Treatment FAQ

how does monthly flea treatment work

by Kenneth McLaughlin Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Most topical medications last a month. Some topical medications not only kill fleas and ticks, they also repel them. The most common active chemicals in topical medications are: Fipronil: Fipronil works by attacking the nervous system of the parasite to paralyze fleas and ticks to ultimately kill them.

The most common active chemicals in topical medications
topical medications
A topical medication is a medication that is applied to a particular place on or in the body. Most often topical administration means application to body surfaces such as the skin or mucous membranes to treat ailments via a large range of classes including creams, foams, gels, lotions, and ointments.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Topical_medication
are: Fipronil: Fipronil works by attacking the nervous system of the parasite to paralyze fleas and ticks to ultimately kill them. Fipronil spreads over the cat or dog through body oils in about a day. It releases over time — usually about a month.
May 9, 2018

Full Answer

How often do you should treat for fleas?

May 24, 2019 · Topical Flea Treatments: Drops, Powders and Shampoos. Powders and shampoos can help to kill adult fleas. You can (and should) purchase a special flea comb to help remove fleas and eggs from your pet. These are particularly helpful with puppies and kittens who may not be old enough for some of the stronger methods of flea removal.

What is the best remedy for fleas?

Apr 18, 2019 · They work by killing fleas and ticks (and sometimes mosquitos, depending on the product) by depositing chemicals into the sebaceous glands, where the active ingredient is released and translocates through the glands that lubricate a cat or dogs coat with oil. When applied, the compound quickly translocates across the skin.

What is the best flea treatment for home?

Jun 14, 2019 · Why is monthly flea treatment for dogs so important? It is said that prevention is better than cure. Regular use of the best quality flea treatment spot-on product will prevent fleas living on your pet long enough to reproduce. Using a high efficacy spot-on product like Advantage or Frontline Plus consistently at monthly intervals will mean ...

How long does it take for flea medicine to work?

Apr 30, 2020 · How Do Flea Treatments Work? Modern flea and tick preventive treatments work in different ways depending on the active ingredient. They are generally much more targeted towards insect biology rather than mammalian biology. Older drugs, such as organophosphates, were much more dangerous, as well as being less effective

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How long does it take for monthly flea treatment to work?

within 18 hours
monthly, will kill your pet's fleas within 18 hours of application - before they can lay eggs.

How long does monthly flea treatment last?

The most popular flea and tick medications for dogs and cats last for at least a month; some are even effective for eight to twelve weeks!Jan 26, 2015

How does flea medicine work for a month?

Commonly Used Flea Treatment Chemicals

Imidacloprid is typically mixed with an oily carrier, so that when it is applied directly to the animal's body, it spreads out over the body and collects in the hair follicles, where it continues to work for approximately one month's time to kill adult fleas, larvae, and eggs.
May 20, 2011

Is monthly flea treatment necessary?

This article, of course, is all but irrelevant for folks who live in warmer climates. They always need flea and tick medicine. But for those of us who do experience a bitter winter, it should be known that most, if not all, veterinarians suggest year-round flea and tick treatment.Oct 14, 2013

Do fleas jump off after treatment?

No, the fleas don't jump off after the treatment. They don't jump off they rise to the top of the animal and fall off dead.

Do fleas become more active after treatment?

Treated fleas may become more active before they die

The ingredient in FRONTLINE Spot On and FRONTLINE Plus that kills fleas makes them hyperactive before they die. So you may see fleas come to the surface of your pet's coat and your pet might feel a bit more itchy than usual until those fleas are killed.

How do you know flea treatment is working?

A. The active ingredient in FRONTLINE (fipronil) kills fleas by affecting their nervous system, making them hyperactive before dying. These dying fleas often rise to the top of your pet's haircoat, so the presence of visible fleas after treating your pet, is a sign that the product is working.

How long will I see fleas after treatment?

As eggs hatch and develop, you might find fleas reappearing 10-14 days after treatment - this is quite normal and provided the insecticide remains in place it will kill them. This is why it is important not to carry out cleaning which might remove insecticide.

Can you see flea eggs?

It's quite hard to spot the flea eggs, be it on your pet, on their bedding or on the floor, due to their tiny size (less than half a millimetre long). They are oval in shape and of a whitish colour. Under a microscope, one can see that flea eggs look like rice grains.

Should I give my dog flea medicine every month?

