Treatment FAQ

what is a safe flea treatment for dogs

by Dr. Xander Medhurst Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If chemical products are necessary for additional flea or tick control, NRDC recommends s-methoprene or pyriproxyfen, which are less toxic ingredients—but read the labels carefully because some products use them with other, more harmful pesticides.Jan 22, 2016

What is the number 1 flea treatment for dogs?

Our pick for best oral flea control product for dogs is Simparica TRIO, a chewable tablet that is fast-acting and kills more parasites than any other oral product. Simparica TRIO starts to work within four hours and kills 100% of adult fleas on dogs within eight hours.Aug 17, 2021

What flea treatment do vets recommend for dogs?

Topical Treatments K9 Advantix for dogs is a waterproof formula that you only have to apply once a month. 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.Apr 30, 2018

Is flea treatment harmful to dogs?

When used as directed, such products are safe and effective. However, dogs and cats can easily become sick if too much or the wrong flea product is applied, or the product is ingested post-application. Ingestion occurs if the dog or cat licks the treated area.Aug 17, 2018

Which flea medicine is killing dogs?

ATLANTA — Thousands of dog owners worldwide blame a popular flea killer for harming their pets. Channel 2 Consumer Investigator Jim Strickland has obtained records showing dog owners believe the drug is connected to hundreds of pet deaths. The medication is called Bravecto.Feb 5, 2017

Which flea and tick prevention is safest for dogs?

If chemical products are necessary for additional flea or tick control, NRDC recommends s-methoprene or pyriproxyfen, which are less toxic ingredients—but read the labels carefully because some products use them with other, more harmful pesticides.Jan 22, 2016

Is NexGard safe for dogs?

So, while NexGard does a great job in protecting your dog from fleas and ticks, is the chewable itself safe to give your dog? Yes, NexGard Chewables is safe to give to most dogs. More specifically, NexGard is safe and effective in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age or older, weighing 4 lbs or more.

Is Nexgard better than Frontline?

The answer to this question is the inverse of the answer given for fleas, which is to say that both are equally effective at killing ticks, but in this case, Nexgard kills them quicker. Nexgard can eliminate the little bloodsuckers in just eight hours, whereas it takes 24-48 hours for Frontline to work.5 days ago

Is Frontline Plus safe for dogs?

The active ingredients in Frontline Plus — fipronil and s-methoprene — are largely considered safe and effective for most dogs.Sep 24, 2021

Is Capstar safe for dogs?

Adverse Reactions Laboratory and clinical studies showed that Capstar Tablets are safe for use in dogs and cats, puppies and kittens 4 weeks of age and older and 2 pounds of body weight or greater.

Which is safer NexGard or Simparica?

Final Thoughts. As you can see, both Nexgard and Simparica are extremely good and effective flea and tick treatment and they do not have a major difference between them. But that being said, Simparica does kill an additional tick specie and is relatively faster in eliminating fleas and ticks.Jan 7, 2021

Is Advantix safe for dogs?

Most veterinarians consider Advantix safe for dogs, but it is a strong medication that should be used with caution. The main active ingredients are imidacloprid and permethrin, both of which can be toxic in high doses.

Which is better frontline or Bravecto?

Tick-control efficacy on individual dogs was higher in Bravecto™ (fluralaner) treated dogs in weeks 2 and 4. In week 8, Frontline™ (fipronil) efficacy was slightly higher at 100% compared with 99.7% for Bravecto™ (fluralaner). Both treatment groups had a tick efficacy of 100% at week 12 (Table 5).Mar 4, 2014

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 ...

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to deal with fleas in dogs?

The best way to deal with fleas is prevention. Flea and tick preventatives kill fleas that come in contact with your dog, preventing your pup from bringing them home in the first place. There are several options out there, from flea collars to topical liquid applicants and pills.

How long does it take for a dog to get rid of fleas?

You also need to determine how to get rid of fleas in your home. This requires patience. It can take as long as three-to-four months to get rid of an infestation, as it takes this long for all of the fleas in your home to go through their life stages.

How many eggs can a flea lay?

Fleas go through four life cycle stages: Egg. Larva. Pupa. Adult. The adults live on animals like your dog, where they digest blood and lay their eggs. One female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs.

What to do if my dog has ridden in my car?

If your dog has ridden in your car lately, you should vacuum the seats. Continue to treat your dog and any other pets with a monthly preventative. During flea season, don’t let your dog interact with strange dogs and be sure his puppy playmates are free of fleas. 4.

How to get rid of ticks in my yard?

Choose and apply an environmental flea control spray or fogger that will treat all stages of fleas, or call a local exterminator. Choose and apply a spray, pellet, or nontoxic flea treatment for your yard. Keeping grass and brush short will also make your yard less inviting to fleas and ticks.

How long do fleas stay in a dog's cocoon?

During the pupa stage they form cocoons, where they wait for several days or up to one year — preferably for the fleas in the comfort of your carpet, sofa, or bed — until a warm-bodied host appears. Then they hatch, become adults, and infest their animal hosts – such as your dog.

How long does it take for a flea to lay eggs?

One female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs. These eggs hatch in 1-10 days and spread throughout your home and yard every time your dog scratches, shakes, or lies down. They then hatch into larvae that can move on the host and feed on blood and flea dirt (digested blood from the adult fleas).

How to make flea repellent for dogs?

There are dozens of natural dog flea repellent recipes out there. The easiest is vinegar and water or a few drops of lemon essential oil and water. Add to a spray bottle, shake, and spray! (Avoiding your dog’s eyes, ears, and other sensitive areas, of course.)

How to get rid of fleas in your house?

STEP #2: Use a natural flea treatment for your home and yard. Clean, clean, clean your floor and pet bedding at least once a week. Vacuum your carpet often, as well as between couch cushions. Toxicologists at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine recommend daily cleaning for intense infestations. 10.

