Choosing the Best Flea Repellant
Fleas are small external parasites that live off of blood. Any pet owner who has suffered through a flea infestation knows the misery and chaos these small insects can create. The best way to prevent the distress these parasites can cause to both your pet and household is through the use of flea repellents. There are numerous brands and types of repellents available.
Instructions
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Determine your pet's needs based on location. If you live in a wooded area where there are a lot of bushes, trees and animals such as deer, you may want to consider a flea repellent that also combats ticks. If you live in an urban area, or your pet rarely goes beyond the backyard, you may not need a dual flea and tick repellent.
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Determine your pet's needs based on seasonal changes in your area. States in the south, or in areas where the temperature and climate are generally warm, mild, or humid year-round, usually have fleas, mosquitoes and ticks everywhere most of the year. However, states that are farther north usually do not have to worry about parasites during the winter months. If you live in a colder area and decide not to administer flea repellent during the winter, you will have to get a repellent that does not contain a heartworm preventative. You can continue to give your pet heartworm medication during the winter months, and not spend money on flea preventatives during inactive periods.
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Consider your budget. Although cheaper flea preventatives are available at grocery stores and pet stores, the higher-priced brand names such as K9 Advantix, Advantage or Frontline are extensively tested and have been proven highly effective. If you use cheaper repellents, there is a possibility that your pet may have an allergic reaction to the ingredients.
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Decide on the type of flea repellent you would like to use. Repellents are available in oral or topical form. Topical preventatives are applied to the neck of the dog or cat, and take effect within 48 hours, traveling through the animal's glandular system. Oral flea repellents can be easily administered and hidden in a pet's food. But because it needs to be digested and processed, oral preventatives can take up to 8 weeks to begin working.
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Read reviews of top flea repellent brands on the Petco website. These reviews are written by passionate pet owners and customers who have had personal experience using these flea repellents.
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Tips & Warnings
Always consult with your vet before administering a new flea preventative. Ask your vet for options and advice specific to your pet's health needs. Flea repellents help to kill adult fleas that may be on your pet. If you notice fleas on your pet, it is a good idea to thoroughly clean your house as well, to prevent fleas from surviving. Ask your vet for advice on how to kill fleas that may have entered your household.
Resources
- Photo Credit sxc.hu/Woopidoo2
