How to Compare Flea Products
The process of selecting the right flea product for your pet involves comparing cost and features and determining how well they meet the needs of your pet. Take into consideration shipping charges when looking at online products and cost comparisons with products purchased locally. Compare flea products sold through licensed veterinary hospitals and those sold over the counter. The product features should not outweigh safety. Compare ingredients, taking into consideration toxicity. Pay attention to label warnings and instructions when deciding the appropriateness of the product for your pet. During the process of comparing products, make use of manufacturer contact numbers to ask questions.
Instructions
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Check to see if the flea product is appropriate for kittens or puppies younger than four to six weeks or for pets that are pregnant or lactating. Also, check to see if the product for cats or dogs.
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Compare flea products based on how you apply the product. Choices usually include topical application, spray, injection, collar and oral, so select the product that is best for your pet.
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Compare products based on availability. Prescription flea products are only available through a licensed veterinarian. Most online products require a prescription from a veterinarian. Over-the-counter flea products are available in pet supply stores and grocery stores.
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Compare features such as whether the product is waterproof, how long it lasts and if it kills or repels other parasites. Look at flea product reviews, such as the one done by Consumer Search, to discover what other pet owners think about the features of the products and to see a side-by-side comparison of the most popular flea products.
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Compare cost of flea products to see how they fit your budget. Take into consideration how often the product needs to be re-applied.
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Tips & Warnings
Read flea product labels carefully, and ask your veterinarian for recommendations based on your pet's health and age. Talk to pet owners in your neighborhood about the flea products they have found to work best.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an advisory for 70 flea and tick products in June 2009. According to its website, the EPA encourages pet owners to "carefully follow label directions and monitor their pets for any signs of an adverse reaction after application."
