Treatment FAQ

which topical flea treatment is the safest

by Wendell Lowe Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Best Flea Topical For Dogs

  • Advantix. For months of protection, Advantix flea topical for dogs is the answer. This veterinarian-recommended monthly...
  • Frontline Plus. If your dog has a history of getting fleas, Frontline Plus flea topical for dogs is an effective...
  • Effix. EFFITIX Flea Topical for Dogs is an effective and convenient way to control fleas, ticks, and...

Types of Safe Flea Treatments for Dogs
  • Frontline Plus is an OTC product that uses fipronil and (S)-methoprene to attack fleas and ticks at every life stage. ...
  • 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.
Jun 27, 2019

Full Answer

What is the best flea medicine?

Types of flea medication

  1. Oral flea medications Oral flea medications are those that you give to your pet by mouth. ...
  2. Topical flea medications If your pet doesn’t take medication by mouth very well, or if they tend to get sick with anything new in their diet, consider using a ...
  3. Flea Collars

What is the best flea and tick prevention?

Some of the most popular and effective active ingredients in flea and tick medicine are:

  • Afoxolaner (Brand name NexGard)
  • Fipronil (Brand name Frontline)
  • Fluralaner (Brand name Bravecto)
  • Nitenpyram (Brand name Capstar)
  • Spinosad (Brand name Comfortis)

What is the best flea and tick control?

What to Look for in a Flea and Tick Prevention Product

  • Delivery method. There are several types of flea and tick prevention products that are popular today, including topicals, oral tablets, shampoos, and collars.
  • Active ingredients. Most flea and tick prevention products contain some type of insecticide that kills the insects. ...
  • Longevity. ...

What is a safe flea treatment for home?

Plants that keep fleas away:

  • Penny Royal
  • Chrysanthemums
  • Lavender
  • Spearmint

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What is the least harmful flea treatment?

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.

What is the safest and best flea treatment for dogs?

Best Overall: NexGard Soft Chew for Dogs at Chewy. ... Best Oral: Bravecto Chews for Dogs at Chewy. ... Best Shampoo: Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo at Chewy. ... Best Natural: Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray at Chewy. ... Best for Small Dogs: Sentry Fiproguard Plus for Small Dogs at Chewy. ... Best for Large Dogs: ... Best for Puppies:

Which flea treatment do vets recommend?

Vet's Best Advanced Strength Flea and Tick Dog Shampoo Like Vet's Best, this product by Sentry can treat both flea and ticks on contact.

What is the safest oral flea and tick 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.

What flea and tick medicine is killing dogs?

0:023:45Dog owners blame popular flea medicine for pets's deaths - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipChannel 2's investigative reporter Jim Strickland has FDA reports showing the drug is suspected inMoreChannel 2's investigative reporter Jim Strickland has FDA reports showing the drug is suspected in hundreds of pet death Jim. Chavita it's called brave ecto a dog chew.

Is topical flea treatment safer than oral?

If your pet has experienced this with topical medications in the past, an oral flea treatment may be a safer option. Similarly, if your pet has reacted badly to oral flea treatments, then a topical flea treatment may be a safer option.

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.

Is Bravecto or Nexgard better?

Bravecto kills many types of ticks including the lone star tick for 8 weeks. Nexgard is the only FDA approved option for preventing infections that cause Lyme disease. Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and have been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations.

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.

What flea and tick medicine is causing seizures?

Four flea and tick products may cause seizures, tremors, and lost coordination in some cats and dogs. Food and Drug Administration officials have received thousands of reports of adverse events connected with three products—Bravecto, Nexgard, and Simparica—containing drugs in the isoxazoline class.

What is the best natural flea and tick prevention for dogs?

Combine 1 quart of water, 1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of baby shampoo or liquid dish soap. Use this mixture to bathe your dog once or twice a month. Vinegar kills fleas and ticks on contact and can prevent future infestations.

How safe is Nexgard?

Yes, Nexgard is an incredibly safe and effective prevention for fleas, ticks, and mites. However, because Nexgard is ingested and absorbed into the bloodstream, rather than applied to and spread by the oils of the skin, the few reactions that do occur can seem more dramatic.

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.

What is Advantage II for cats?

Advantage II kills fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae with the active ingredients imidacloprid and pyripoxyfen and can be used in cats over 8 weeks of age. Monthly formulations are available for kittens and cats weighing between 2 and 5 pounds, between 5 and 9 pounds, and over 9 pounds.

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 long does it take for flea treatment to dry?

You’ll also need to be careful not to touch the area where the flea treatment was applied until it is fully dry, which usually takes about an hour after application. In rare cases, some dogs may have mild side effects such as local skin reactions at the site where the medication was applied, which may include hair loss, redness, itching, and scabbing.

How long does a flea collar last?

Some of the modern flea collar products even last as long as 8 months , so you won’t have to remember to administer your dog’s flea treatment on a regular basis – a great plus for many busy families!

Can flea collars be washed away?

Like collars, these medications can be washed away if your pet swims or bathes frequently, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for use and consider an oral flea treatment if your pet is frequently exposed to water.

