
Common active ingredients include: deltamethrin, dinotefuran, fipronil, imidacloprid Imidacloprid is a systemic insecticide that acts as an insect neurotoxin and belongs to a class of chemicals called the neonicotinoids which act on the central nervous system of insects. The chemical works by interfering with the transmission of stimuli in the insect nervous syst…Imidacloprid
What are the ingredients in flea treatment?
Many, depending on the brand. Common active ingredients include: deltamethrin, dinotefuran, fipronil, imidacloprid, indoxacarb, permethrin, pyriproxifen, and selamectin. Spot-ons contain ingredients that are neurotoxins specific to adult parasites.
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. ...
Does coconut oil kill fleas on dogs skin?
Coconut oil contains a fatty acid called lauric acid, a component that kills fleas. The fat covers the flea's exoskeleton and essentially suffocates the pest. Only apply coconut oil to your dog's coat outdoors. Because the acid works as a natural flea repellent, the pests may leap out of your dog's fur.
What do flea droppings look like on dogs?
Another telltale sign of fleas is flea droppings, also known as flea dirt. These look like tiny specks of black pepper on your dog's skin. Running a flea comb through your pet's hair can reveal the flea dirt. You can also collect some of the flea dirt and wet it.

What is the active ingredient in dog flea treatment?
The active ingredient in the most common topical flea medicine is Imidacloprid, it is so toxic to fleas that it kills 98% of fleas on the body in about 24 hours. If no more than the recommended dose is applied, it's not harmful to dogs and cats.
What is the active ingredient in spot on?
Fipronil is a long-established, broad spectrum insecticide – the main ingredient used in many easy-to-use “spot-on” treatments which kills live fleas quickly.
What ingredient kills flea eggs?
The most effective ones contain ingredients such as permethrin, imidacloprid, or dinotefuran that are lethal to the biting adult stage, and an “insect growth regulator” (e.g., methoprene, pyriproxyfen) that halts development of flea eggs and larvae.
What is the main ingredient in Frontline for dogs?
FipronilFrontline Plus Ingredients:Active ingredients (per 0.50 ml applicator)AmountFipronil9.8%(S)-methoprene11.8%
What does fipronil do to fleas?
After application, fipronil spreads and sequesters in the lipids of the skin and hair follicles, and continues to be released onto the skin and coat, resulting in long-lasting activity against fleas and ticks.
How does spot on flea treatment work?
Spot on medicines work as an insecticide that kills off fleas on your cat or dog. Once you apply the treatment, the natural oils in their skin distribute the substance around their body. The pesticide chemical in the treatment remains in their hair follicles and continues to be release after the initial application.
What chemical kills fleas instantly?
Pyriproxyfen sprays, available to pest control professionals under the trade names Archer™ and Nylar™, can be applied both indoors and outdoors. Pyriproxyfen controls both immature and adult fleas. Indoors, treat pet loafing and sleeping areas, and in and under nearby furniture.
How do you break the flea cycle?
Help your pet break the flea life cycle with a flea treatment. Clean the house thoroughly on the same day. Wash all your pet's bedding at a high temperature. Vacuum your carpets and furniture to remove eggs, larvae and pupae and discard the vacuum cleaner bag.
What chemical kills fleas and their eggs on dogs?
FRONTLINE PLUS = FRONTLINE COMBO with fipronil and methoprene. Methoprene is a juvenile hormone analogue, i.e. an insect development inhibitor, which prevents deposited eggs from hatching, because a few adult fleas may survive the fipronil treatment. For dogs and cats.
What has the same ingredients as Frontline?
Firstect Plus is the generic equivalent to Frontline Plus® for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens 8 weeks and older, Firstect Plus contains Fipronil and (s)-methoprene – the active ingredients used in Frontline Plus® for cats. Kills fleas, & Flea Eggs up to three months and ticks for one month.
What are the side effects of fipronil?
Direct, short-term contact with skin can result in slight skin irritation. When individuals have eaten fipronil, reported health effects included sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, dizziness, weakness, and seizures.
Does Frontline go into the bloodstream?
Fipronil, marketed under the brand name Frontline, doesn't work primarily by entering the bloodstream, although a minute amount does end up there. Instead, it settles in the animal's sebaceous glands beneath his skin.
What is the best flea medicine for dogs?
Nitenpyram is the active ingredient in Capstar®, an oral flea control product. Capstar starts killing adult fleas on your pet within 30 minutes. It can be used on pregnant or nursing dogs and cats, and is safe for puppies and kittens 4 weeks and older. It can be very useful in situations such as prior to surgery, boarding or grooming or after a trip to the park. However, it will not work for ongoing control as the medication is out of the animal’s system within 24 hours. Therefore, we recommend following up a day later with an application of Drs. Foster & Smith Fiprotrol™ Plus Flea & Tick Control for Dogs, Frontline® Plus for Dogs or Frontline® Plus for Cats.
