When should I start flea treatment on my Dog?
If you’re set on not providing your dog with year-round flea protection, we recommend you begin treatment on your dog a few months before the peak flea season for your area. Find out when that will be by looking at the graph at the bottom of our map, which is based on your region’s historical weather data. Sadly, ticks don’t take vacations.
Can You reapply flea treatment early?
While you can reapply flea treatment early in some cases, you should talk to your veterinarian to find the best and most effective flea treatment for your pet. Your vet will know which products are working well in your region, as some that may have been effective at one time may no longer be killing fleas the way they used to.
How long does it take to get rid of fleas?
Getting rid of fleas is a difficult process due to the long lifecycle of a flea. Moderate to severe infestations will take months to control and require a four-step process for complete elimination:
How do I choose the best flea treatment?
This keeps all treatment on the same timeline and helps disrupt the flea life cycle. A licensed commercial pest control applicator can help you determine which products are best for inside your home and in the yard. In general, focus outdoor treatment on shady areas and places where pets spend the most amount of time.
When should you get flea treatment?
Spring and summer are usually the heaviest time for ticks. But they can live year-round in some parts of the U.S. If you see signs of these pests on your pet, treat them right away. Otherwise, start treatment at the beginning of flea or tick season.
When should I start my puppy on flea and tick medicine?
eight weeksMost flea and tick products are not safe to use on puppies until they have reached at least seven or eight weeks of age. At Plymouth Veterinary Hospital, we can recommend a flea and tick preventative to use that it is safe to begin administering to your puppy.
When can I use flea treatment on my puppy?
7 weeksOnce your puppy is weaned, and is over 7 weeks of age, you can choose between several treatments to protect your puppy from fleas. Advantage, Advocate®, Advantix® and Seresto® are all options, depending on which other parasites you need to control at the same time.
Can I apply flea medicine before 30 days?
Yes, if after two weeks the flea preventive you applied isn't working, you can reapply flea treatment early, or switch to another brand. I recommend using Advantix or a chewable prescription product from your vet, like Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, or Credelio. This recommendation is unrelated to Petco or PetCoach.
Can an 8 week old puppy have flea medicine?
Puppies aged eight weeks and older can often be treated with standard flea control products. There are several different options including spot-ons, tablets and collars. Advantage spot-on is suitable for pets from eight weeks.
How often do puppies need flea treatment?
Fleas can still jump onto your puppy in the winter, and your warm home will be the perfect environment for triggering flea eggs to hatch. So, if you're asking yourself “how often should I give my puppy flea treatment?”, the answer is every 4 weeks for optimal protection – year-round, leaving no gaps.
When can you start using Frontline on a puppy?
8 weeksWhen should I start treating my pets with FRONTLINE PLUS or FRONTLINE SPRAY? It is safe to treat puppies and kittens with FRONTLINE SPRAY from 2 days of age. Puppies and kittens can be treated with FRONTLINE PLUS from 8 weeks of age.
Can you bathe a 4 week old puppy with fleas?
The best way to treat puppies this young is with a warm bath and some dawn dish soap. You can't really use any flea treatments on them. However you should, and can treat the mother. You should also wash any bedding and make sure that you keep the puppies free of fleas at all times.
What can I use on a 6 week old puppy for fleas?
If you have a very young puppy, Revolution can be used on puppies 6 weeks of age and older, and there is no minimum weight requirement. Once your puppy is at least 7 weeks old, he or she can use Advantage II if the puppy weighs at least 3 pounds, or K9 Advantix II if your pup weighs at least 4 pounds.
Can you apply frontline before 30 days?
There is no single answer for this frequently asked question. The known safe answer is to wait the period of time the product is supposed to work, typically 30 days, before reapplying. An alternative is to bathe the pet in a detergent shampoo (meant to strip off skin oils) and reapply after 24 hours.
Can I put flea treatment on early?
If you are finding fleas on your pet even after applying your pet's topical flea treatment, you might consider reapplying it early. However, this solution is not always recommended and may lead to an overdose in some rare cases.
Can you double up on flea treatment?
It's not usually recommended to use more than one oral flea medication at the same time. However, Comfortis and Capstar can be combined. Another exception is Sentinel, which doesn't kill adult fleas, so it can be combined individually with either Comfortis or Capstar.
When to Treat For Fleas in The Heat
For instance, if you live in some parts of the Southern United States, you will be dealing with the ideal conditions for fleas: between 65 and 80 d...
When to Treat For Fleas in The Rain
If you live in a cold and wet climate, both K9 Advantix II and Frontline Plus are waterproof, meaning they can keep your pet flea-free even during...
When to Treat For Fleas in The Cold
Ok, so you live somewhere that can be downright freezing. There’s only a high flea threat during a few months of the year. When should you begin to...
Southern and East Coast Ticks
However, that isn’t even the most crowded tick area in the United States. For that you have to head to the South and the East Coast, where you will...
How long does it take for fleas to die after a spot on?
Some of these treatments begin working within 30 minutes and render all fleas dead within four hours.
What temperature should I use for fleas in the heat?
