Dog Flea Control – What Are Your Options?

As the summer months roll in, dog owners would encounter a pesky problem affecting their four legged friends….Fleas.

Fleas strive in the hot weather and one flea can easily multiple into millions of off springs. This makes it a real nuisance for dog owners as there are health issues related to flea infestation. Fleas bite on their host and feed on the blood from its host. Dogs that are allergic to flea bites may end up having flea bite allergy which may comes in the form of a mild itch or in severe cases, dogs may develop an intense itch resulting in constant scratching and inflammation of the skin. Secondary infections may occur as a result. Fleas are also known to bring along tapeworms to dogs.

 As such, dog flea control is absolutely necessary and that’s what keeps dog owners busy during this time of the year.

What complicate things is the wide range of flea treatment products available for dogs. Most dog owners simply find it confusing as to which one to choose from the many that is best suited for their dog.

Lets take a look at what’s available for dog flea control and how dog owners can go about selecting one suitable for their dog

Flea comb

The first line of defense in dog flea treatment is the use of a flea comb. This is special fine-tooth comb use to trapped fleas while brushing through your dog’s fur. Dogs loved this. It’s cheap, safe, (even on ill, pregnant and infant pets) and easy to use. However, this would only remove a portion of the flea population. For dogs that shows flea bite allergy, this would probably not be a good choice as you would need to kill off all fleas fast to stop further allergic reaction. The Flea Zapper Comb is a popular choice among dog owners. It can be used on longhaired dogs and it kills off fleas through a small current.

Sprays

These may come in the form of aerosols or pump bottles. It must be applied to all parts of the body except sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth and ears. Effective but may be a bit messy having to spray extensively to cover all body parts. Spraying need to be done in a well ventilated place. Popular choices include Frontline and Frontline plus,

Powder

Flea powder is loosing its popularity because many were found to be too toxic for use on dogs. However, Diatomaceous earth, a naturally occurring substances made up of crushed fossils of freshwater organisms or marine life is gaining in popularity because it’s safe.

Shampoos

Flea shampoos kill off fleas on dogs and then are washed off. Many brands of flea shampoo are available but take note that it’s effect is short. Once wash off, it has no residual effect and hence not suitable for long-term dog flea control.

Flea collars

Flea collars were once very popular among dog owners when it was first introduced in 1960s. However, because increasing reports on pets developing skin irritation around the area of contact and that it’s effect is only restricted to the neck area, it’s use has been declining over the years.

Topical spot-on applications

These are all time favorites since it’s introduction in recent years. Not only are they effective, last longer (usually effect can last for up to a month), it’s ease of application appeals to many dog owners. Popular choices among dog owners include Advantage, Revolution, Frontline, Frontline Plus.

Some are active against fleas only while some are effective against fleas and the flea eggs. Read labels carefully to choose a suitable one for your dog.

Oral and injectable flea control products

Program are oral tablets given once a month. It acts by inhibiting the growth of fleas. Fleas treated with program can continue to eggs but the eggs will never get to hatch into larvae, thus, the whole life cycle of the fleas is interrupted. If your dog is already infested with adult fleas, you need to apply a spray or topical spot-on solution to kill off the adult fleas too in addition to feeding the program tablet.

Full details on the all dog flea control products can be found under the section on “Flea Treatment For Pets”. Make sure you check this section for a more in depth coverage on the flea products.