Frequently Asked Questions for Flea & Tick Protection

  • Are Hartz UltraGuard® and Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ products registered?

    Yes, all Hartz UltraGuard® and Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ products are registered with the EPA and the states, data has been provided for both efficacy and safety as required.

  • Should I use Hartz UltraGuard® on my pet all year round? Or just during flea and tick season?

    The Companion Animal Safety Council recommends that pets should be treated year round with a flea and tick product. Fleas and ticks may be dormant during freezing winter months but can still be active on days above freezing temperatures. These parasites utilize leaf litter and even snow to provide insulation in the extreme cold.

  • Can I use this if my pet is on medication?

    Always consult with a veterinarian before applying flea and tick treatment to a sick or debilitated cat.

  • Does Hartz UltraGuard® have an expiration date?

    An expiration date is not required on Hartz UltraGuard® products. However, Hartz has established a shelf life for all UltraGuard® products to ensure a quality product.

  • Do fleas and ticks have to bite my pet for Hartz UltraGuard® to work?

    No. Hartz UltraGuard® Topicals and Collars evenly distribute protection over your pet’s body killing or repelling the parasites before they have a chance to bite.

  • How long does it take for Hartz UltraGuard® to kill fleas?

    Hartz UltraGuard® Topicals start killing fleas within 15 minutes after application and continues to kill for 30 days.

  • How does Hartz UltraGuard® kill fleas and ticks?

    Hartz UltraGuard® contains EPA registered insecticides that have been proven to control fleas and ticks. These insecticides have been specifically formulated to provide protection across the entire body of the pet for the duration indicated for each product. Example: One month for topicals, seven months for collars.

  • Can I use Hartz UltraGuard® if I have already applied another flea and tick control product?

    Always read the label directions, typically only one flea and tick product should be used on your pet at a time. Using multiple flea and tick products at the same time may result in interaction which could cause illness or irritation. (Consult a veterinarian about the use of heartworm medication)

  • Can I use flea and tick products for cats on my dog?

    NO, flea & tick products labeled for cats must only be used on cats. Likewise, flea and tick products labeled for dogs should not be used on cats. This ensures safe and effective flea & tick treatment since products are specifically formulated for cats or dogs .

  • What is the difference between a topical and collar product?

    A topical is a monthly dose of liquid flea & tick product applied to the back of the cat’s neck , while the Hartz collar is a solid plastic band that is fastened around the pet’s neck and provides up to seven months protection against fleas & ticks. Both products require registration by the US EPA . Product registration includes a full toxicology and efficacy profile which is reviewed prior to approval by the authorities and determines the labeling.

  • Are Hartz UltraGuard® products registered?

    Yes, all Hartz UltraGuard® products are registered with the EPA and the states, data has been provided for both efficacy and safety as required.

  • Where can I buy Hartz UltraGuard® products?

    Hartz UltraGuard® products can be found in grocery stores, supercenters, mass retailers, online, etc. You can check where your favorite product is sold using our Where To Buy feature.

  • What is the benefit of Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™?

    Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ utilizes the same active ingredients (fipronil and methoprene) as Frontline Plus, but at a more affordable price. This product has been proven to kill fleas and ticks including the tick species that transmits Lyme disease.

  • How long does a Hartz UltraGuard® Flea and Tick topical work for?

    One tube/application of Hartz UltraGuard® Topicals provides one month of protection.

  • How long does a Hartz UltraGuard® Flea and Tick Collar work for?

    Hartz UltraGuard® Collars provide up to seven months of protection against fleas and ticks.

  • Can I stop using flea control once the fleas are gone?

    This is not recommended. Once an infestation is under control it is important to continue using a flea and tick control product to prevent re-infestations in the future. Although adult fleas are not seen on the animal, the sub-adult stages (eggs, larvae, pupae) may be developing within the house (carpet, upholstery). To ensure full protection against all life stages of fleas Hartz recommends treating all affected areas of your pet’s surroundings.

  • How does my dog get ticks?

    Typically, dogs are most susceptible to ticks while outside. Ticks are found in yards, dog parks, hiking trails and anywhere they can quest for a host on blades of grass or vegetation. Ticks can be brought into the home by pets and humans, so it is important to do regular body checks after spending time in a high risk area.

  • Should I use Hartz UltraGuard® on my pet all year round? Or just during flea and tick season?

    The Companion Animal Safety Council recommends that pets should be treated year round with a flea and tick product. Fleas and ticks may be dormant during freezing winter months but can still be active on days above freezing temperatures. These parasites utilize leaf litter and even snow to provide insulation in the extreme cold.

  • Can I use this if my pet is on medication?

    Always consult with a veterinarian before applying flea and tick treatment to a sick, nursing or debilitated dog.

  • Do fleas and ticks have to bite my pet for Hartz UltraGuard® and Hartz® Pet Defender Plus™ to work?

    No. Hartz UltraGuard® Topicals and Collars evenly distribute protection over your pet’s body killing or repelling the parasites before they have a chance to bite.

  • How long does it take for Hartz UltraGuard® Topicals to kill fleas?

    Hartz UltraGuard® Topicals start killing fleas within 15 minutes after application and continues to kill for one month.

  • How does Hartz UltraGuard® kill fleas and ticks?