Once your puppy is old enough, it's important to start using a monthly flea and tick preventive medication to help ensure that your dog won't be affected by fleas or ticks in the future. Many of the treatments available and are effective for preventing both fleas and ticks.

Do dogs need monthly flea treatment?

Treat all the pets in your home regularly (usually every month but some products vary so check the insert or ask your vet) with a suitable flea treatment. Regularly wash your pet's bedding on a hot wash to get rid of any flea eggs that might be lurking there. Use a long-acting household spray regularly.

Do you have to flea your dog every month?

Dogs should be treated for fleas monthly (or every other month depending on the product you use) all year round to try and prevent dogs from developing a flea problem and infesting the home.Apr 27, 2022

What is a flea subscription box?

Choosing the best flea treatment for dogs can be tricky. A flea subscription box for your dog means that you will never forget to treat for fleas again; their flea spot-on product will simply arrive in the post every month when it’s time to dose. You can rely on Protect My Pet to remember which product and dose your pet requires, and when, ensuring 24/7 protection against fleas.

Is it better to cure or prevent fleas?

It is said that prevention is better than cure . Regular use of the best quality flea treatment spot-on product will prevent fleas living on your pet long enough to reproduce. Using a high efficacy spot-on product like Advantage or Frontline Plus consistently at monthly intervals will mean that any flea which finds your pet will die without laying eggs, breaking their life cycle.

Does Protect My Pet cover fleas?

Using Protect My Pet’s subscription service also allows you to spread the cost of flea , tick and worm treatments across the year, commitment free. No more bulk buying of expensive treatments that you might forget to use. Here at Protect My Pet we make protection against fleas completely hassle-free, so that’s one less thing for you to think about.

Do fleas jump from dog to dog?

Fleas do not often leap from dog to dog. Rather they lie in wait in the environment and wait for a potential host to come along, then they use their powerful legs to jump onto the animal to feed and reproduce. This means that fleas may be lying in wait for your dog in any number of locations; in the wooden floor cracks of the local dog-friendly café or in the park where foxes roam at night.

Do ferrets get fleas?

Cats and ferrets also suffer from the same types of fleas that infest dogs, so ensure all your pets are regularly treated for fleas to prevent a build-up of the various flea life cycle stages in your home.

How do flea and tick preventive treatments work?

Modern flea and tick preventive treatments work in different ways depending on the active ingredient. They are generally much more targeted towards insect biology rather than mammalian biology. Older drugs, such as organophosphates, were much more dangerous, as well as being less effective.

What is the effect of imidacloprid on fleas?

The end result is paralysis and death of the flea.

Why is fipronil specific to insects?

And actually, Fipronil specificity towards insects, again, is due to its believed great affinity to those GABA receptors in insects than to mammals. And also again, those glutamate channels which don't take exist.

How long does Seresto collar last?

Other things like a Seresto collar for example, which is the collar that goes on and it provides flea and tick prevention for a period of about eight months. That actually doesn't get absorbed into the blood or very little gets absorbed into the body. It typically gets distributed through the oil layer of the skin. So again, the chance of side effects is much, much less. Although again, there is still a little chance of side effects.

Is there a side effect of flea medicine?

There are still potential side-effects with modern flea treatments ( something that 's true with any drug), and these might make certain products a good choice for some individuals while not suitable for others. Some examples are: Bravecto, Simparica, and Nexgard.

Can flea treatments be poisonous?

So yes, I don't think we need to think of our flea treatments as a poison and we're poisoning our pet. Like any drug or any drug that actually does something, there is a chance of side effects, but we also need to remember why we're using them in the first place.

Can garlic be used for fleas?

Using Garlic as a Flea Treatment. There is no good evidence to suggest that feeding garlic has any flea repellant activity. Garlic, onion and chives (all in the allium family) cuse red blood cell destruction which can result in severe anaemia - head here to read more about onion and garlic poisoning in dogs (LINK TO POST.

What does a flea box mean for cats?

A monthly flea subscription box for your cat means that you will never forget to treat for fleas again. The flea spot-on product will simply arrive in the post when it’s time to dose. You can rely on Protect My Pet to remember which product and dose your pet requires, ensuring 24/7 protection against fleas.

Can cats catch fleas?

Even if your cat is antisocial, she can still catch fleas from a number of sources. Fleas do not usually leap from cat to cat. Instead, they tend to wait in the environment for a host to come along. Then they use their powerful legs to jump onto the animal to feed and reproduce. Fleas may be lying in wait in any number of locations, in your carpet, under a bush, or even at their favourite neighbour’s house.

