Sprays and powders, shampoos, dips, and systemics are a few choices for flea treatment. Find out which is the best and which not waste your money on.
If your dog or cat has been diagnosed having fleas then you know how frustrating it can be to get rid of the suckers. Fleas are also frustrating for our pets, animals with fleas are miserable, scratching and biting themselves until their skin is irritated and open to infection.
There are several options available for treatment of fleas. Some work better then others. Here's the rundown:
- Shampoos – Flea shampoos are not the best choice for killing fleas. Flea shampoos will kill the fleas that are on the pet at the time of the bath but once the product is rinsed it stops working. There is no residual effect. A good flea killer will also act as a preventative. Read label instructions before using, some shampoos should not be used on puppies or kittens.
- Sprays and powders - There are sprays on the market that work great at killing and preventing flea infestations. I personally like Frontline Spray. Always wear gloves when using these products and follow the label instructions. Powders will work a lot like sprays. Most of these products will work to kill and repel fleas.
- Dips – Flea dips work to kill fleas but they are more toxic then other forms of flea control. Label instructions need to be followed very carefully.
- Systemics - Systemics are by far the most popular form of flea control and prevention and are definitely the way to go. The other forms are considered “old school” by many veterinary practices. These products are usually applied to the skin in one spot and absorbed and distributed throughout the skin, when the flea bites the animal it dies. Most of these products work quickly and are very effective; examples include Advantage, Frontline, and Revolution. If your pet has had a skin reaction at the site of application there are oral medications available, Sentinel for example. All of these products are available through your veterinarian. For a full rundown on all these products: Flea and Tick Control
Products that are purchased at the grocery or department store do not work as well if at all. Some of these products are made with pyrethrins which are very deadly to cats, read labels before using. Never apply a product labeled for a cat on a dog and vice versa.
Flea preventatives that are purchased through your veterinarian seem expensive but if you want a product that works you are going to have to spend some money. It's better to spend a little more and get a product that works then waste money on something that doesn't work.
To fully rid yourself of fleas you will need to treat all the animals in the family, indoor and outdoor, and don't forget to treat the house and yard.
Related Articles: How To Get Rid of Fleas, Dog Flea and Cat Flea, and Flea and Tick Preventatives.
