Which is best - a flea and tick only product, or a combination product which takes care of worming too? The truth is, it all depends on your personal preference. Many of the different products use similar drugs, so you don't need to worry about a 'combination' product being less effective than a 'flea and tick only' product.
Giving a flea and tick treatment separate to worming can have its benefits - for example, some people might only wish to give flea treatment in the warmer times of the year, but need to continue worming all year round. But for other people, combining everything they need into one treatment is very convenient indeed.
A Little Something About All-in-One Treatments
Now, we should just make something clear - not all products that are referred to as 'all-in-one' actually cover for all parasites. The term 'all in one' gets thrown around by manufacturers a lot. Currently the only 'true' all-in-one product available that covers for absolutely every significant Australian parasite is a Nexgard Spectra for cats.
Here are some 'all-in-one' products that come close:
- Nexgard Spectra for dogs was released in 2017 as the first product to cover for fleas, worms, intestinal worms (including flea tapeworm) and ticks. The only major parasite it doesn't cover is the hydatid tapeworm. In 2023, NexGard Spectra for cats was released as the first true 'all-in-one' product for pets.
- Simparica Trio (dogs only) was released in 2020 and has similar coverage to Nexgard Spectra - protecting against fleas, ticks, most intestinal worms (not tapeworm or whipworm), and heartworm.
- Credelio Plus (dogs only) also protects against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms including flea tapeworm. It does not provide protection against hydatid tapeworm.
- Bravecto Plus (cats only) is an easy spot-on product which keeps kitty cats protected against fleas, ticks, mites, intestinal worms, and heartworm. Again, it lacks only tapeworm prevention. A major advantage for Bravecto Plus is that it only needs to be given once every two months.
- Revolution Plus (cats only) is an easy spot-on product similar to Bravecto Plus, except it requires monthly dosing. It protects cats against fleas, ticks, mites, intestinal worms (apart from, you guessed it, tapeworm!), and heartworm.
There are plenty of products on the market which cover for fleas, worms, and heart worm, but don't have tick coverage. These products include Advocate, and Revolution.
