Can I use spot on flea treatment on my Dog?
It is approved for use by the FDA in cats and dogs, and it also kills ticks. Topical flea and tick medication, also called "spot on" medications, are generally applied between the pet's shoulder blades so the pet can't lick it off. Most topical medications last a month. Some topical medications not only kill fleas and ticks, they also repel them.
What is the best flea treatment for dogs?
Types of Safe Flea Treatments for Dogs 1 Dog Flea and Tick Collars. Under many circumstances, newer dog flea collars are safe options for flea and tick control (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective). 2 Topical Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs. ... 3 Oral Flea and Tick Medications for Dogs. ...
How do topical flea treatments work?
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. Fipronil spreads over the cat or dog through body oils in about a day. It releases over time — usually about a month.
How often can I bathe my dog after applying flea treatment?
Ideally, you should wait several days after application to bathe a dog. Topical treatments generally need to be applied monthly. There are several oral prescription flea and tick medications that are considered to be quite safe for dogs. These preventatives come in pill and chew forms.
How do you get rid of fleas on a boxer?
Go over your Boxer with a flea comb, dipping it in soapy water to kill any fleas collected. Once you've cleared the problem, consider implementing some of the other measures outlined above to make both your dog's body and your home environment and yard less hospitable to fleas.
How do you apply a topical flea tick to a dog?
0:041:08How to Apply Flea & Tick Topical Treatments - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDown part the hair behind the neck and applied the full dosage directly onto the skin and not theMoreDown part the hair behind the neck and applied the full dosage directly onto the skin and not the coat. Keep the applicator squeezed. Until it is away from the skin to prevent some of the topical.
Where do you put topical flea treatment?
0:121:25How To Apply A Spot On Flea Treatment For Your Cat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFind a spot on the back of your cat's head this placement is to stop them licking when grooming andMoreFind a spot on the back of your cat's head this placement is to stop them licking when grooming and accidentally eating the substance off their fur. Part the fur so that you can see the skin.
Does flea treatment still work if on fur?
If you have a pet with thick fur, this can present a challenge. However, the medication won't work correctly if only the hair follicles are involved – it must be applied to the skin.
How do you apply flea medicine to a difficult dog?
0:291:48How To Apply A Spot On Flea Treatment To Your Dog - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPart the fair with one hand so that you can see the skin at the base of the hair using your otherMorePart the fair with one hand so that you can see the skin at the base of the hair using your other hand apply the spot-on treatment directly onto the exposed skin rather than the fair.
Should you rub in flea treatment?
You can apply it on different sections of its neck, but it's best to concentrate on one area to make sure the most medication gets applied directly on its skin. Refrain from rubbing the tick and flea medication in, as this can just spread it on its fur, where it won't protect against the parasites.
How long does it take for topical flea medicine to work?
Fortunately, all flea preventions, both topical and oral, show great speed in controlling flea infestations. Topical preventions have been shown to clear current flea burdens on dogs within 12 to 48 hours, and oral preventions often work within the first 2 to 4 hours.
Why is my dog still scratching after flea treatment?
It's fairly typical after you've applied Itch Flea for there to be a period of hyperactivity amongst the fleas as the product takes effect, and this can cause an increase in itching. It should settle down though after 24 hours.
Why does my dog keep getting fleas even after treatment?
Not treating often enough Fleas go through a life cycle of egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Most flea treatments just kill adult fleas, but fleas can continue to emerge for months after you think an infestation has ended. When a newly emerged female flea finds a host, she can lay eggs within one day.
How do I get rid of fleas on my dog with thick fur?
Just lukewarm water, or water and a mild soap, can help get fleas off your pet's fur and skin. The dish soap can help to drown adult fleas. If you're thinking about using a flea shampoo or something similar, talk to your veterinarian first.
Why do I still see fleas after using frontline?
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 does flea treatment take to dry on fur?
You can usually cuddle and pet your cat immediately after receiving an oral flea prevention medication. Topical products can take a few hours to soak into the skin layer. Avoid petting your cat for 24-48 hours in the spot where you applied a topical medication.
How do flea preventatives work?
How do Topical Flea Preventatives Work? Topical flea preventatives are liquid solutions that are applied externally on dogs and cats to protect against fleas, ticks, and other harmful insects. For cats and small dogs, topicals are typically applied in one spot between the shoulders. For dogs, topicals are applied evenly along the upper spine.
How do fleas get killed?
Once they come into contact with your pet's coat, they are killed. Other topicals work through absorbing through the skin and circulating into the bloodstream. For these topicals, fleas are killed when they bite the pet. That's how it treats the entire body, not just the area of application.
What are the ingredients in a topical that kill ticks?
That's how it treats the entire body, not just the area of application. Common ingredients of topicals are primarily insect neurotoxins , which kill fleas and ticks by targeting the function of the nervous system, resulting in paralysis and death. Fipronil, (S)-methoprene, imidacloprid, permethrin, and pyriproxyfen are among ...
Do fleas bite dogs?
For dogs, topicals are applied evenly along the upper spine. For accurate dosing, topicals must be applied directly to the skin, not on the hair. Some topicals work through spreading via the hair and the skin's natural body oils. For these topicals, fleas don't have to bite your pet to die.
What is the best flea treatment for dogs?
Types of Safe Flea Treatments for Dogs. Veterinarians typically recommend dog flea and tick collars, topical flea and tick treatments , or oral flea and tick medications (sometimes in combination) to fully protect their patients. Here are a few of the safest flea treatments for dogs on the market today and some of their pros and cons.
