How to Compare Flea Medicine for Dogs

Dogs without fleas are happier dogs.

Part of owning a dog is making sure he does not suffer with fleas. To ensure fleas are not infesting your home or your dog, you need to give your dog flea medicine about once a month. This is especially important during the warmer months of the year when fleas can be found in abundance outside. When your dog goes out in the yard, he may come back full of fleas if he's not protected. To protect your dog from fleas, you need to compare and choose a flea medicine. Before giving any medication to your dog, consult your veterinarian.

Instructions

1. Check the medication labels to see if the flea medicines you're comparing kill adult fleas. It's important that fleas that get in your dog's fur are killed, so they don't have a chance to multiply.

2. Read the labels of the flea medicines closely to ensure they kill fleas at all stages, including larvae and eggs. This will help control flea development; otherwise, you'll have a new outbreak every time the fleas enter a new cycle.

3. Determine what other insects the flea medicines kill. Because your dog likely spends time outdoors, it might be smart to choose a flea medicine that kills ticks and repels mosquitoes, along with fleas.

4. Understand how each medicine you're considering is administered. Flea medicines are usually either applied directly to your dog's skin or given in pill form. You need to decide what the right choice is for your dog. Some dogs, for example, take pills easily. Others will fight against taking a pill.

5. Make sure the flea medicine you choose is appropriate for your dog's age. Some medications cannot be used on very young dogs and some require that the dog be a certain weight. In general, most topical medications require the dog to be seven weeks or older. Some pill forms can be given to dogs four weeks and older. If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian.

References

• Doctors Foster and Smith: Dog Flea & Tick Control Comparison Chart