How long does it take for Amitraz to kill ticks?
Most ticks are killed by Amitraz before they attach or if they do attach, they are killed in less than 24 hours, thus reducing the transfer of the bacteria which cause Lyme disease.
How does selamectin kill parasites?
Selamectin kills parasites by blocking nerve signal transmission. Revolution is absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream, where it protects against heartworm disease. It also kills certain intestinal parasites in cats, as well as fleas, flea eggs and certain types of mites and ticks.
Can pyrethroids kill ticks?
Pyrethroids are often used in the environment to kill and repel ticks, fleas, lice, and mosquitoes. Many pyrethroids cannot be used on cats, so be sure to check the label for safety. Etofenprox (Bio Spot® ACTIVE CARE SPOT ON® for Cats) is a pyrethroid that is labeled safe to use on cats.
Does Fipronil prevent fleas?
Fipronil gives excellent protection against ticks, and adult fleas, but does not prevent flea eggs and larvae from developing. For protection against all stages of the flea life cycle, we recommend Drs. Foster & Smith Fiprotrol™ Plus Flea & Tick Control for Dogs, which contains fipronil plus the Insect Growth Regulator methoprene, described below.
Does K9 Advantix kill ticks?
It kills fleas but does not have activity against ticks. Therefore, the dog product K9 Advantix ® II also contains an ingredient (permethrin) that works against ticks. Advantage® II does have both dog and cat formulations, but K9 Advantix ® II should NOT be used on cats.
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.
Can ivermectin cause neurologic problems in dogs?
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. Your pet’s lifestyle: The presence of children and other pets (especially cats) in the household and your pet’s daily activities/exposure to ...
Signs of a Flea Infestation on Your Dog
You can see adult fleas with the naked eye, although it isn't always easy. But most of the time, you'll notice the symptoms of a flea infestation before you notice the fleas themselves.
7 Top Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs
You've confirmed the presence of fleas on your dog, either by symptoms, the presence of flea dirt, visible fleas in your dog's coat, or all of the above. Now what?
When to See Your Veterinarian
If a flea infestation is severe or home remedies aren't working, it's time to visit the vet.
Flea Prevention Tips for Dog Owners
Just like any health problem, preventing fleas is better than dealing with them after the fact. Prevent a flea infestation in your dog by:
Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs: What to Know
It's no fun when your dog has fleas. Before resorting to flea collars and other methods, you might want to try some natural home remedies. From apple cider vinegar, citrus baths, and coconut oil to pest-control methods for the home and/or yard like diatomaceous earth and nematodes, a variety of solutions might work for you.
5. Arava Natural Flea Treatment
Arava Natural Flea Treatment is a topical treatment that is applied directly onto your dog’s coat. It’s a 1-month treatment instead of most natural products that require daily or weekly reapplications, which will save you time from daily supplements or spraying your down every day.
7. GreenFort Natural Flea Treatment
GreenFort Natural Flea Treatment is a topical treatment that is applied on a monthly basis as a flea and tick preventative. It’s made with concentrated essential oils to help get rid of fleas and ticks on contact, with no strong chemicals found in prescription flea and tick medicines.
What is a spot on treatment for dogs?
What are Spot On Treatments? Spot on treatments, such as PetLock Plus, contain insecticides that come in a small tube of liquid and are used to kill fleas, flea eggs, larvae, ticks, and chewing lice . The treatment is applied directly to your dog’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades.
What is the liquid in a dog's meds?
The liquid contains Fipronil and (S)-methoprene that work to keep adult parasites off your dog, as well prevent larvae from developing. Once it’s absorbed, the liquid medication spreads over the surface of your dog’s skin through the sebaceous glands.
What is the best collar for dogs?
Benefits of PetLock Collar. PetLock Collar provides season long control against fleas and ticks that can transmit harmful diseases to dogs. Kills larvae, nymph and adult ticks for up to 6 months and prevents future infestations from occurring. Weatherproof, waterproof, and long lasting.
How long do you have to keep flea collar on dog?
With a collar, as long as your dog doesn’t mind wearing it, you don’t have to worry about fleas and ticks for six months.
What is a flea collar?
What is a Flea and Tick Collar? A flea and tick collar is a protective band that’s worn around your dog’s neck, just like a collar. The PetLock Collar kills fleas and ticks for up to 6 months, as they contain the same active ingredient as Scalibor Protector Band.
How to keep ticks and fleas from latching on?
The most effective way to keep your pet protected is with an active ingredient treatment. Two of the most commonly used active ingredient treatments used by pet parents are spot on and collars treatments.
Is flea and tick forecast good?
The 2016 flea and tick forecast has just been released… and it doesn’t look good. Experts from the Companion Animal Parasite Council predict that biting parasites are going to be out in full force this year. This is bad news for pets, who are at risk from contracting parasite-transmitted diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and tapeworms from fleas and ticks.