    Hartz UltraGuard® contains EPA registered insecticides that have been proven to control fleas and ticks. These insecticides have been specifically formulated to provide protection across the entire body of the pet for the duration indicated for each product.

    Example: Protection is one month for topicals and seven months for collars.

  • Can I use Hartz UltraGuard® if I have already applied another flea and tick control product?

    Always read the label directions; typically only one flea and tick product should be used on your pet at a time. Using multiple flea and tick products at the same time may result in interaction which could cause illness or irritation. (A heartworm product can be used but you should consult your veterinarian)

  • How long after application can my pet be bathed or go swimming?

    Your pet should not be bathed 48 hours both pre and post application.

  • Can I use flea and tick products for dogs on my cat?

    NO, flea & tick products labeled for dogs must only be used on dogs. Likewise, flea and tick products labeled for cats should not be used on dogs. This ensures safe and effective flea & tick treatment since products are specifically formulated for cats or dogs.

  • What is an insect growth regulator?

    An insect growth regulator (commonly referred to as an IGR) is a substance which interferes with the immature development of an insect; therefore, they never reach maturity, cannot multiply thus eliminating infestation.

  • Are Hartz UltraGuard® Flea and Tick Collars waterproof?

    All Hartz UltraGuard® Flea & Tick Collars are water resistant and can remain on your pet while swimming or in the rain.

  • What is the difference between a topical and collar product?

    A topical is a monthly dose of liquid flea & tick product applied to the dog’s neck and/or back , while the Hartz collar is a solid plastic band that is fastened around the pet’s neck and provides up to seven months protection against fleas & ticks. Both products require registration by the US EPA . Product registration includes a full toxicology and efficacy profile which is reviewed prior to approval by the authorities and determines the labeling for the product.

  • Can Hartz UltraGuard® collars for dogs be used alongside identification collars?

    Yes, Hartz collars can be used with any regular dog collar.

  • How important is it to keep within the weight guidelines when using Hartz flea and tick products for dogs?

    It is very important to keep within the weight guidelines when using dog topicals. For example, if your dog weighs 20 lbs. and you use drops for a 4-15 lb dog, then you are lowering the dosage and hence lowering the efficacy of theproduct. On the other hand, if you were to use drops for a dog weighing over 60 lbs. on your 20 lb dog, then you are going above the recommended dosage set forth by the EPA for safety.Just like with a medication it is important not to go above or below the recommended dosage.

  • How does my dog get fleas?

    Fleas can be picked up outside in grassy areas, and are most prevalent in areas that are shaded. As your pet walks through these areas, the fleas hop on. Humans can even bring fleas into their home on their clothing, bottom of shoes, etc., and then pass them onto their pet.

  • I have a puppy that already has fleas. How old does a puppy have to be before I can use one of your flea and tick products?

    Puppies must be 12 weeks of age or older and must weigh at least 4lbs.

  • Can I use your flea & tick products on a pregnant dog?

    No, it is not recommended to use our flea and tick products on pregnant dogs, read the product labels for full precautions.

  • What if my dog drinks some of the bath water during the bath?

    If your dog does get a few drinks of the water before you can stop it, this should not likely cause a problem because the bath water will have diluted the shampoo. However, it is possible to have some gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea) from the soap in the shampoo usuallywithin 24 to 48 hours of the bath. Contact your veterinarian if the signs persist for longer than 48 hours or if they become worse.

  • How do you know if a dog is going have an allergic reaction to a topical flea and tick product?

    Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer. Your dog can have a reaction to the first exposure to a product, to a later application of the product, or never. While reactions to topical drops are rare, they might result in mild skin irritation. It is important to observe your pet for the first 24 hours and contact your veterinarian if you note any abnormal reactions.

  • I have an elderly dog, is he too old for a topical flea and tick treatments and, if so, what do you recommend I should do now to control his fleas?

    Your dog is not too old. In fact, it is important to provide effective flea and tick control for your senior dog’s health and well-being. However, if your dog has been diagnosed with an illness,consult your veterinarian before using any topical flea and tick product.

  • Should I be concerned about mosquitoes biting my dog?

    Yes, mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but they can also carry diseases. Most concerning is their ability to transmit canine heartworms. We recommend the use of Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® or Hartz® UltraGuard Plus™ to kill mosquitoes on contact.

  • How do I know if my dog has ear mites?

    Ear mites are barely visible to the naked eye; however, here are some symptoms to look for:

    • Head shaking or carrying the head tilted to one side.
    • Excessive scratching at the ears (there may be sores around the ears).
    • Dark brown to black crusty discharge in the ears.
    • Difficulty hearing – especially if combined with other signs.
    • See Ear mites and your dog
  • How many different types of intestinal worms can attack my dog?

    As a dog owner, it’s important to know about the different types of worms and their potential effects on your dog’s health. The most common are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms. See Intestinal parasites and your dog.

  • How does my dog become infected with intestinal worms?

    How your pet becomes infected depends on the type of worm. Puppies may become infected with roundworms while in uterus, thus they are already infected at birth. Otherwise, they can become infected through their mother’s milk. This is also true of hookworms. To become infected withTapeworms dogs need to ingest an infected flea. See Intestinal parasites and your dog.