Types of Flea Medication
Flea control is essential to the health and comfort of pets, and the variety of flea control products will help you prevent and eliminate infestations. The different forms of flea medication allow you to treat specific stages of a flea's life cycle, and some forms provide more long-term control than others do. It's critical that you follow product instructions carefully, as some can be harmful to you or your pet if misused.
Flea Shampoo
Flea shampoos deliver insecticides to a cat's or dog's fur as you bathe them with the soap and water. The shampoos only offer short-term relief from fleas because they are immediately rinsed from the pet so, as the Texas Agricultural Extension Service notes, they should be used in combination with other methods to treat light flea infestations . Flea combs and treatment of the home will reduce the flea population when combined with shampoos.
Flea Dip
Flea dips kill all life stages of the flea by coating the animal's fur in pesticides. Because of the high concentration of chemicals, dips should not be used more than three times yearly and are more suitable for initial treatment of heavy infestations. Product instructions contain dilution and age requirement standards to follow for optimal pet safety, and people can protect themselves from the chemicals with gloves and long clothing. Some groomers and veterinarians offer flea dip services, too.
Spot-on Flea Treatments
Spot-on flea treatments, such as Frontline and Advantage, treat pets for about 1 month through a single, topical dose. These treatments kill fleas within 24 hours of application and continue to kill fleas by spreading through the oils on an animal's skin. Some spot-on treatments resist water better than others, so Advantage is not recommended for a pet that receives frequent baths. These products are available through veterinarians and some pet stores.
Flea Spray
Flea sprays are often alcohol based and may contain pesticides, such as pyrethrin. Sprays will kill adult fleas, but do not provide long-term protection. Flea sprays, such as Frontline and Advantage, are an initial step against heavy flea infestations and are available through veterinarians.
Oral Flea Medication
Oral flea medications, such as Capstar and Sentinel, are used for both treatment and prevention. Capstar and Comfortis kill adult fleas after ingestion of the medication, with Capstar claiming efficacy within 30 minutes. Program or Sentinel oral medications attack the early life stages of the flea to prevent infestation.
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