Fleas can cause itching and discomfort for pets, but you can take steps to eliminate them once and for all.
When it comes to cat and dog flea treatment, there are plenty of options. Your veterinarian can advise you on the most suitable solution for your furry friend.
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Topical or Spot-On
Flea treatments are topical or spot-on products applied directly onto your pet’s skin. Usually, these liquids can be squeezed onto their shoulders, along the back from base of neck to tail (for dogs), as a liquid barrier against pests and parasites.
These products can be effective and safe when used properly, however some pets may experience side effects like itching or skin irritation. It’s best to consult your veterinarian prior to using these items and read through any accompanying literature carefully.
Spot-on treatments can be used to kill adult fleas, ticks and lice but not their eggs or larvae. They come in various forms like shampoos, dips, sprays, powders and bombs; you just have to apply it directly on the affected area for maximum effectiveness.
It is essential to remember that spot-on treatments are not a replacement for regular flea control, which includes taking food, bedding and clothing away from your cat’s home, vacuuming carpets and furniture, using repellents around the house and keeping your pup on a monthly flea prevention schedule. These methods are the most common and cost-effective ways to keep your furry friend pest free.
Oral
Fleas are more than just an annoying nuisance; they can cause serious health issues for your pet, such as flea allergy dermatitis (flea bites are itchy and may lead to hair loss), tapeworms, or heartworm disease.
Thankfully, there are various flea and tick medications available to help prevent infestations. One type is a pill you administer orally to your dog or cat.
Many vets recommend oral flea meds over topicals because they’re more convenient and can be used monthly. You can purchase these at your veterinarian’s office or pet store.
These pills may contain several active ingredients. Lufenuron, for instance, is a reliable chemical that quickly kills adult fleas but not their larvae which can live for an extended period.
Another popular oral flea medication is Capstar fast-acting oral treatment, which begins to kill fleas within 30 minutes after ingestion of one tablet. After six hours have elapsed, over 98% of the fleas will have died off, leaving your cat’s coat completely free from them.
Insecticidal Collars
Insecticidal collars are an effective way to protect your pet from fleas and ticks. These collars contain an insecticide that releases slowly onto skin and fur.
These collars contain insecticides such as imidacloprid, tetrachlorvinphos, deltamethrin and flumethrin to target pest life stages. These treatments work by disorienting and killing fleas, ticks, ants, mosquitoes and other pests.
Many of these products are safe for humans as well, provided they’re used correctly. Unfortunately, as with any product, some can be hazardous when administered to pets or people.
Fleas are the most prevalent parasite found on cats and dogs. They feed off of blood to develop into larvae, which then wrap themselves in sticky cocoons to survive.
Fleas’ ability to hide in cocoons makes them highly resistant to treatments. To completely eradicate a flea infestation from both animals and homes, multiple treatments may be required.
Home Treatment
Fleas are parasitic critters that feed on blood, making dogs itchy and potentially leading to more health issues if not caught and dealt with promptly. Furthermore, fleas have the potential of spreading diseases to other pets and people as well.
If you have a flea problem, home treatments can help. Some use natural ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, like apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.
Try mixing these ingredients in a spray bottle and using it to spray your pet’s coat and any areas around the house. Additionally, adding essential oils like lavender or cedar oil will enhance its flea-fighting abilities.
Some other tips to keep in mind include clearing away any low-hanging branches or brush from your yard and regularly vacuuming your home. This will eliminate flea dirt from floors and walls inside, killing any larvae and eggs before they have the opportunity to reproduce.
