Trends and Products: Protecting Pets from Parasites

PROTECTING PETS FROM PARASITES

Fleas and ticks aren’t just a nuisance, they can cause a pet significant blood loss or anemia if left untreated. In addition, these parasites can carry diseases, which makes it even more vital for the industry to help consumers keep their pets safe from these pests.

Although fleas and ticks may be less prevalent during colder months, there’s technically no off-season for them, making year-round prevention essential. Recently, the milder winter and potentially longer summer is sure to lead to an increase in activity of food for animals that these parasites rely on for survival. No matter where a pet owner lives, regular inspections of a dog or cat’s skin is important, with special attention paid to the ears, face and inner thighs. Using a comb to get deep beneath a pet’s coat will help with the inspection, especially when it comes to locating fleas and their eggs.

Thanks to advancements in science and holistic medicine, there are more products than ever before for the treatment, prevention and control of flea and tick infestation. Flea and tick products come in a variety of forms, including pills and chews to sprays and food toppers to collars and shampoos. With so many different applications to choose from, it’s up to consumers to decide which one is best for their pet. Pet retailers can play a vital role in helping to educate their customers about not only the importance of flea and tick prevention, but also the options that are available to them. Products that are powerful on pests but gentle on the dog or cat will provide relief without causing undo harm on the pets that we serve.

Flea & Tick Natural Dog Shampoo

Pure and Natural’s Flea and Tick Natural Dog Shampoo is made with certified organic oils in the USA. It kills and repels unwanted pests without harsh chemicals, soothes skin and acts as a natural antiseptic. It’s free of parabens and synthetic dyes.
www.pureandnaturalpet.com

TickEase Tick Removal Tweezers

With their fine-tipped, pointy design, TickEase tweezers are made specifically for the effective removal of ticks. The durable, stainless steel product has been designed specifically to comply with the CDC’s tick-removal guidelines. It can withstand the heat of an autoclave for sterilization.
www.tickease.com

Ruff on Bugs

Ruff on Bugs is the 100-percent organic, non-GMO flea and tick spray made just for dogs. It contains no chemicals and no synthetics. Vet-formulated Ruff on Bugs reliably replaces risky chemical spot-on treatments and pills, and is made with pure ingredients proven effective against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other pests.
www.ruffonbugs.com

BioShield Deet-Free Repellent

BioShield’s line of products includes spray, hair and body wash, and laundry detergent. It contains only natural ingredients, with trace amounts of silver and copper in the detergent formulation so it kills pet and human odor. The full line kills mosquitos, ticks, bed bugs and fleas, and can be used on skin, clothes, beds and anywhere else potential insect bites or infestations can be found.
www.bioshield-rx.com

Flea and Tick Conceal-a-Collar

Conceal-a-Collar increases a dog’s comfort and safety. Orvis has taken its best-selling personalized adjustable dog collar and designed interior clips to hold a Seresto or standard flea and tick collar out of sight, making it an ideal choice for growing puppies. It’s available in 10 colors and four sizes: S, M, L and XL.
www.orvis.com

Hideaway by Coastal Pet

Covers and holds flea and tick collars in place, which safeguards the investment. Flexible keepers around the collar are designed to secure ratcheted-style flea and tick collars. Available in four sizes and four color options.
www.coastalpet.com

Nutri-Vet Defense+

Nutri-Vet Defense+ kills five kinds of pests; kills, repels and prevents re-infestation of fleas for up to five weeks; kills flea eggs and flea larvae for up to eight weeks; kills, repels and prevents re-infestation of ticks for up to six weeks; and kills and repels mosquitoes, lice and mites for up to four weeks. It’s available in Puppy/Miniature Dog, Small Dog, Large Dog and Extra-Large Dog sizes, and each box contains a three-month supply.
www.nutri-vet.com

Salvo Flea and Tick Collar

The improved formulation of Salvo Flea and Tick Collar protects dogs against three species of ticks: deer ticks, American dog ticks and brown dog ticks. The collar is odorless and long-lasting. Each tin contains two individually packed and sealed collars. Each collar provides continuous protection for up to six months. The Salvo collar is water-resistant and remains effective following a bath, swimming or after exposure to rain or sunlight.
www.promikallc.com

Flea & Tick Shampoo Bar

Wondercide’s Flea & Tick Shampoo Bar kills and prevents fleas and ticks in all stages, including eggs, larvae and adults, and serves as the perfect first step in a total pest treatment plan. It’s free of artificial colors, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic pesticides. The shampoo bar is easier to use than liquid shampoo when trying to clean a wriggling pet. The bars offer a luxurious lather that lasts five times longer than a 16-ounce bottle of liquid shampoo.
www.wondercide.com

