In order to get rid of any flea problem, it’s important not to focus all of your energy on the dog. Fleas can spread very quickly from the dog to the rest of the house. When they have had their entry, you have to take a thorough approach by removing flea eggs from bedding, flooring, furniture, carpets and especially your dog, which should recieve flea treatment for dogs as fast as possible.
The most effective way to get rid of fleas quickly is to catch them in the act. Actually you need to catch them before they even begin to multiply, to avoid a flea infestation in your home. It’s important that treatment is started when the first signs of fleas appear. If you wait too long, the fleas will begin biting you and your pets, and make your lifes miserable.
A world filled with flea treatment products
The most common types of flea treatment for dogs are applied once a month, typically in the neck of the dog. The advantage of these products is that they protect against and prevent future flea infestations. You can also get flea treatment for dogs on spray, which is intended for application on all areas of the dog. Flea treatment products for washing the dog exist, but they aren’t used as often and regularly as the other types of flea products. Flea shampoo is meant to quickly get rid of a serious flea attack on your dog, to stop the biting and irritation it causes.
There are several different treatment options available, from natural alternatives to chemical products. The latter is used most often because they simply are more effective. Chemical flea treatment for dogs can be applied directly to the skin or administered orally. Although it sounds healthy and safe with the alternative natural ingredients, such as lavender, you should still exercise caution as “natural” doesn’t always mean non-toxic.
The toxicity of flea treatment for dogs has been scientifically tested and is available online. I won’t go into detail about this, but if you’re interested in alternative treatment, you will find some natural remedies against fleas at the bottom of this page.
Flea treatment for dogs
Products include medicines, drops and sprays, which all produce different results. Veterinarians have created a detailed chart that compares flea treatment for dogs and lists the ingredients, risks and benefits. I will mention some of the most common brands and their basic properties:
■ Frontline is available as sprays, drops, medicine and more. It’s highly effective and is used on a large scale.
■ Advantage is applied directly to the skin and is fast acting. It stops the bites within 3-5 minutes.
■ K9 Advantix kills not only fleas, but also biting mosquitoes, flies and lice with its water-resistant formula.
■ Capstar is a pill that kills 98% of the adult fleas within 5 hours. Unfortunately eggs and larvae don’t die, so it’s necessary to combine this type of flea treatment for dogs with other products.
■ Program comes as pills or in liquid form and must be used monthly. It removes the flea’s ability to reproduce, which gradually kills all the fleas.
■ Revolution is available in drop form and protect dogs against heartworm, fleas and other parasites.
■ Biospot is an economical solution that kill fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. This flea treatment product lasts about 3 months against fleas, but only approximately 1 month against ticks and mosquitoes. This product is not water resistant.
■ Sentinel is a pill which prevents young fleas from developing their outer shell and makes the females lay eggs that can’t hatch.
■ Vectra is a type of flea treatment for dogs that is used monthly in the fight against fleas and ticks. It kills all the fleas and ticks that remain on the dog over a period of time. The formula is water resistant. Do not use this on cats, as the product contain ingredients that cats can’t tolerate.
Before you choose your flea treatment product for dogs, it’s important that you know the dog’s weight and age. You should also consult with a veterinarian for additional information about the products. Your vet can and must at all times instruct you in which product is best for your dog.
More than one natural way to get rid of fleas on dogs
As promised, I will mention some ingredients for natural treatment that can keep fleas away from your dog. Garlic, apple cider vinegar and yeast are all effective means to make fleas stay away from healthy dogs. If the dog is ill or its immune system has been compromised, it typically attracts more fleas, which may require both chemical and alternative treatment.
