Best Flea Treatments for Dogs

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• Publié par: seorumer
• Publié le: 22 juin 2016
• Nombre de lectures: 2
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

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Drops, Pills, Sprays, Shampoos, Collars, and
Natural OptionsTable of Contents
1. Best Flea Treatments For Dogs
2. Types of Flea Treatments for Dogs
3. Best Flea Drops for Dogs
4. Best Flea Pills for Dogs
5. Best Flea Collars for Dogs
6. Best Flea Shampoos for Dogs
7. Best Flea Sprays for Dogs
8. Best Natural Flea Treatment Options
9. ConclusionBest Flea Treatments For Dogs
What is the Best Flea and Tick Medicine for Dogs?
We love our pets. But if you've ever had to deal with a flea infestation in
your home, there may have been a brief moment when you second
guessed that relationship.
In the best case scenario, these pests (no, not "pets") are annoying. You
can feel them jumping on you and it seems like you're just a host to
transport them from one area of your life to another (it's the worst when
you get them in your car).
But that's not where the real danger lies. Fleas can cause itching and
fatigue and can carry a host of diseases, including lyme disease and, of
course, the bubonic plague (though it is highly unlikely today).
But what is the best flea treatment method to keep your dog safe?So what can you do to protect your pet?
The best flea treatment for dogs starts with getting rid of any critters
they already have. First of all, you should bathe your furry friend
regularly with some sort of flea shampoo. There are a number of options
available from name brand shampoos to natural ones with no added
chemicals. Oatmeal baths are also effective.
Keep your pet inside. Fleas live outside so keeping your animal in the
house limits their exposure to these insects. Of course you should
exercise your pup often but when you do, try to stay away from wooded
areas or areas with a lot of underbrush.
Use some sort of flea prevention. The best way to get rid of fleas is to
never have them in the first place. We've listed the most popular ones
below. See which treatment works best for you and your canine and
stick with it.
Be consistent. The life cycle of a flea can last up to 6 months so just
because you don't see them now doesn't mean you should stop regular
treatments.
Choosing a dog bed with cedar filling can also make a good impact but
be sure that the buggers aren't just jumping around to other parts of
your home.Types of Flea Treatments for Dogs
Types of Flea Treatment and Prevention
There are a number of ways to prevent your dog from getting fleas or
killing any infestations he might already have. These are the most
popular and effective methods but we've also listed some natural flea
treatment options at the bottom. Remember, the best flea treatment is
the one that works for your dog and your lifestyle.
Drops
Flea drops, such as Advantix and Frontline, are the most common form
of flea prevention for your pet. The drops are applied to the nape of the
neck (just above the shoulders) and last for 30 days. Monthly
reapplication is required but is generally quick and easy. Drops are
arguably the best flea treatment because you only have to think about it
once a month and it doesn't take much time.
These drops can prevent flea larvae from developing and also kill any
adult fleas that are already on your pooch. Many brands can kill ticks
and lice as well.Be sure to pick the right flea drops for your dog (based on size) for best
results and to avoid any side effects. Also make sure to wear gloves
when applying as these drops can be harmful to humans. wait at least a
couple of hours before petting your dog to allow the medication to dry.
Pills
Oral flea medication (pill) is the most effective type of treatment and
prevention available.
The advantages of flea pills is they can work as quickly as four hours
and can come in chewable tablets for dogs who have trouble taking
pills.
The disadvantages are that oral meds may require a vet's prescription,
they don't guard against ticks or other parasites, and they can kill adult
fleas or eggs but not both.
Pills are often used in conjunction with drops as the pills kill the current
pests and the drops prevent new ones from breeding. This one-two
punch is probably the best flea treatment option available.
Collars
Dog flea collars can be used for treatment or prevention and can last up
to 8 months. This means you don't have to worry about reapplying the
drops every month or remembering to give your dog his pill.
The flea collars work best when combined with another treatment
method such as shampoos or topical medications.
The cons of flea collars is that one, they aren't the most stylish
accessory and two, they are less effective than drops or pills.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors and in heavily wooded areas, a
collar plus another method may be a good idea.Shampoos
Flea shampoos should be used in conjunction with one of the
prevention methods.
There are many options available including "natural" shampoos made
without any harmful chemicals.
Shampoos can kill fleas up to one day but they only affect adult fleas,
not larvae or eggs.
Sprays
Flea sprays also should complemented by a prevention method to keep
infestations from coming back.
Sprays can kill adult fleas, larvae, and eggs. Many repel mosquitoes as
well.
Sprays are a great option for quickly killing current infestations in your
home. Some can also be used as more of a "bug spray" for when you
plan on taking your dog out into the woods
The flea and tick sprays' effectiveness can last up to 2 months, killing
and preventing future infestations.
Which Type is Right for You?
Picking a treatment or prevention method is up to you and your pup. By
far, drops are the most common but if your dog has a skin reaction to it
or you know that you'll probably forget to reapply it every month, that
might not be the best fit for you.
If you don't mind the look and are in an area with a low risk for fleas, a
collar is a good option that you will only have to replace every 8 months
or so.
If your flea problem is pretty serious, oral medication, possibly along
with another method, might be necessary.Best Flea Drops for Dogs
Topical medications such as drops are the most popular and
possibly best flea prevention method. Generally applied once
a month, these drops work quickly and are highly effective.
Some dogs have mild to serious reactions to this treatment
though so monitor your pet closely for a few days after
applying.
Here are the best flea drops for dogs we have found:
Merial Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control
Frontline is probably the most popular brand for flea drops but there are
mixed reviews on its effectiveness. Some people swear by it and others
say it doesn't work at all.
Apparently this discrepancy is most likely due to two reasons. One,
Frontline does not work on a certain strain of Florida fleas, and possibly
other varieties. And two, there are a lot of knockoffs being sold underthe Frontline name. If you decide to go with Frontline, make sure the
manufacturer is Merial.
There have been a lot of stories of adverse effects from the Frontline
drops so make sure to read them before making a decision.
Based on the risks and reports of the medication not working well or at
all, this is not a product we would recommend. If you are already using
Frontline and it is working for you, then you should be fine but if you are
thinking of switching, there are better choices available.
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K9 Advantix II
K9 Advantix is the second most popular flea drop medication after
Frontline. Though that order may change soon. It seems that a lot of
people have been jumping ship from Frontline due to its inefficacy.
Advantix has been working consistently well for over a decade with very
few side effects. For first time dog owners, this is a good choice to start
with. Many people don't need any more than a monthly (could be twice a
month, depending on your situation) application and regular bathing.
This medication kills and prevents against fleas and ticks as well as
mosquitoes and lice. And it doesn't wash off so it will remain effective
even after swimming and bathing.
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Vectra 3DYour veterinarian may suggest using Vectra 3D if other methods aren't
effective. Vectra uses a slightly different formula than Advantix or
Frontline that kills fleas on contact, not after they bite.
Not only does it kill and repel fleas, it also works on ticks, lice,
mosquitoes, sand flies, and mites, keeping your pooch safe from many
biting insects that can spread diseases.
This is the same medication that you can get from your vet but typically
at a much cheaper price.
While Vectra is more powerful, it can also be more dangerous. There are
more than a few accounts of dogs having serious reactions and even a
few deaths. Please consult your vet before using this medication if you
think your dog may be at risk.
Of course any topical medication may cause an allergic reaction so be
sure to monitor your dog closely after first applying Vectra.
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PetArmor Squeeze on Dog Flea and Tick Repellent