With flea season just around the corner it's time to start thinking about flea medications! If you are a first-time pet owner, or simply seeking to understand which flea product is right for your dog, here are a few pointers to help you make an educated decision.
With so many different flea control options available, it’s imperative that every dog owner knows how to compare flea control products for dogs to make an informed decision about their dog’s flea treatment. Flea control is not “one size fits all,” and the best treatment for your dog will depend on your dog’s age, health and what it is habitually exposed to. Here are a few of the basic considerations you need to keep in mind while shopping for flea control.
What does it kill?
The first step, when learning how to compare flea control products for dogs, is to know what your dog is exposed to. Are fleas the only problem or will the dog be exposed to ticks, mosquitoes or other pests? Some medications can tackle multiple pest problems all at once. Are flea eggs a concern or would eliminating the adults be sufficient for control? As a preventative method, an adulticide may be sufficient to prevent your pet from contracting a flea infestation. However, if your dog has already been exposed to fleas, you may need to approach the situation from both angles to cure your pet and halt the spread of fleas in your home.
How and when is it administered?
Flea control products are generally applied in two different ways: orally or topically. Oral flea medications are made for ingestion and, when instructions are followed properly, are less likely to cause harm to your pet. Many oral medications also have the benefit of killing ticks and mites.
Topical treatments, such as shampoos, dips, sprays, and powders can be hazardous for your dog if ingested while grooming. This is also something to consider if you share your home with small children that may touch your pet and put their hands in their mouths. Dips in particular are strong, chemical concoctions that leave substantial chemical residue—these tend to be a last resort!
Another topical treatment is the “spot-on” method of flea control. Popular spot-on flea products include Frontline and Advantage. This is typically applied on a monthly basis between the shoulder blades of your dog. The ointment is either absorbed systemically or rapidly distributes throughout the animals fur. Most spot-on treatments kill adult fleas although some also inhibit the maturation and release of larvae.
Some flea collars work the same way, releasing a medication that is absorbed into the animal's body.
If you have a busy lifestyle, the frequency of dosing or application is another key consideration in the comparison. Some treatments are administered only once, while others may require re-application every month. Also bear in mind, which treatments are available to you either as prescription or non-prescription, and consult your veterinarian about the best choice for your dog.
Which animal is it for?
Not every flea control product is for every animal, so when learning how to compare flea control products for dogs it’s important to pay attention to which animals can and cannot use the product. Different products are deemed safe at different ages and weights, some are not safe for dogs that are pregnant or nursing, and some can only be used if the dog has already been treated for heartworms.
Also bear in mind that not all treatments are waterproof (although many exist), excluding some options for dogs that love to swim. Flea control products approved for both dogs and cats are generally less toxic if ingested, so these might be a good choice when there are small children in the home. This is because cats tend to be far more sensitive to chemicals than dogs.
Active Ingredients
Finally, while learning how to compare flea control products for dogs, it is important to look at and research the active ingredients. These ingredients vary in levels of toxicity, and some may be harmful to very small animals, very young animals or animals with sensitive skin. Each active ingredient also has different purposes so learning about them can help you crosscheck product manufacturer claims.
Effective flea control is essential for pet health. Fleas can cause severe irritation, infection and spread diseases to all pets and humans in a household. When in doubt about a particular flea control product, ask your veterinarian about the best choices for your pet.
