Flea Prevention
Unfortunately, fleas are parasites which need a host to survive and our pets are their top choice. Fleas feast on the blood of the host animal and your pet's reaction may range from mild skin redness to a more severe allergic reaction. Tragically, several times a summer, I am presented with a young weakened kitten with an extreme flea infestation causing anemia and often leading to death. Almost all cats and dogs, and other mammals, too, are susceptible to flea infestations. In fact, indoor cats may be exposed to fleas by just sitting in a screened window allowing fleas to jump in from the outside!
Fleas may often be difficult to see on your pet, especially if your cat or dog has a thick furry coat. Some tell tale signs of this unwelcome parasite on your pet include - scratching, scabs and dark specs, or "flea dirt," found on the skin. Fleas often migrate to the top of the pet's back closest to its tail. To check your pet for fleas, take a fine tooth comb over their fur and take a close look at the skin. Another sign that your pet has been exposed to fleas is the presence of tapeworms. Fleas can carry tapeworms which are often described as small white rice-like segments in your pet's feces or in the hair around his anus. A common scenario for a dog or cat acquiring tapeworms includes - a dog or cat will bite at a flea which is attacking them, eat the flea which carrying the tapeworm, thus becoming infected. As a result, tapeworms are not transmittable between pets. If you suspect your pet has fleas or tapeworms, contact your veterinarian for treatment advice. There are many products on the market aimed at preventing and treating flea infestations – take the time to research your options to provide the best approach for your pet.
As with many pests, it is much more difficult to rid your pet of a flea infestation than it is to prevent it. It will require patience and perseverance on your part to protect your companion from these creepy critters. If your pet has been infested by fleas, I typically recommend treating your pet for at least 3 months in order to attack every part of the flea's life cycle. Different flea control products work in different ways, have varying levels of effectiveness and kill different flea stages (eggs, larvae and/or adults). Pesticide science has become more evolved and the day of dipping your pet to treat a flea problem is becoming a thing of the past. Unless you have a severe flea infestation in your environment, typically treating your pet will be sufficient. Be very careful to use the products as directed; some may be effective for dogs, but toxic to cats.
While there are many topical preventatives available at the grocery store, the products available from your veterinarian offer superior protection against fleas. Time is of the essence in controlling a flea infestation, especially if your pet is allergic to fleas, so select a product with a proven track record. The topical preventatives allow you to treat your pet once a month to keep those jumping friends far away.
Possible Options for Topical Flea Prevention:- Frontline is a well-known, highly effective flea and tick preventives with a high margin of safety. Frontline kills adult fleas and ticks for a full month and provide water-proof protection. Frontline kills 98% of the existing fleas within 24 hours and lasts between 4-6 weeks.
- Advantage is another excellent product to use in situations where the focus is on flea control alone. It kills adult fleas rapidly and also kills flea larvae in only 20 minutes, preventing them from developing and reproducing. It is also water-resistant. K9 Advantix also treats mosquitoes and ticks as well as fleas – but is toxic to cats.
- Revolution is another topical treatment which kills adult fleas and prevents adult fleas for hatching for one month. It has earned its name by also treating ear mites, sarcoptic manage and ticks. In dogs, Revolution also prevents heartworm disease – and as such requires a veterinarian's prescription. For cats, Revolution is available without a prescription. Revolution is available from your veterinarian.
- ProMeris is one of the newest products on the market which uses a new active ingredient that fleas to which fleas have never been exposed – thus ensuring its effectiveness. ProMeris for dogs is a topical, waterproof spot-on product for the control of existing flea and tick infestations, as well as the prevention of re-infestation. ProMeris is available from your veterinarian.
