FLEA CONTROL

Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin disease of dogs and cats! Flea control has always been a challenge for veterinarians and pet owners because the adult fleas cause the clinical signs, yet the majority of the flea population (eggs, larvae and pupae) is to be found off the pet in and around the home. The ideal flea control program utilizes products that target the various stages of the flea life cycle, not only the adult fleas on the pet.
Life cycle of the flea.

FLEA CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS

For the flea allergic patient 100% flea control is required to remain symptom-free. Even very minimal exposure may be sufficient to perpetuate itching in a hypersensitive patient (one or two bites per week are enough!). Until very recently, veterinarians and pet owners have had to control fleas by treating the environment of the animal for the immature stages of the flea. This approach, although effective when properly instituted, is labor intensive and requires frequent repetitive applications. Application of adulticides on the animal has merely been of palliative value. The safe insecticides previously available to us did not kill fleas instantly or were not long-lasting enough to ensure adequate protection for fleabites. The female flea survived long enough the lay a few eggs and perpetuate the life cycle.

We recommend for your pet:

Frontline Plus: Once a month. Dispensed according to weight -- one vial against the skin between the shoulder blades. http://frontline.us.merial.com

Advantage: Once a week to one a month. Dispensed according to weight. Contents of one or two vials against the skin between the shoulder blades.
http://www.nofleas.com

Source: Carol Foil, DVM, MS, DACVD