How to treat fleas and ticks in dogs?
Keep in mind that no two pets are the same. Therefore, a product that’s commonly considered to be safe flea and tick prevention for dogs may be a great option for one animal and a mistake for another. Factors to consider include: 1 Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information. 2 Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. 3 Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, concurrent health conditions, and previous reactions to flea and tick preventatives should be taken into account. For example, neurologic problems have been seen in dogs when high doses of ivermectin (heartworm prevention ingredient) are given in conjunction with spinosad, a flea preventative ingredient. 4 Your pet’s lifestyle: The presence of children and other pets (especially cats) in the household and your pet’s daily activities/exposure to the outdoors are important details. 5 Where you live: Which parasites are common in your area? Is resistance to certain preventatives a concern?
What factors to consider when treating a puppy for fleas?
Factors to consider include: Age: Flea treatments must be age-appropriate; many are not made for young puppies. Look at the product’s label for this information. Breed: Coat type may influence your decision. Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, ...
Can flea and tick collars be used on cats?
As is the case with flea and tick collars, if you’re unable to keep your pet away from small children or animals who may come into direct contact with the medication before it has dried or absorbed into your pet’s skin, a topical treatment might not be the ideal solution. If you have cats in your home, you will want to talk to a veterinarian ...
Is a flea collar safe for dogs?
Under many circumstances, newer dog flea collars are safe options for flea and tick control (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective). The Seresto collar is a very popular option right now. It uses flumethrin and imidacloprid to kill fleas at multiple stages of development as well as ticks. The collar’s effectiveness lasts ...
Can you treat a dog with thick coats?
Thicker coats may be difficult for topical treatments. Your pet’s health history: Other medications or supplements that you give, concurrent health conditions, and previous reactions to flea and tick preventatives should be taken into account.
Does Trifexis work against ticks?
Trifexis employs spinosad and milbemycin oxime to keep dogs protected from heartworms and intestinal parasites as well as fleas, but it does not work against ticks. Your vet will need to prescribe this treatment. Bravecto chews (it also comes as a topical) offer protection from fleas and ticks for 8-12 weeks per dose.
What is the best flea treatment for dogs?
So, what's the best flea treatment for dogs? 1. Flea and Tick Collars. Believe it or not, prevention can be as simple as putting a collar on your dog.
How long does it take for a flea collar to work?
These collars will work start killing off any fleas on your dog within the first 24 hours. Summer and swimming go hand and hand, so you may be hesitant to get a flea collar if your dog loves to cool off in the water.
What is the best chew for fleas?
If your pup is suffering from a flea infestation, try a soft chew that’s similar to a treat. Advantus Soft Chews for Small Dogs and Advantus Soft Chews for Large Dogs are made with imidacloprid, an insect neurotoxin that works to paralyze and kill fleas within one hour of treatment.
What is the best flea collar for a puppy?
The Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Collar is a veterinarian-recommended flea collar that comes in two options. The Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Collar for Large Dogs and the Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Collar for Small Dogs are both safe for puppies and dogs that are 7 weeks and older. These collars will work start killing off any fleas on your dog ...
How long does it take for K9 Advantix to work?
It easily treats and kills any fleas and ticks that may come your dog's way. K9 Advantix for dogs starts working within 12 hours and will kill all stages of fleas, which will prevent a reinfestation.
How to make a dog collar work?
The collar works by rubbing on skin, so if you have a long-haired dog, trim the hair around the neck to help the collar work best. 2.
Is it safe to keep a dog indoors with fleas?
By Lindsay Schencker. Now more than ever is the time to be proactive about pest prevention. Flea and tick season is at its peak in summertime, so you’ll want to ensure your dog stays safe. It's important to keep in mind that your pet can also be affected by fleas and ticks indoors.
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 effective are flea and tick preventatives?
A study published in Veterinary Parasitology seems to back up the veterinarians and flea product makers. The ninety-day study found that topicals were 88.4 percent effective, while oral treatments were 99.9 percent effective. There were 128 dogs from five states involved in the study. Whatever your choice in flea and tick preventative, ...
How does fipronil work?
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.
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:
Is flea and tick medicine a topical or oral treatment?
Fleas and ticks are not just a nuisance, they're also a real threat to your pet's health. Dogs and cats not treated with flea and tick medication, either in the form of a topical treatment or a flea and tick pill, can suffer everything from flea allergy dermatitis ...
Can flea spray be used for flea control?
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.
Safety First
How Topicals Work
- Once applied to your pet the topical solution will get absorbed by the oils of the skin then into the bloodstream. Hense, the reason why it must be applied to the skin and not the hair/fur. As it enters the blood stream it will circulate throughout the entire body of your pet giving him/her 100% flea protection.
Topical Flea Treatment Brands
- Searching for the right topical can be a daunting task because there are so many brands to choose from. I want to help narrow down your search by presenting you with the best Topical Flea Treatments available today. This information is based on facts from information I found while researching and also from my personal experience using topicals on my pets and my customer’…
Conclusion
- The most important thing is to completely eliminate fleas from your pet no matter what products you choose to use. Unfortunately, this will not happen overnight and will take some work on your part. Staying consistent with flea treatments will eliminate flea infestations. Knowing the fleas life cyclewill help you better understand how to eliminate them. You will also know how to spot the f…