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

You put Spot’s dinner dish down on his placemat and he doesn’t leave his bed. Where is the usual eagerness for dinner or breakfast? So you say: “Spot, chow time, come eat dinner.” He shuffles over to the bowl, gives a few sniffs and then wanders back to his bed, disinterested.

This might be normal behavior. However, a dog off his feed can be a sign that something is wrong. More often it means nothing, but what should you do if your dog won’t eat?

Rule out illness

First, figure out if there is anything wrong. Has there been a change in his bowel movements, is he vomiting, showing his usual energy level or does he have a fever?

Always rule out an underlying illness. Many diseases, such as kidney or liver dysfunction, even parasites, can cause a loss of appetite.