Each year in springtime, one of the most constant and consistent nuisances to pets and their owners rears its ugly head—fleas. Fleas can cause a host of problems and headaches for both you and your pet, and it can be confusing trying to choose the best dog flea treatment. In recent years, pet owners have seen an exponential rise in their local flea populations, but with a multi-layered approach to flea control, you and your pet can enjoy life flea-free.
Before the invention of topical medications, pet owners were forced to control fleas through insecticidal flea dips and sprays. Aside from being smelly and even downright dangerous to the health of pets and the people applying these medicines, they only helped to take care of fleas after they became a problem and did nothing to help prevent fleas from taking residence on your pet in the first place.
Thankfully, topical medications released in the last decade have revolutionized the way we can treat fleas. Topical medications such as Frontline, Advantage, and Promeris all act in similar ways—preventing and repelling fleas while also killing fleas that land on your pet. The key to making these products work to the best of their abilities is in the application. Because topical flea medications work in conjunction with the natural oils in your pet’s skin, wait two days after bathing to apply the medications, and do not allow swimming or bathing for four days after application. In the summer, or in the face of severe flea infestations, Frontline or Advantage can be safely applied at three-week intervals to ensure effectiveness. Additionally, these products can be rotated to prevent fleas from developing resistance to any one particular product.
New Flea Control Options: Chewable Tablets
Although topical, one-spot-type medications like Frontline and Advantage are a great improvement over flea dips and sprays, they still require the use of liquids that can be spilled or rub off on furniture and children. Recently, a new medication was introduced that both kills and prevents fleas on dogs for a full month—with a simple chewable tablet. This medication, called Comfortis, is a prescription medication available from your vet, and its active ingredient has the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. Comfortis can also be used in conjunction with topical medications to provide an added layer of prevention for pets at high risk of flea infestations, such as those who swim frequently or are exposed to fleas at doggy daycare, etc.
Along with topical products that kill adult fleas on your pet, another valuable product in preventing fleas is medication that contains an insect growth regulator. These medications halt the life cycle of fleas by preventing live fleas from laying viable eggs, effectively cutting off the flea life cycle. Medications such as Sentinel are not a good choice for instantly controlling a flea infestation, but they are excellent for ensuring long-term flea control.
I Found a Flea on My Dog, What Should I Do?
When you find fleas on your pet, it can be a terrible discovery—and you want to get rid of them as soon as possible. Capstar is a pill that begins to work on your pet within 30 minutes of administration and kills 98% of adult fleas within four hours. Although the effects of Capstar last only 24 hours, it can safely be given as often as once daily in extreme situations. Capstar is especially helpful for pets that frequent areas with fleas, such as doggy daycare or the beach. It helps to get immediate flea infestations under control and is great for pets with flea allergies. Capstar is extremely safe and can be used in conjunction with other types of flea control.
One of the most overlooked aspects of controlling fleas is managing the environment. When fleas are discovered on your pet, treating your pet is important, but if you don’t treat the environment your pet lives in, the fleas will continue to thrive and re-infest your pet.
Vacuuming your home is one of the most important ways to control and help eradicate fleas. Make sure you regularly vacuum carpets, floors, and especially areas around where your pet sleeps. If fleas are found on your pet, you must vacuum and wash all areas your pet frequents, such as pet beds, dog beds, sofas, etc.
There are many commercial preparations for treating your home and yard for fleas. Many of these are insecticidal-based products that can be hazardous to you and your pets’ health. Using them judiciously can be an effective way of eradicating fleas in the environment, but ensure that you follow label directions to make their usage as safe as possible.
In many areas of the country, fleas are becoming a year-round problem. Choosing an appropriate medication, or combination of medications, to provide the best coverage for your pet can be tricky. Your veterinarian can help you select the right dog flea treatments to keep your pet, your home, and your family flea-free.
