Paws-itive Press

GOT FLEAS? NO EASY ANSWER

By Barbara Masi

For this subject I contacted a friend and local veterinarian, Dr. Michele Tucker with
Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists.

Fleas are one of the most frustrating aspects of owning a pet. Fleas cause discomfort and irritation to our dogs and cats. The fleas can also cause dermatitis and tapeworm infections. In south Florida, our warm and humid climate makes a perfect home for fleas to live and reproduce.

So what can a pet owner do to reduce and prevent the dreaded flea infestation? A two-pronged attack consisting of treating the environment and treating the pet will result in the most positive outcome. Ignoring either one of these approaches will give the pet owner less than satisfactory results.

Treatment of the environment needs to address both indoor and outdoor spaces. Frequent vacuuming of carpet and furniture will reduce the number of flea eggs and fleas. Foggers and sprays will help to kill the remaining adult fleas. Serious infestations may require the use of a professional exterminator.

Treating the pet with fleas is less straightforward as the commercial market is filled with a multitude of flea products. These products work with differing mechanisms of action and are administered either topically or orally. Due to this plethora of information, choosing the appropriate product for your pet can be confusing and possibly ineffective in controlling the flea infestation.

The list that follows will highlight some of the common products that are recommended by veterinarians. Some of these products will need to be used in combination to achieve the most effective attack against the fleas. As with any medication, always consults with your veterinarian before starting any medication.

TOPICAL PRODUCTS
• Frontline Plus
Paralyzes adult fleas
• Advantage™
Paralyzes adult fleas
• Advantage Multi™
Paralyzes adult fleas, prevents heartworms, intestinal worms, scabies and ear mites
• K-9 Advantix™
Paralyzes adult fleas, kills and repels ticks, repels mosquitoes
• Revolution™
Prevents flea egg production and kills adult fleas, prevents heartworms, intestinal worms and scabies

ORAL PRODUCTS
• Program™ (Sentinel™)
Insect development inhibitor, also heartworm prevention and intestinal parasite control when packaged as Sentinel™
• Capstar™
Rapidly kills adult fleas, needs daily administration
• Comfortis™
• Trifexis Paralyzes adult fleas, also heartworm prevention and intestinal parasite control when packaged as Trifexis™

*It is important to note that Advantage Multi™ and K-9 Advantix™ can cause serious problems including death in cats. Please read packages carefully prior to administering these medications.*

This has been just a brief look at the products available to combat the war on these pesky parasites. Vigilant treatment of the environment and the pets, plus patience will defeat these nuisance parasites.