TropiClean Flea & Tick Shampoo

TropiClean Flea & Tick Shampoo plus Soothing kills fleas, ticks and mosquitos on contact, while cocoa helps to soothe irritated skin. This natural essential blend contains nature’s most powerful pest-fighting ingredients, maximized with lemongrass and sesame oil for long-lasting effects. The natural formula is safe enough for routine pet baths on dogs and puppies 12 weeks and older.
www.tropiclean.com

Espree Flea & Tick Spray

Espree Flea & Tick Dog Spray is a ready-to-use formula that aids in killing fleas on contact on dogs. It contains natural pyrethrins to kill fleas and ticks on contact and will keep on killing for up to 14 days; EPA registered. It also conditions pet coats, leaving them smelling fresh and clean. In addition, the ingredients will soothe skin from irritation caused by flea and tick bites. It’s appropriate for dogs and puppies 12 weeks of age or older
www.espree.com

Revolution Plus

This new pest preventative from Zoetis is the only product that combines protection against fleas, three types of ticks, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms and heartworms. It is approved for cats and kittens as young as 8 weeks of age and weighing 2.8 pounds or greater. Cat owners seeking this wide range of protection can request Revolution Plus through their veterinarian’s office.
www.revolutionplus.com

Vet’s Best Flea + Tick Spray

Vet’s Best Flea + Tick Gentle-Mist Spray for Cats kills fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae and ticks by contact. The formula utilizes certified natural essential oils, providing a strong yet gentle flea treatment developed specifically for cats and home surfaces—gently delivered via convenient 360-degree sprayer using only compressed air.
www.heropetbrands.com

Adventure Plus for Cats

Adventure Plus for Cats provides triple flea protection: it kills adults on contact, eliminates eggs to prevent re-infestation, and kills larvae to break the flea life cycle. Adventure Plus for Cats comes in a four-dose package, with each dose lasting for up to four weeks. Adventure Plus for Cats is water-resistant and remains effective following a bath, swimming or after exposure to rain or sunlight.
www.promikallc.com

Skin Slipper

The Skin Slipper is a handy little gadget that slides over your pointer and middle fingers and puts product exactly where it needs to go and nowhere else! If you’ve ever had irritated skin on your fingers from applying flea medications or other messy ointments on pets, then the Skin Slipper is for you. Made of silicone, the Skin Slipper is hypoallergenic, slides gently over your skin and will not absorb costly products. It also eliminates waste by allowing you to ditch expensive disposable applicators like Q-tips and cotton balls. The Skin Slipper is easy to clean with soap and water, and it can be used over and over again.
www.skinslipper.com

Earth Animal Flea and Tick Prevention

In its continued effort to create effective flea and tick treatments with no harsh chemicals, pesticides or insecticides, Earth Animal has a line of herbal products owners can use to guard their pets from fleas and ticks. The line has bug spray, shampoo and internal powder.

www.earthanimal.com

MEAT TREATS

No true pet lover can resist giving their dog or cat a delicious treat as a reward or sign of affection. And meat-based treats have the added bonus of being full of protein that’s vital to a pet’s diet. The amino acids in protein act like building blocks that help the tissues and organs of the body while creating hormones and enzymes and also supporting the immune system.

Following in the footsteps of the “natural” trend, one of the most in-demand treats among consumers are treats made with human-grade meat—often sourced in the United States—with the meat ingredient being raised humanely without antibiotics or added hormones. Raw/freeze-dried treats also continue to grow in popularity, especially the single-ingredient variety.

ORIJEN Dog and Cat Treats
ORIJEN Dog and Cat Treats are made of 100 percent meat, poultry or fish gently freeze-dried to preserve the nutrition and taste from raw proteins. Free of any grains or carbohydrates, the treats are biologically appropriate, made from regional ingredients and never outsourced.
www.orijen.ca

True Chews

True Chews are the treat with a twist. The No. 1 ingredient is chicken. True Chews support bone and joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin. True Chews are 100 percent natural and are available in five delicious varieties, each with a supporting wellness claim.
www.truechews.com

Sojos Simply Wild Dog Treats

These mouth-watering, bite-size morsels are the perfect training treat for dogs of all sizes. Our Simply Wild Treats are gently freeze-dried so all the natural enzymes in raw meat are carefully protected, and pampered pooches get the raw, fresh fish they crave. No artificial preservatives, artificial flavors or color, and nothing from China.
www.sojos.com

Wellness CORE 100% Freeze Dried Treats

These single-ingredient, bite-sized nuggets of 100 percent meat are freeze-dried to lock in flavor and nutrients. These treats are low in calories, and are grain-, gluten- and filler-free, making them perfect for snacking or topping. They are available in 2-ounce bags in Boar, Salmon, Turkey and Beef.
www.wellnesspetfood.com