Can you miss fleas?

In the vet practice, most diagnoses of flea infestation come as a surprise to the owner. It is easy to miss the signs of fleas, especially if you are a new pet owner with no experience dealing with a flea problem. If you would like to know more about how to spot the signs of fleas, click here to read.

Can ferrets get fleas?

Dogs and ferrets are other potential hosts, so it’s good practice to make sure all your pets are treated for fleas at the same time. This will prevent a build-up of the many lifecycle stages of a flea in your home.

Is it better to treat fleas or prevent them?

When controlling fleas , it’s continually said that prevention is better than cure. Through regular use of a quality spot-on flea treatment product, you will prevent fleas living on your pet for long enough to multiply. A monthly flea treatment such as Advantage Spot-on or Frontline Plus consistently will mean that any flea which finds your pet will die without laying eggs. This breaks their life cycle.

How long does it take for Simparica to kill ticks?

The Simparica flea and tick tablet is an oral chew medication geared at providing your dog with protection from fleas for as many as 34 days. It starts killing ticks after only 8 hours and can kill fleas completely within 3 hours of administering.

What is Advantage Multi for Dogs?

Advantage Multi for Dogs® is a topical medication that helps treat and kill flea infestations, parasites, and heartworm. This medication comes in a monthly, single-use applicator that is easy to dispense. The amount of solution is dependent on your dog’s weight.

Does Nexgard kill ticks?

NexGard is another chewable tablet that is administered monthly to control fleas and ticks. This tablet is the only tablet that’ s FDA-approved to kill Lyme disease-causing fleas and ticks. In addition, NexGard prevents flea infestations for up to 30 days at a time.

Does Comfortis kill fleas?

This chewable tablet kills and prevents flea infestations in both dogs and cats. It is administered monthly and starts working within 30 minutes of oral ingestion. Comfortis also comes in a beef flavor that cats and dogs love. The medication is fast-acting and attacks fleas’ nervous systems to kill them.

How long does it take for flea and tick medicine to work?

Some flea and tick medications take quite a long time to become effective, but others can bring your dog or cat relief within just a couple of hours! Information about how quickly a medication starts to work is easily available by reading the product label, visiting the manufacturer’s website, or by talking to your veterinarian.

How to get rid of fleas in house?

Flea eggs and larvae in the house are best removed by vacuuming floors, carpets, and furniture (pay special attention to out of the way areas and crevices), and by running pet bedding and anything else that is washable through the washer and dryer’s hottest cycles.

What is the best way to kill fleas and ticks?

2. Environmental Control of Fleas and Ticks. Many medications are effective at quickly killing fleas and ticks that are on pets, but owners still have to deal with the parasites that are in the house or yard. Environmental control is vital and often overlooked.

How long can you keep flea and tick treatments on a dog?

Flea and tick treatments that remain active for only a few hours or days are not practical for most dog and cat owners. Who has the time to be re-treating their pets so frequently?

Why do fleas and ticks live on dogs?

Because fleas and ticks live on dogs and cats for only a small part of their life cycle, most of these parasites are found in the environment at any given time. As these young fleas and ticks mature, they eventually will seek out your pet, causing a new infestation.

When you find fleas and ticks on your pet, do you want them gone immediately?

When you find fleas and ticks on your pet, you want them gone immediately. But with so many treatments available, how do you know which one will work fast?

How do experienced vets answer your pet questions?

Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.

What are the side effects of flea treatment?

The most common side effects that can occur with topical flea treatments are localized skin reactions such as hair loss, itching and irritation, scabbing, and inflammation at the site where the treatment was applied. If side effects occur, wash the product off of your pet and contact your veterinarian for further treatment advice.

How to choose a flea treatment for my dog?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a topical flea treatment for your pet. To find the best product for your pet’s needs, you’ll need to think about your pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle. Does the product label indicate a required age range in order to use this product? Has your pet had a history of skin problems that may be exacerbated by a topical product? Does your pet swim or bathe frequently? How often will your pet be exposed to areas where fleas may be hiding? Does your pet need protection from ticks as well? Considering all of these questions will help you choose the best product to keep your pet protected.

How many eggs can a flea lay in a day?

A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs in a day, so even just a few fleas on your pet can quickly turn into a major problem. A prescription flea treatment will be necessary to combat the infestation and your pet will need to be treated for a minimum of three months to address the whole life cycle of the parasite.