Can flea collars be used for swimming?

Flea collars also have some drawbacks. Because they rely on medication which spreads from the collar across your pet’s skin, they are not a good option for pets who swim or bathe frequently, as this will wash away the medication and shorten the life of the collar.

Is flea treatment safe for dogs?

The bottom line is that there are many safe and effective flea treatments available for your dog, and that is great news! You have many options to choose from depending on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences.

Is it safe to give a dog flea medicine?

Topical flea treatments are often seen as a safe flea treatment for dogs because many types of this medication are not absorbed systemically, meaning they do not cross the dog’s skin barrier or get absorbed into the blood stream. This can be a safer option for dogs with a history of reactions to certain types of medications.

Can fleas cause anemia in dogs?

But more than that, fleas carry dangerous and potentially fatal diseases and parasites. A flea infestation can be the culprit behind life-threatening cases of anemia and they can also transmit a disease called Bartonellosis. If that weren’t bad enough, they also spread tapeworms, a nasty intestinal parasite. And those fleas on your dog can even bite humans or transmit those diseases to you!

How long does flea medicine last?

They’re easy to apply, just at the base of the head, between the shoulder blades and can last for up to 30 days. Most topical medicines are capable of stopping fleas biting within three to five minutes of being applied and can kill 99 per cent or more of fleas within a 12 hour period.

How old is the best flea treatment for cats?

We’re pretty sure the “#1” just depends on who you ask, but it certainly is effective. Suitable for cats and kittens that are over 1.5lbs and at least 8 weeks old, you can expect an easy-to-use topical flea treatment that rivals even the best brands around.

How does flea treatment work?

How topical flea treatments work. The active ingredients differ in strength and in their mechanism from brand to brand , though most are insecticides designed specifically to target the flea’s nervous system. Insecticides work through paralyzing the flea by overstimulating their nervous system.

How old is a cat that can take flea medicine?

It’s suitable for cats over 1.8lbs and over 8 weeks old. They make a special note not to use more than a single dose if you have a large cat (20lbs+) due to the potency of the active ingredient. They claim long lasting relief from fleas, which in topical flea treatment terms is around the month mark.

Why do cats need flea treatments?

Why choose a topical flea treatment for cats. Though there are several types of treatments available that combat fleas in felines, many owners end up opting for a topical solution because it’s convenient and cost-effective. Topical medicines offer long lasting relief from fleas in most cases.

Do flea serums work on cats?

Many topical flea serums contain other active ingredients that work to break down flea eggs and larvae as a way of combating the whole life-cycle. The best topical flea treatments for cats work on contact, meaning they only need to brush against a flea to take effect.

Can flea collars be used for flea prevention?

There’s something about a topical treatment that feels more natural than using capsules for flea treatment, and some owners are opposed to using collars with flea prevention properties even though the best collars are often viable method of tackling fleas.

What is the best flea collar for cats?

Our top pick is this collar from Bayer, which is effective for a full eight months and offers continuous protection from fleas and ticks. The active ingredients in the collar are released in low concentrations, protecting your cat and killing fleas on contact with the skin. The formulation is odorless and non-greasy, and is also effective against flea eggs and larvae, preventing infestations before they happen.

How long does it take for Comfortis to kill fleas?

Does not protect against any other parasites. Flea prevention for up to one month in cats and kittens 14 weeks and older can be found in the chewable tablet option called Comfortis. This tablet works very quickly to kill fleas in as few as 30 minutes and can be crushed and mixed in your cat’s wet food if necessary.

How long does Bravecto last?

Similar to Revolution Plus, Bravecto is a spot-on treatment that is applied to the back of your cat’s neck. It protects from fleas and ticks and one treatment lasts for up to three months. A Bravecto Plus option is also available if you would like heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention too ( view on Chewy ), but it only lasts for two months instead of three. Either way, Bravecto products make it easy to provide safe and effective flea prevention to cats without the monthly application. This product also requires veterinary approval prior to purchasing.

What does it mean when a cat has fleas?

Cats that have fleas are often very itchy and may have hair loss, skin redness, and even scabs. The hair loss is often most prevalent at the base of the tail but can occur anywhere. Flea dirt, which is the black flea feces, can be seen in the fur.

How long does it take for Bayer Advantage 2 to work?

Bayer Advantage II is one of the go-to flea treatments for cats. It’s a set-and-forget solution, effective against fleas for four weeks and starts working in 12 hours. Simply applying the product to your cat’s neck kills fleas upon contact, without requiring them to bite the skin. It’s also fragrance-free, waterproof and kills larvae and flea eggs as well as adults.

Can flea treatments kill live fleas?

Additionally, some products will kill live fleas while others will only prevent a flea from reproducing, so not all products are appropriate for all your flea needs. Flea treatments can be used as needed if your cat gets fleas and preventatives can be given to help prevent your cat from getting fleas. Due to the potential side effects of flea ...

Can a cat get fleas from a spruce tree?