TruDog Beef and Turkey Treats

These freeze-dried raw treats are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that dogs can’t get from ordinary treats. Made entirely in the USA from cage-free protein, meaty bones and whole organ meats (and nothing else), pet parents will never feel guilty about indulging their dog with “just one more” TruDog treat.
www.trudog.com

4 Paws Jerky

4 Paws Butcher Shop makes high-protein, low-fat, single-ingredient jerkies that contain human-grade proteins. These single-ingredient jerkies are sourced from U.S. farm-raised meat and are manufactured in the United States.
www.4pawsbutchershop.com

Jones Select Treats

The Jones Natural Chews Select line of premium treats includes 100 percent Chicken and 100 percent Turkey Pure Meat Slices. These single-ingredient treats are natural, high-protein snacks from meat raised and sourced in the USA. There is only one ingredient on the label, with no artificial flavors, fillers or preservatives.
www.jonesnaturalchews.com

Barkworthies Lamb Lung Chips

Barkworthies Lamb Lung Chips are a great low-fat and high-protein snack for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Lamb is a nutritious alternative to beef and chicken, especially for dogs with allergies. This single-ingredient treat is perfect for dogs of all sizes and every stage of life.
www.barkworthies.com

Ziwi Chews

Ziwi’s single-protein chews include Lamb Tripe, Lamb Drumsticks, Lamb Trachea and Beef Weasand. Each chew is crafted from grass-fed, grass-finished meats sourced from free-range New Zealand farms.
www.ziwipets.com

Honey I’m Home Treats

Honey I’m Home treats are made with human-grade, humanely raised water buffalo out of India that are 100 percent grass-fed, free-range, grain-free without the use of antibiotics or hormones. Each treat is coated in honey for a product that is sweet to the taste and strong in sustainability.
www.honeyimhome.com

Stewart Pro Treats

Stewart Pet’s 100% Pure Chicken Breast Pro-Treats and 100% Wild Salmon Pro Treats are a great source of lean, low-fat protein that helps with muscle growth, development and in supporting a healthy body weight. The chicken breast meat is also loaded with calcium phosphorus, potassium, niacin, vitamin B6, iron, zinc and selenium, making it a nutritious single-ingredient treating option. The salmon treats provide an excellent source of protein, healthy fats and amino acids.
www.stewartpet.com

Charlee Bear Grain Free Meaty Bites

Charlee Bear Grain Free Meaty Bites are the first raw, freeze dried meat treats infused with superfoods that are actually visible in every piece. Each treat starts with a select cut of raw meat, poultry or fish. Instead of cooking, the treats are simply blended with a raw fruit or vegetable, plus added probiotics, and freeze dried to perfection.
www.charleebear.com

ACANA Singles Dog Treats
ACANA Singles Treats for dogs are formula-matched to ACANA Singles dry dog food and feature a single protein recipe, appropriate for healthy dogs with dietary sensitivities. They are freeze-dried to optimize nutrition and taste and made with raw meats or poultry. All three flavors are biologically appropriate.
www.acana.com

AQUARIUMS AND ENCLOSURES

When it comes to smaller companion animals—for example, birds, hamsters, snakes or aquatic livestock—their habitat is pivotal to their well-being. These enclosures are designed to support every aspect of the pet’s natural behaviors and lifestyle.

Whether it’s a tank for tropical fish or a flight cage for a cockatiel, the habitat provides a containment system that is safe for the animal while being easy for the consumers to nurture their beloved pet. Today’s cages and tanks boast innovative designs that are manufactured based on breed-specific behaviors of both common and exotic pets. These problem-solving designs will enable consumers to best duplicate the natural environment for everything from a bearded dragon to a blue bolt shrimp.

Lifegard Full View Aquarium

The angled fronts of Full View Aquariums allow users to have a larger viewing area inside the tank when placed at the same level with a flat front tank. No more bending down to enjoy the life inside the aquarium. The Full View aquarium offers the maximum viewing area in its class. This aquarium comes complete with all the necessary filtration, lighting and flex water flow required for a healthy ecosystem.
www.lifegardaquatics.com

Aluminum Bird Cage

Sleek and elegant, easy to set up and easy to clean, King’s Cages aluminum cage line is nothing shy of exquisite. These top-notch cages are anodized so they are scratch and chip resistant. The prestige of stainless steel but more than half the cost. Aluminum bird cages are designed and manufactured exclusively by King’s Cages International.
www.kingscages.com

Aqueon Designer LED Shrimp Aquarium Kit

Aqueon Designer 8.75-gallon LED Shrimp Aquarium Kit features an angle top pane of glass allowing for unobstructed top down view into the aquarium. The clear plastic lid completes the modern, contemporary look. For lush freshwater plant growth, a clip-on light with 60 bright LEDs stimulate plant growth. The Aqueon QuietFlow Internal Shrimp Filter has a removable protective pre-filter sponge, which prevents shrimp from entering the filter housing.
www.aqueon.com

