How to Choose Flea Treatment for a Dog

At one time, the only flea treatments available for pets were flea powders and sprays. Flea powders were messy, as were the sprays, and many of those powders and sprays were not effective over a period of time and had to be reapplied often. Many of the flea treatments did not take care of the flea eggs and larvae. Today there are several types of flea treatments available for you to choose from.

Instructions

1. You will find that your pet usually contracts fleas in the early spring. When you first notice your pet cat or dog scratching and biting at their hair, especially near their hind quarters, you should check for fleas. The fleas appear as tiny black mites that may hop onto your hand when checking your pet.

2. The most common form of treatment selected by pet owners is a small tube of liquid that is a topically absorbed insecticide for dogs and cats. You can find the small tubes of liquid or gel in several different brands at most discount, grocery, and pet stores.

3. Apply a few drops of the topical flea treatment between your dog or cat's shoulder blades no more than once every two weeks. Treatment length depends on the rate of flea infestation. The liquid penetrates the skin and kills the fleas.

4. Proban (cythioate) is the first oral insecticide that has been developed for dogs. You can purchase Proban in either liquid or tablet form and it should be given once every three days or twice a week. You may need to treat your dog for several weeks if fleas re-infest your dog. Proban is available through a veterinarian, a veterinary supply store, and some pet stores.

5. The other type of flea treatment you can get for your dog is an oral insect growth regulator (IGR). This is another flea control product that has only recently been developed. You give it to your pet once a month with a full meal. The IGR interrupts the flea's life cycle. Upon biting your pet, the female flea ingests the IGR, which deposits in the fleas eggs to stop them from developing.

6. You can also get the oral IGR for cats, which is a (lufenuron suspension). You give to your cat once a month, mixed with food. Your cat must be at least 6 weeks old. Like the IGR for dogs, it can only be purchased through your veterinarian.