FLEA MEDICATIONS - TOPICAL vs ORAL

Selecting the best medication for your pet is important. Fleas are an insidious problem for dogs and cats alike. Fleas actually grow during their own independent lifecycle. First a flea lays an egg, which grows into larva, which then in turn transforms into pupa and finally emerges as an adult flea (who lays eggs and starts the process all over again). Most fleas prefer to live on their animal host and lay eggs on them happily, though these eggs sometimes fall off.

How long does it take an adult flea to hatch from an egg? Usually about 2 weeks. Did you know the average female will lay more than 25 eggs every day? That translates into a million a day flea problem for pet owners around the world.

Treating Your Pet: Oral Medications
Fortunately there are a variety of pet meds you can offer your pet to help control the egg population. A good flea control product will remove fleas from your pet and fleas or eggs that are in your pet's environment (AKA your house). You may find a combination of products work best when treating your beloved pet for fleas. It is important regardless of the products you select you find one that will control the flea at any stage in the lifecycle, thereby reducing the number of fleas you must tackle at any given point.

Oral flea medications are usually given less frequently than topical treatments. You can usually use them if your pet is more than 6 weeks old, and some last for a month at a time. Most oral medications contain an ingredient like Lufenuron that helps prevent eggs and larvae from fully forming. This helps break the life cycle of the flea. You can usually get in tablet or liquid form for cats and dogs. An example is Program flea medication.

There are newer flea medications that are rapidly gaining popularity however including Frontline flea control. These medications also help break the life cycle of the flea. Unfortunately they do not remove fleas that are already imbedded in your pet. Another oral medication available to treat fleas is Sentinel. This flea medication is combined with a heartworm treatment and prevention medication. Sentinel is formulated for dogs only, not for cats.

Topical Treatments
There are many topical treatments including spray that you can buy to help kill fleas on your pet and also help control the flea lifecycle. Some of the popular names in this category include:

Frontline Plus
Advantage
Advantix
Revolution

Many of these products kill flees within 24 hours of application. Some also kill eggs and larvae, which again is important because it breaks the flea life cycle. Some treatments require monthly application whereas others (like Frontline Plus) last longer, up to 3 months. Most manufacturers recommend you apply topical spot treatments at least monthly however for best results.

You might also consider washes or powders you can apply topically to help relieve your pet's flea problems. Flea shampoos and powders are relatively inexpensive methods for treating flees. Some people don't like a wash however because they can be a bit toxic and land on objects other than your pet. Powders can also make a mess. If you want a product like this without the mess you might try something like Frontline Spray. This product is generally safe for the environment and is usually easy to apply. Most find sprays a convenient way to apply flea removal treatments. As with powders or washes however, keep in mind that some of the spray may fall on unintended objects. You'll want to spray your pet in a well-ventilated area.

Flea Collars
Some people still prefer to use traditional flea collars. While somewhat effective many pet owners find flea collars less effective than spot on treatments or oral medications. You should consider your lifestyle and your pet's exposure to fleas prior to investing in a collar. Some pets also react to flea collars. If your pet has an allergic reaction or other skin problems from a flea collar you should consider an alternative treatment like oral medications or spot on treatments.

Finding the right flea control treatment for your pet will benefit you and your pet in the long term. It is important you select a product that meets your needs and your pets needs. Remember a product that helps remove fleas and stop the flea lifecycle is the one most likely to eliminate your flea problem permanently.

Published with permission (FCDMInc)

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