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A flea prevention
program makes great sense for dogs, including those that
spend a lot of time outdoors, those who live by wooded
areas and those who are often around other pets when
they visit boarding kennels, doggy daycare centers and
dog parks. There are a variety of options to choose from
when choosing flea-fighting tools. Each alternative has
its own unique advantage. Based on your individual
needs, read the list below and chose the best choice for
you and your pet.
Always make sure the product is appropriate for
age and size of dog. Always follow manufacturer's
directions. Consult a vet if you have any
questions.
Topical Monthly
Preventives: are quick and easy to apply, taking
only a few minutes. Simply pour these liquids on the
skin along the dog’s back. In a brief period of
time, this liquid will use the oils that naturally occur
on the dog’s skin to spread throughout the coat,
providing safe and effective flea protection for a
month. It’s important not to wash the dog or have him
get wet for three or four days after the medicine is
applied. This will give the preventative time to spread
over the coat. With most products, once this brief
period is up, the dog can get wet without reducing the
effectiveness of the preventative. However, you should
check the manufacturer’s label before making this
assumption.
Oral Monthly
Preventives:
These protect the dog by
disrupting the development of fleas, preventing eggs and
larvae from growing into the adult parasite. In many
ways, they are more convenient than topical medications,
and dogs readily accept them.
Flea and Tick Collars:
These collars work by releasing chemicals that kill
fleas. Although these are the least effective and
slowest acting form of flea prevention, they are also
simple, easy and inexpensive.
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