For instance, if you live in some parts of the Southern United States, you will be dealing with the ideal conditions for fleas: between 65 and 80 degrees and 70 to 85 percent humidity. In this case, it may be easiest to use spot on flea and tick treatments like K9 Advantix II, Advantage Multi for Cats, ...
What are the differences between spot-on flea and tick treatments?
Before choosing the best option for you and your pet, there are some differences to consider among popular spot-on treatments.
What is the best flea and tick medicine for dogs?
For the best flea and tick medication for dogs, several spot on medicines that kill fleas also kill ticks, including K9 Advantix II, Frontline Plus, and PetArmor. In hot areas where there are large numbers of both fleas and ticks, these spot on treatments seem to be the best bet to protect your pet from all those pests out there.
What kind of flea and tick protection should I use on my dog?
Where you live plays a big role in what sort of flea and tick protection, like K9 Advantix II and Frontline Plus, you should be using on your pets.
How long does a flea collar last?
Perhaps the easiest way to provide non-stop protection for your pet is to use a long-lasting flea collar, like Seresto, which releases flea and tick repelling chemicals for 8 months. You can place the collar on your pet, and they'll be protected for months.
How often should I apply K9 Advantix II to my dog?
Both need to be applied to your pet only once a month and kill existing fleas while also regulating flea growth. K9 Advantix II also kills and repels mosquitoes, which are found in high numbers in hot areas of the country as well.
What are the stages of fleas?
Fleas have four developmental stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult. When it’s cold or there’s no host on the horizon, flea pupae, which is the stage before adult fleas emerge, have the ability stay in their tiny cocoons nestled in your couch or rug until the weather gets warm or they find a host.
When do ticks and fleas become active?
fleas. ticks. Although fleas and ticks pose a threat to pets year-round, these pests become most active during the warmer months, starting as early as March in some areas of the United States. Find your state on the map shown here to learn where and when your pets are most at risk for fleas and ticks.
What is the best way to protect your dog from fleas and ticks?
The best defense against fleas and ticks is to keep your dog on a year-round flea and tick preventive medication as recommended by your veterinarian. “Be sure to ask your veterinarian for advice about the safest treatment for your dog and your home,” advises Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer.
How many species of fleas are there in dogs?
There are more than 200 species of fleas affecting dogs, and these can also transmit disease and cause tapeworm infections and anemia. Some dogs are very sensitive to fleabites and suffer from serious allergic reactions of itchy, red, and scabby skin and even hair loss.
How many eggs do fleas lay in a day?
A solitary adult female (and many people say there’s no such thing as one flea) starts laying eggs the day after its first ingestion of blood, producing up to 50 egg s per day and about 2,000 in its lifetime. So it doesn’t take long to have an infestation on your dog and in your house — leading to a costly and time-consuming extermination process.
Can fleas fly on dogs?
Fleas require blood from an animal host to be able to live and reproduce. They don’t have wings, so they can’t fly. However, they are serious jumpers with the ability to jump 100 to 200 times their size.
How old do puppies have to be to use flea and tick products?
Flea and Tick Protection for Puppies. Most flea and tick products are not safe to use on puppies until they’ve reached at least seven or eight weeks of age (see chart below).
How old should a puppy be to use a flea comb?
Flea comb: As an alternative to medications (or for pups younger than four weeks), Grognet recommends using a flea comb to check your puppy for the presence of fleas and safely remove them.
Why is flea and tick prevention important?
Why Flea and Tick Prevention Is Important. In addition to being uncomfortable for your dog, fleas are also the leading cause of tapeworm, a parasite whose larvae is carried by fleas. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and other serious conditions.
What to do after a puppy is born?
After you’ve welcomed a new puppy into your home, it’s important to ensure you’re setting your puppy up for a long and happy life. Flea and tick protection for puppies is a critical part of that. Add flea and tick puppy prevention to your checklist, along with required and recommended vaccinations for your puppy, the socialization process , and initiating a regimen of quality preventive care , including heartworm preventatives.
How many fleas are there in pets?
Of the flea population, only 5 percent includes adult fleas on pets, Grognet says. The rest are in various stages of the life cycle and can be found outdoors or in your home. Vacuum your carpets (remember to remove the bag afterward) and clean all bedding your pet has used as well as any chairs with padding.
How to keep fleas away from dogs?
Dr. Andrea Tu of Park East Animal Hospital in New York City recommends regularly running a flea comb throughout your dog’s coat to check for fleas. Also, be on the watch for “flea dirt,” little black specks usually found on a dog’s belly or around the tail. Vacuuming the home and spraying flea and tick insecticides on shaded areas in the yard can also be useful in keeping any potential flea problems at bay. Some people prefer the more “natural” option of using nematodes, an organism that feeds on flea larvae, on their yards. Other popular yard pest control products use essential oils as a deterrent.
How old is Capstar for puppies?
Flea treatment: According to veterinarian and AKC Family Dog columnist Jeff Grognet, Capstar is safe to give to puppies as young as four weeks old (and a minimum of 2 pounds). This medication is given in a tablet form to treat flea infestations.