The Spruce. Fleas are not only a nuisance but they can also transmit serious diseases to your cats. Thankfully, various flea preventatives and treatments are available to help limit your cat’s chances of attracting and harboring these external parasites. However, they aren’t all created equally. Some flea treatments aren’t even effective ...

What is the best flea medicine for cats?

While reviewing this best flea medicine for cats without vet prescription, we learned that it quickly kills all bugs, including their eggs, without any side effects. Hartz UltraGuard topical flea treatment is a perfect savior against fleas and ticks for cats and kittens. We were satisfied to see that this flea tick medicine comes equipped with a topical formula that stays on animals’ bodies and does not rub off. It works on cats and kittens of 12 weeks or older or for pets weighing 5lbs and above. Hartz’s 30-day continuous medication helps to protect not only animals but also prevent parasites from spreading in houses.

What Kind of Flea Medicine for Puppies?

Treating fleas and ticks on pups can be challenging as flea and tick medicines used for large dogs might not be suitable for them. Most flea medicines are best for dogs when they reach the age of 7-8 weeks. Before you pick any therapy, check its suitability based on your pupper’s age. Some flea solutions from brands like Capstar would also solve your little purpose as they are feedable to pups of 4 weeks.

Why Should You Buy Flea Medicine?

As climatic conditions turn a little warmer, fleas’ and ticks’ emergence starts in large numbers. Preventing a canine or feline from fleas becomes the priority task as summers set in. These bugs can lead to a greater nuisance that might trouble your furry animal. Fleas are small insects that are likely to trouble a dog or cat to a much greater insect. They get transmitted simply when a pupper is out for a walk. These parasites feed on blood, making a home in an animal’s fur leading to serious long-term consequences.

How Does Oral Flea Medicine Work?

When a tick bites your fluff mate, the therapy gets transmitted to that parasite and poisons it to death. Furthermore, certain oral medications get absorbed into an animal’s bloodstream. So whenever a bug bites, its nervous system will get affected, leading to its death. Besides, oral medication ingredients are slowly excreted through a dog’s or cat’s metabolism leading to long-lasting performance.

How long does flea medicine last for cats?

Getting a single dose of Cheristin’s flea treatment would last for about 6 weeks comfortably, and it is best to apply it monthly for better results. One dose size is an ideal pick for cats and kittens of size 1.8 lbs and above and 8 weeks or more. And thus, people would not face any issues while using it. Since this solution comes made of premium quality ingredients, it does not pose any threat to the environment or a kitten’s body. This is what makes it one of the best flea medicine for kittens that gives good aftermath.

How to get rid of fleas and ticks in large cats?

Looking for a product that would help large cats get rid of fleas and ticks? Well, go for Advantage II flea treatment. It works well for large cats over 9 pounds with a 1-month continuous supply. This Advantage II tick preventing medicine works through contact and thus stops fleas from biting a feline. Therefore, it offers effective and efficient results in a little time for all people. This easy-to-apply treatment starts working within 12 hours as soon as people apply it to their fur mates. Besides, it protects dogs and cats for up to 30 days. Undoubtedly, in our analysis, this solution gave great results.

What is the best flea and tick treatment for dogs?

Fleas and ticks have always been creating problems for your furry companions that become quite troublesome for them. To treat the same, K9 Advantix II dog flea and ti ck prevention is a great usage that provides all good relief only for dogs. This flea treatment works through contact and prevents ticks and mosquitoes from biting our loyal mates. Undoubtedly this best dog flea treatment gave us better results as compared to any other product for up to 30 days. The best flea medicine renders 4-monthly applications, which one can use comfortably for large puppers weighing 55 pounds or more.

Can flea treatment be counterfeit?

Similarly, the flea treatment products sold by many online retailers may be counterfeit or improperly stored and may not work as well as they should. Purchasing products directly from your veterinarian or from companies recommended by your veterinarian ensures that you are getting a flea treatment product that is both safe and effective.

Do flea treatments cross the skin barrier?

One of the major benefits of topical flea treatments is that many products are not absorbed systemically, meaning they do not cross the skin barrier or get absorbed into your pet’s blood stream. This can be an advantage for animals who have a history of reactions to certain medications or those who have not tolerated oral flea treatments well in the past.

Is it safe to treat fleas on pets?

The safest flea treatment for your pet depends on your pet’s age, health status, and medication history. If your pet has had reactions to certain types of medication in the past, then it may be best to avoid that class of drugs in the future. For example, topical flea treatments can sometimes cause localized skin reactions such as hair loss and redness at the site of application. If your pet has experienced this with topical medications in the past, an oral flea treatment may be a safer option.

Can you give flea pills to pets?

Some pet owners also find it very difficult to give pills to their pets, so a topical flea treatment may be a much easier option compared to an oral flea treatment. Some topical flea treatments also contain a repellent medication that keeps fleas and/or ticks away from your pet, which can be an added benefit.

Is topical flea treatment better than oral?

Ultimately, there is no one “best” flea treatment product that works for all pets. There are many safe and effective topical and oral products available. The best product for your pet will depend on your pet’s health and lifestyle, your budget, and your own preferences.

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