one of the best ways to engage your dog’s paws, jaws, and mind and help them get rid of any built-up physical and mental energy.

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The best pet accommodation in KZN, Gauteng, and the Western Cape

KwaZulu Natal

Durban Dog Hotel

Durban Dog Hotel is your dog’s home away from home. They offer your fur babies luxury accommodation, sleeping on hotel sofas or beds and they’ll also take them for daily beach walks. The hotel offers behavioural modification classes as well as a doggie daycare option for pawrents that don’t need their pets to sleep over for the night.

Ralun Kennels & Cattery

Established in 1956 by Major Ralph Lundgren, the Ralun Kennels & Cattery offers fully tiled indoor sleep areas and day play zones so dogs can exercise and socialize. They also have an indoor and outdoor cattery, offer dog training classes, have their own shuttle service and boast a pet parlour on-site!

Gauteng

Walkhaven

Walkhaven Dog Park is one of Johannesburg’s best dog destinations. It offers a whopping 22ha of grassland, a pet-friendly kitchen, bar and kennels. If you’re keen on chomping down on a brekkie before dropping your dog off for a sleepover, The Box Grill offer great options at even greater prices!

Must Love Dogs Emporium

Located in Chartwell, Must Love Dogs Emporium is utter doggy heaven, especially if you own a small breed. The venue offers various suites, all designed with optimal dog comfort in mind. They also have a mouthwatering offering of meals and treats, and for added peace of mind, you get to watch your furry friends on the live webcam feed!

Paws Resort

If the name is anything to go by, Paws Resort in Midrand is the real deal. This venue is run by qualified vets who offer furry guests luxury accommodation in their cabanas. They also have an on-site spa and grooming parlour.

Western Cape

Radisson Red

Located in the Waterfront, Radisson Red is a chic city escape that specifically caters to smaller dogs. Pooches that check in here are treated to their own beds and some tasty in-room treats to round off the experience.

@Frits

We’ve ranted about the @Frits pet hotel before, and we’ll happily do it again! This sprawling inner-city establishment is the ideal retreat for pampered dogs and cats, regardless of whether they’re staying for the night or just booking in as day visitors. Facilities include the likes of all-day play sessions, a pet salon and spa, CCTV, and an indoor and outdoor play park for your furry family members.

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Pet-friendly holiday destinations you HAVE to check out

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Beach Forest Lodge

Located 400m from the Ballito beachfront is Beach Forest Lodge, a haven that offers 4 spacious self-catering units all with their own entrances, private patios and braai areas. The units are situated in a tropical garden setting, which is idyllic. While you’re there, you can take your dog along for a nice meal at the Galley Beach Bar and Grill after which you can take a leisurely stroll along the Golden Mile of Durban’s beachfront.

The Oyster Box

The Oyster Box is a 5-star hotel in Umhlanga that’s also one of the best pet-friendly holiday destinations in the area. They offer dog beds and special doggie menus to help your furry friend feel right at home. For walkies, there’s a great beach and promenade.

Lake Naverone

If you’re not heading to the KZN coast and prefer something more inland, why not consider Lake Naverone in Underberg? This natural sanctuary offers you the perfect escape from the hectic pace of everyday life. Complete with stone cottages, a lakeside and tranquil clearings shadowed by the surrounding woods, it screams rest and relaxation.

Western Cape

The Blue Corner Guesthouse

Located in Blouberg, The Blue Corner Guesthouse offers self-catering, pet –friendly accommodation for pet owners that want to have a chilled-out seaside holiday. Located just 5 minutes from the beach, the guesthouse is ideally located. If you don’t feel like a sandy adventure, you and your dog can kick back on the grass bank at Eden on the Bay with the other dogs or make your way over to Leadville Dog Park for some playtime and coffee.

Petersfield

Petersfield is a secluded pet-friendly holiday destination in Citrusdal that offers private mountain cottages, each situated 2km apart, providing you with total privacy. The institution has four cottages on offer and welcomes cats and dogs of all types. If you’re not lounging out in the unit’s plunge pool, you can choose to explore the relatively easy 4×4 track with your pooch or take a dip in the farm dam.

Cornerway House

One of the best pet-friendly holiday destinations in the Garden Route is Cornerway House, which offers pet-friendly rooms with private courtyards for your dogs or cats. If you prefer to give them more space, the large, full-walled secure garden is perfect for pets to around in. For outings, Robberg Beach makes for the perfect escape, as do the handful of pet-friendly restaurants in the area.

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