Tick and Flea Prevention: A Year-Round Strategy

Why year-round\n\nKolkata winters are mild. Ticks survive on stray animals, in undergrowth, on stairwells. A two-month gap is enough for ehrlichia or babesia to take hold.\n\n## What to use\n\n- Spot-on monthly — fipronil/imidacloprid combos\n- Oral chewables (3-monthly) — fluralaner, sarolaner: highly effective\n- Tick collars — supplementary; not standalone\n\n## What does not work alone\n\nBathing with tick shampoo (kills only what is on at the moment), sprays (short duration), or natural oils (insufficient evidence).\n\n## After a walk in greenery\n\nBrush coat with hands against the grain — feel for bumps. Common sites: ears, neck, between toes, groin, tail base.\n\n## If you find a tick\n\nTwist gently with tweezers, clean with antiseptic, save the tick in a small jar — bring to vet if pet later seems unwell.