What to consider when choosing flea treatment for pets?

To find the best product for your pet’s needs, you’ll need to think about your pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle.

Does flea treatment work for cats?

Different flea treatment products contain different medications, so each product works a little differently. Some of the best topical flea treatments for cats kill adult fleas immediately on contact. Some products also contain a repellent agent so fleas will avoid jumping on your pet. Many flea treatment products also contain medications which kill ...

Can fleas be absorbed into bloodstream?

In rare cases, more serious adverse reactions to a topical flea treatment can occur. These reaction s may be more common in topical flea treatments that are absorbed systemically, meaning they cross the skin barrier and are absorbed into your pet’s bloodstream. If you suspect your pet may be having a reaction to a topical flea treatment, contact your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency hospital right away for guidance.

Can flea medication be absorbed?

Many topical flea products are not absorbed systemically. This means that the medication does not cross the skin barrier or enter your pet’s bloodstream, which can be safer for some pets with a history of reactions to certain types of medications.

How long do flea and tick pills last?

There are different active chemicals used in different flea and tick pill medications, some of which last a few days and others that last a month. The most common active chemicals in oral treatments include:

How long does a tick and flea shot last?

Most topical medications last a month. Some topical medications not only kill fleas and ticks, they also repel them. The most common active chemicals in topical medications are:

How long does it take for a dog to get ticks?

Since a single female flea can produce up to 2,000 eggs in her three-week lifespan, a dog can become infested quickly. Tick bites are even more dangerous. A single tick bite can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, ehrlichiosis and other diseases. Signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses may take anywhere from 7 to 21 or more days to appear, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

How long does it take for a tick to show up on a dog?

Signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses may take anywhere from 7 to 21 or more days to appear, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Luckily, there are many types of flea and tick medications available to stop these tiny terrors from making their home on your dog or cat. The most popular kind of effective treatment is a topical ...

What is the best flea killer for cats?

Imidacloprid: This ingredient kills fleas by disrupting the nervous system. It kills both adult and larval stage fleas that come in contact with the pet. It is approved by the EPA for use on cats and dogs. Pyrethroids: You may see pyrethroids on the list of active ingredients under a few different names.

What to do if flea medication doesn't protect against heartworm?

If your chosen flea medication doesn't protect against heartworm, make sure to talk to your vet about how to protect your pet. If you are wondering which treatment is the best option, please consult with your veterinarian. They will ensure to get your pet on the correct treatment plan.

How long does it take for nitinpyram to kill fleas?

Nitenpyram: This fast-acting insecticide kills adult fleas in as little as thirty minutes. It doesn't have long-term effect, so it shouldn't be used for continuous flea control. Instead, it might be an option if you are planning a short-term trip to an area where you expect fleas will be present, such as a boarding kennel or a dog park. It is worth noting that most vets use this to kill fleas quickly, rather than use it as a preventative solution. It is approved for use by the FDA in cats and dogs, and it also kills ticks.

How long does flea treatment last?

Note that under normal circumstances, the product will keep the fleas away for a month. But if there are severe infestations or frequent re-infestation, you might need to retreat earlier than every four weeks. However, if that’s the case and your pet needs more treatment, do not do it again for at least seven days.

How long does it take for flea spray to work on a dog?

Flea products are necessary for your pets, and they come in such as flea collars, sprays, tablets, and spot-on. Speak with a veterinarian before choosing the right product because some can take up to three days while others will only need an hour!

Why do cats have flea eggs?

There are flea eggs all over the house owing to your pet’s prior movement in the house. Now when he moves around, the fleas hatching jump onto the pet. They will die eventually, but complete eradication from home will take time. Until then, you will see fleas on your cat.

How long does it take for fleas to hatch out?

You did not use the product long enough to produce the desired results. Usually, it takes about six weeks or more for all the fleas to hatch out. At least three months of treatment promises eradication of the fleas.

How long does Advantage II last?

If you’re worried about new parasites, do not be. Advantage protects against them too and lasts up to 4 weeks, so no more itching or scratching all day long, giving you peace of mind and your pet the relief they need.

How to take care of a furry friend?

If you notice any signs that their skin is irritated, contact a licensed veterinarian and get them bathed right away with warm water and a mild detergent such as dishwashing liquid or baby shampoo.

Can you use flea spray on pupae?

You used sprays, and these are not as effective as topical medications. Sprays are incapable of killing fleas inside the pupae.

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