How long does flea treatment take?
Be prepared to leave your home or apartment during treatment and until the insecticide has thoroughly dried. This will take approximately three to five hours, or the time advised by your pest control operator. Bring your pets (including caged animals such as birds, reptiles, and hamsters) with you when you leave home and have pets with fur treated for fleas by a veterinarian. Remove all pets and have them treated for fleas by a veterinarian. If you plan to treat the animal yourself, it is essential that all label directions be followed and that you use only products specified for the species of animal on which the product is to be used. It is critical, however, that pets be treated at the same time as the home so that neither reinfests the other afterward. Also, consider using a flea repellent to help prevent the problem from reoccurring.
How to prevent fleas from reoccurring?
Follow these other pre-service preparations: Wash all pet bedding in hot water or destroy it. Vacuum all carpeting and mop wood and tile floors, including along walls and inside closets.
What animals can you bring to a flea clinic?
Bring your pets (including caged animals such as birds, reptiles, and hamsters ) with you when you leave home and have pets with fur treated for fleas by a veterinarian. Remove all pets and have them treated for fleas by a veterinarian.
Do you have to treat pets at the same time?
If you plan to treat the animal yourself, it is essential that all label directions be followed and that you use only products specified for the species of animal on which the product is to be used. It is critical, however, that pets be treated at the same time as the home so that neither reinfests the other afterward.
Can a dog get fleas from the outside?
Alastair Macewen / Getty Images. No one wants fleas in their home, but once your dog or cat carries them in, it can be difficult to get rid of them. Your pet can get fleas from the outdoors or from being around other animals that have fleas.
What is the best flea treatment for cats?
If you are looking for the safest flea treatment for cats, here are several factors that can help you and your veterinarian decide which option is best: 1 Your cat’s lifestyle: Outdoor cats are at higher risk for flea infestations, but indoor cats are also susceptible. 2 Age: Different flea preventatives have different age restrictions. 3 Health history: Your veterinarian needs to be aware of your cat’s health status and all medications and supplements that your cat is currently taking to recommend the safest type of flea preventative. 4 Breed: Coat length can influence the type of treatment. 5 Where you live: Resistance to certain types of flea preventatives is a problem in some areas. Your veterinarian will know which treatments will be the most effective.
Why is it important to apply flea medication to a cat?
The site of application is important because it prevents cats from licking the treated area and making themselves sick. These topical flea medications are safe when applied topically, but they can cause problems if ingested.
How old is Comfortis for cats?
Comfortis is a prescription monthly chewable option that’s safe for cats 14 weeks of age and older and 4.1 pounds and up.
How long does a flea collar last?
The Seresto collar is a safe cat flea collar that can last for up to 8 months (water exposure can shorten its length of effectiveness). It uses two active ingredients—imidacloprid and flumethrin—and is approved for cats of all weights as long as they are over 10 weeks of age. The collars work by continually releasing the flea-killing ingredients, ...
How old is a cat when it is safe to use Bravecto?
It can be used on cats over 8 weeks of age and is safe for cats 2.8 pounds and larger. Bravecto is a topical flea treatment option that uses fluralaner to kill adult fleas. This topical flea treatment will provide your cat with three months of protection. It should only be used on cats that are older than 6 months and weigh more than 2.6 pounds.
How does a flea collar work?
The collars work by continually releasing the flea-killing ingredients, which can help eliminate infestations. This cat flea collar also has a quick-release feature, so pet parents do not have to worry about the collar catching on something and hurting their cat.
Is flea treatment safe for cats?
If you are looking for the safest flea treatment for cats, here are several factors that can help you and your veterinarian decide which option is best: Your cat’s lifestyle: Outdoor cats are at higher risk for flea infestations, but indoor cats are also susceptible. Age: Different flea preventatives have different age restrictions.
How to apply flea treatment?
How to Apply Each Brand of Topical Flea Treatment 1 Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. 2 Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. 3 Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. 4 Dogs: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply to the skin; do this in one or more spots depending on the size of your dog. For larger dogs, choose two or three spots along the spine to continue the application.
What percent of fleas should be treated?
You should be treating your home for adults plus the other 95 percent—flea eggs, flea larvae and flea pupae.
How many active ingredients are in flea prevention?
Flea preventions typically use one or two active ingredients to do the job of preventing fleas. Each brand will use different active ingredients, and these ingredients will work in different ways to prevent fleas. An overdose for most flea preventions could result in the following: Profuse drooling. Vomiting.
Why is flea prevention not working?
Incorrectly applying topical flea prevention is the most common cause for its failure to work. Flea prevention is expensive, and you don’t want to waste a dose.
How to apply Bravecto to cat?
Bravecto. Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow.
Can you overdose on fleas?
However, this solution is not always recommended and may lead to an overdose in some rare cases.
Do fleas jump on pets?
New fleas from the environment can—and will—jump on to your pet to feed. So, it’s extremely important to treat your pet’s environment, too. And it’s not just adult fleas you need to watch out for, because they only make up less than 5 percent of the flea population.