What is the first step in cutting the flea current?

The first step in cutting the flea current is to get rid of those fleas that have already set up shop.

How long do fleas live?

Fleas go through four main stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult. The total life cycle of a typical flea can range from a couple of weeks to several months, depending on their environment. Warmer climates tend to shorten the life cycle, which is why infestations often happen in the summer.

What are the stages of fleas?

Here is another thing to consider. Fleas go through four main stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult.

How many eggs can a flea lay in a day?

What’s more, a female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day! 9. While these are not appealing thoughts, they are important factoids to consider when putting together a sound, safe flea prevention or treatment protocol for your pet.

Can you do a flea plan once?

Unfortunately, your natural flea plan cannot be completed by doing something once and calling it good. Those who have the most success stamping out fleas instigate a multi-pronged, ongoing approach.

How to get rid of fleas in dogs?

Wash your dog's bedding in hot water to kill dust mites and fleas. You should spray your outdoor areas with pet friendly chemicals to get rid of fleas. Horticultural oil is a good option. Some pet owners choose to give their pets garlic, to keep flea and tick infections at bay.

How to treat fleas and ticks in dogs?

Tips to Control Fleas. The best and safest way to cure flea and tick infections is to use natural medications along with preventive measures. Since fleas attach themselves to your dog's body when he goes outdoors, make sure your comb the dog's fur after taking him on a walk.

Is flea and tick treatment safe for dogs?

What Is the Safest Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs. ... Although there are plenty of flea and tick treatment options that effectively kill adult fleas and ticks, these products are not always safe for use. Most products contain organophosphate insecticides that effectively kill adult parasites. If these insecticides are used incorrectly ...

Can flea collars be used for ticks?

What You Should Avoid. Although all commercial products help control flea and tick infections, most of them cannot be used as long term solutions for parasite control. Flea collars contain harmful pesticides that shouldn't come in contact with human skin. This makes it unsafe for use around children, too.

Is flea control safe for children?

This makes it unsafe for use around children, too. Flea control tablets also have their own side effects but they aren't as harmful as most other treatment options. However, make sure you administer tablets that are lower in toxicity. Avoid products that contain organophosphate insecticides.

Can flea and tick control be used on dogs?

If these insecticides are used incorrectly or if your pet ingests even the smallest amount of topical solutions that are applied to his body, he stands a chance of developing several harsh side effects. It is therefore important to look for alternative and safer options to control flea and tick infections in dogs.

What is the best flea control?

Lotilaner – an ectoparasiticide belonging to the isoxazoline family, with a 1 month duration. Spinosad – made from soil bacteria that is toxic to insects and found in garden insect spray. Lufenuron – controls flea infestations by preventing the hatching of eggs, and prevents the flea shell from developing.

What are the chemicals used to treat fleas?

They’re potent and dangerous enough. They include acaricides that are pesticides poisonous to ticks and mites. Ectoparasiticides are to treat external parasites like fleas, ticks, lice, mites and flies.

How do flea and tick preventatives work?

How Oral Flea And Tick Preventatives Work. When you give your dog isoxazolines, they work systemically. This means they’re absorbed into his blood and they affect the entire body. When fleas and ticks feast on your dog’s blood, they eat the chemicals … and become paralyzed and die.

How long does flea and tick prevention last?

Here’s a reminder of some things to beware of. Duration of prevention. Avoid the longer-lasting 8 to 12 week products. Longer prevention means a more potent product and longer time in your dog’s system.

How long does it take for a dog to die from fleas?

When a flea or tick draws blood from your dog it’s infected with the chemical and dies. This takes place over several months while your dog wears the collar.

What is the name of the drug that binds to chloride channels inside a flea?

These drugs contain isoxazolines. And they’re usually only available by prescription. Many of these meds contain a class of ingredients called isoxazolines. They’re non-competitive GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor antagonists. This means they bind to chloride channels inside the flea or tick.

Can flea and tick medicine cause heartworm?

This is a lot of unnecessary medication and can lead to some pretty serious side effects … especially when your dog doesn’t need the extra meds!

What is the best spray for dogs to kill fleas?

If you're leery of using synthetic chemicals on or in your dog, try this plant-based spray. It’s formulated with certified natural peppermint and clove essential oils to kills fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact.

How to keep fleas away from my dog?

Fleas prefer to live in shaded outdoor areas with sand, leaves, or other debris, so you can help prevent fleas by keeping your grass cut short and keeping your dog from playing in areas where fleas might be hiding. You can also treat your home with diatomaceous earth, which helps to kill adult fleas. 4.

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

Working for up to 30 days to kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes on contact, this treatment can be used safely on dogs as young as seven weeks. Particularly if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, it's important to make sure that they're protected from fleas and ticks (and the various diseases that they carry).

How long does it take for Bravecto to kill ticks?

Each of Bravecto's prescription-only chews provides up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks, and starts to kill fleas in just two hours. They control four tick species: black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and Lone Star ticks.

How long does flea shampoo last?

The shampoo contains an insect growth regulator (IGR) to kill and prevent flea development for up to 28 days, though you may find you need to use it every seven to ten days for the most effectiveness. A little goes a long way, so the bottle should last you for some time.

How long does fipronil last on dogs?

After you snap open the tube and apply the formula to your dog’s shoulder blades and back, it’s stored in the oil glands to give long-lasting protection for a full 30 days.

Can flea and tick prevention products help dogs?

But flea and tick prevention products aren’t just important for your dog’s comfort and health —they can also prevent you and your family from getting Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness. 1. From pills and chews to ointments and shampoos, there are plenty of options to choose from to keep your dog healthy.

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