How to Select the Right Flea Treatment for Your Pets

Fleas can be a persistent problem for canines of all breeds. These pests often hitch a ride on your pet the moment they step outdoors or interact with other animals, so it’s important to address the problem before it gets out of control.

There are many different ways to treat your dog’s flea issues. Let’s look at each method to find the one that is right for your pooch.

Topical solutions

Topical solutions are liquid medications that can be applied to your pet’s skin for flea treatment. These contain chemicals that kill fleas before they lay eggs, while some also prevent flea eggs from hatching. This makes them a great way to get rid of fleas during all their life-stages

Topical solutions are applied to the back of your dog’s neck and need to be used only once a month. This makes them fast and easy to use. 

These products do come with some drawbacks. Once you have applied the solution to your pet’s skin, you won’t be able to bathe them without washing off the anti-flea product in the process. This shouldn’t create problems if you schedule your pet’s baths just before applying the product.

However, a more concerning problem with topical solutions is that they sometimes contain chemicals that could lead to skin irritation or hair loss. For this reason, owners should avoid using these products more frequently than specified in the instructions.

Flea shampoos

Flea shampoos are anti-flea products that are used as a shampoo when bathing your dog. These products are effective at killing fleas and washing them off your pet. Some specialized shampoos are designed to prevent further infestations from occurring and offer protection against other pests such as lice.

Using flea shampoos is a convenient way to treat flea problems, as they can be substituted for your dog’s regular shampoo. However, you may need to bathe your pet with this shampoo every few weeks for the treatment to be effective.

Some vets are opposed to the use of flea shampoos because they can be less effective than advertised. In addition to this, some products contain insecticides which may harm your pet’s health if used too frequently. If owners choose to treat their canine’s flea problems with this method, they should remember to follow the instructions carefully.

Oral-medications

Flea problems in canines can also be treated with the help of oral medications such as chewables or pills. When these medications are ingested by your pet, they release chemicals that are transmitted through their body.

Different oral-medications work in different ways. Some focus on killing fleas in their larval stage, while others kill fleas that bite your canine.

Many vets recommend oral-medications as a useful alternative to topical treatments and shampoos. However, these products may come with side effects. 

Some dogs suffer from an upset stomach or vomiting after ingesting these medications. If your canine vomits before the pill or chewable has been digested, the treatment may not be effective.

Flea collars

Flea collars are special collars that release chemicals that kill fleas residing on your pup’s fur and skin. Some types of flea collars release insecticides that wipe out fleas directly. Other types disperse chemicals into your dog’s skin which causes the fleas to die when they bite your pet.

These products are easy to use and can last up for 8 months. However, they may not be effective at destroying flea eggs or getting rid of flea larvae. In addition to this, these products are less effective at killing fleas that aren’t located close to the collar itself.

What if my dog has an allergic reaction to flea medication? 

Some dogs may suffer from an allergic reaction when you apply flea medicines to their fur and skin. A typical allergic reaction can cause excessive itching, skin redness, and hot spots.

A severe allergic reaction may cause trouble breathing or even a seizure. If you suspect your dog is suffering from an allergic reaction to flea medication, you should take them to a vet immediately. 

Little Friends Pet Sitting & Dog Walking has been providing professional pet care to the Charlotte area for over 10 years. They offer personalized care with in person pet sitter meet & greets and daily visit reports including GPS tracking and photo updates.