About this deal
The safety of the product has only been evaluated in dogs classified as either Class 1 or 2 for heartworm disease in laboratory studies and in a few Class 3 dogs in a field study. Therefore the use in dogs with obvious or severe symptoms of the disease should be based on a careful benefit risk assessment by the treating veterinarian. Flea bites not only cause itchiness and skin irritation, they can result in serious illness, says Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer for the American Kennel Club, based in New York City. “In tiny puppies and kittens, fleas can cause a life-threatening anemia due to significant loss of blood,” he says. “In many cases, flea bites can cause severe allergic reactions in both pets and people due to reactions to their saliva.” There is a vast array of products available in pet shops and supermarkets – but it’s best to consult your vet as spot on treatments and medication in the form of tablets are the only effective long-term methods of flea control. Before using any product, it’s essential that you ask your vet for advice. Spot on dog flea treatment A single dose should be administered. A further veterinary examination 30 days after treatment is recommended as some animals may require a second treatment. With the dog in a standing position, part the coat between the shoulder blades until the skin is visible. Wherever possible apply to undamaged skin. Place the tip of the pipette on the skin and squeeze the pipette firmly several times to empty its contents directly onto the skin.
Whether your dog already has fleas or you want to prevent them, we have the scoop on the most effective formulas—both prescription and over the counter—approved by veterinarians. The Importance of Flea Medicine for Dogs If you’re concerned about chemicals, particularly for dogs with sensitive skin or health issues, then a natural flea treatment such as Progroom shampoo could be a good option. A formula of colloidal oatmeal combined with essential oils, minerals, aloe vera and fatty acids moisturises skin, soothes itchy or hot patches, detangles matted fur, and leaves your dog’s coat shiny and healthy.Multi-use product that kills adult fleas, prevents infestations, prevents heartworm disease, and treats ear mites The waterproof formula is ideal for dog’s that enjoy swimming. But even if your pup doesn’t like the water, this product is still a great choice because you will be able to bathe your pooch without having to worry about the formula washing off. It’s also fragrance-free; there’s no stinky odor to deal with. Conclusion: Whether you want to prevent fleas in the first place, or your dog already has fleas, if you want a product that will offer fast, effective, and long lasting results, than Bayer Advantage II Topical Flea Treatment for Dogs is an excellent option to consider.
The recommended minimum doses for dogs are 10 mg/kg body weight imidacloprid and 2.5 mg/kg body weight moxidectin, equivalent to 0.1ml/kg body weight Advocate for dogs.
The safety of the veterinary medicinal product has not been established during pregnancy and lactation in the target species. Therefore, the use of the product is not recommended in animals intended for breeding or during pregnancy and lactation.
Capstar—a tablet that is available without a prescription—only targets fleas and is only effective for a short time. Capstar kills fleas that are on your dog at the time you administer the tablet, but it doesn’t have the long-lasting benefits of other flea preventatives. (It only kills adult fleas as opposed to other oral products that have growth regulators, in addition to adulticides.) “In really bad infestations, we will sometimes use Capstar along with a preventative so we kill the fleas faster but prevent reinfestation,” says Barnes. A plus is that many topicals have a repellent component in addition to ingredients that kill the fleas, says Jeffrey.
Flea bites and what they do
Harris Diatomaceous Earth is available in a four pound bag, and 10-percent of profits are donated to the Etowah Valley Humane Society in Georgia. Formulated for tiny bodies under 5 pounds, this solution gets applied to your puppy’s skin monthly. It’s a prescription-only, multi-use product that kills adult fleas and prevents infestations, prevents heartworm disease, and treats and controls ear mites. It’s fast-drying, so you can bathe your dog two hours after application without reducing the medicine’s effectiveness. There’s no need to worry about trying to hold your pet down to apply the product (which is especially beneficial for dog’s that can be a bit squirmy), and you won’t have to avoid touching him until the formula works in, like you have to with topical solutions. Virbac doesn’t have a scent and won’t leave any residue behind, so you won’t notice it after use. One aerosol contains 500ml of spray, which should be sufficient to cover a three-bedroom home. Make sure to keep all pets out of the treated rooms for at least two hours until the Virbac spray dries, as the active ingredient, permethrin, can be toxic to cats.
To use this product, simply apply it between your furry friend’s shoulder blades. Once it works into his skin, it will start killing off those pesky critters that are driving your dog – and you – insane! The waterproof formula is great, because you don’t have to worry that it will wash off while you’re giving your pup a bath, or when he’s playing around in the water with interactive dog toys. The product was administered to puppies at up to 5 times the recommended dose, every 2 weeks for 6 treatments, and there were no serious safety concerns. Transient mydriasis, salivation, vomiting and transient rapid respiration were observed. Find out, or ask your vet, how regularly you need to apply flea treatment, and mark it on your calendar. Record the name of the product, the pet you applied it to if you have more than one, and the date when the next dose is due. It’s important to apply the treatment on the date it’s due, and not early or late, as this can result in your dog being either over-medicated or not protected against fleas. I personally give this product to my dog along with hundreds of thousands of other dogs and have never had an issue,” says Pagan. Keeping your dog safe from fleas is easy and flea treatments come in different forms – usually collars, spot-on solutions or tablets,” says Pohl. The problem is that most people don’t realise many products you apply to your pet only kill the adult fleas, which are only of a small number compared to huge amount of larvae and eggs. “These immature life stages often require a household treatment to effectively prevent them from reinfesting your pet,” she adds.
Signs your pet might have fleas
Not only are fleas annoying, but they can also carry tapeworm eggs that can cause a tapeworm infection in your dog, which would require a dog worming treatment to get rid of. For some dogs, flea allergy dermatitis is also a risk, this is where your dog is allergic to flea bites. Consider your dog’s medical history. Pagan says caution should be used if considering chewable tablets for dogs with epilepsy. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, she says you may want a collar or topical instead of a pill. “If your dog is itchy and has sensitive skin a chewable tablet would be better suited for your needs. If you bathe your pet often and do not like a greasy product applied to the coat, a chewable tablet is for you and your pet.” Some flea treatments are available by prescription only, and whichever one you choose needs to be used regularly to maintain constant protection against fleas.