CritterTrail SUPER Habitat

The CritterTrail SUPER Habitat made with Syrian hamsters in mind. Boasting 540 square inches of living space for hamsters, gerbils or other small animals, it features large top door access and a port door connector for expanding pets’ living space with another CritterTrail habitat or CritterTrail accessory. It also includes a comfort shelf, safety ramp and bubble plug.
www.kaytee.com

C-vue Aquariums

The Cobalt C-vue all-in-one aquariums are the ultimate base platform that beginning hobbyists and hardcore fish geeks alike can use to create any aquarium style they desire, from discus to dwarf cichlids, reef tank or even a planted aquarium. Each aquarium includes an integrated filter system hidden behind a back wall to keep bulky equipment out of sight. The C-vue also has crystal clear, low iron glass on the front and side panels, with beveled edges and mitered corners for uninhibited viewing.
www.cobaltaquatics.com

Wrought Iron Travel Carrier for Birds

This durable travel carrier comes with everything you need to keep birds safe and comfortable during travel and transport. It has welded bracket seat belt collars for car travel safety; a bendable rope perch; solid cup doors to prevent spilling; a secure, bird-proof door lock and more.
www.prevuepet.com

JBJ Rimless Desktop Aquariums

JBJ’s new Rimless Desktop Series are all-in-one aquariums that come with low iron glass tanks, a removable bio-filter that includes the signature three-stage filtration system and the dimmable two-channel LED light fixture.
www.jbjlighting.com

Jellyfish Art Cylinder Aquarium

The Jelly Cylinder 5 kit contains a five-gallon cylindrical tank and everything needed to keep healthy and happy live jellyfish. Also included in the kit are Chemipure Blue to help keep water crystal clear; JellyBio Starter, which introduces beneficial bacteria to help break down waste; and an artemia hatcher to provide live brine shrimp. Measuring 20½ inches high and 10 inches deep, this upgraded system comes with everything needed to make enjoying live jellyfish simple.
www.jellyfishart.com

Pitch Roof Cage with Stand

The Pitch Roof Cage with Stand by A&E Cage Company is a great environment for lovebirds, parakeets, parrotlets, canaries, caiques, pionus, conures, quackers, cockatiels and tiny birds such as finches.
www.aecageco.com

Cubic Pulse 80 Aquarium

The sleek Pulse 80 Generation 2 combines style with functionality to give you a jellyfish aquarium like no other. The tank is designed from the ground up for jellyfish which make a spectacular display when illuminated by the aquarium’s built-in, color changing LED system.
www.cubicaquarium.com/

All-in-One Saltwater Aquarium

An intelligently engineered 13.5-gallon saltwater ecosystem with all required equipment built internally into the tank’s design, complete with beautiful sustainably bred fish. The Biota Complete All-In-One Tank comes with a clownfish, rainford goby, one-month food supply, live rock and sand.

https://biotaaquariums.com

Skyscraper Terrarium

The 36-inch tall terrarium features a full front glass opening door with snap closure and a stainless steel screen top that will not corrode and keeps feeder insects inside while allowing greater UVA and UVB penetration. Additional features include a lockable door for safety and a water-tight base.
www.zoomed.com

Bird Central Station

Available in two versions (one for cockatiels and conures, one for parakeets and finches), this easy-fill control feeding station with toy access also allows for quick and easy cleaning. Includes perches with adjustable positioning and waterer.
www.warepet.com

Aquatop Nanoponic Aquarium

The all-in-one complete eco-tank is perfect for the beginner or advanced aquarist. Easy to set up, it comes with filtration, LED and top-mounted plant tray for growing live plants. Also includes terra cotta pot, rock, gravel and a life-like artificial plant. Suitable for bettas, other small fish and invertebrates.
www.aquatop.com

Enriched Life Habitats

Oxbow Animal Health’s small animal habitats are designed to support every aspect of the natural, species-specific behaviors of small animals. With nature-inspired features, and premium, pet-safe designs, our habitats make it easy for pet parents to nurture what’s in their pet’s nature every day.

www.oxbowanimalhealth.com

SpongeBob SquarePants Betta Aquarium Kit

Bring a little bit of Bikini Bottom home! Kids love SpongeBob and they’ll enjoy their 0.7-gallon aquarium even more with SpongeBob and his friends. SpongeBob SquarePants lives in a pineapple house located at 124 Conch Street in Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob and his friends take your child on one imaginative adventure after the other. The kit includes top décor, background, tank and lid.
www.pennplax.com