You probably already know this as a pet owner, but fleas are a very prevalent and bothersome problem, therefore it’s critical to regularly treat your dogs and cats for worms and fleas. However, as 95% of flea and egg larvae live in your environment rather than on your cat, treating your home is just as vital as treating your pet to prevent recurrence of the infestation.
How do I know if my pet has fleas?
Fleas can occasionally be seen hopping off and onto your pet’s body, but they are little and move very quickly. They typically measure less than an eighth of an inch in length, have a flat body, and are dark brown or black in color (unless they are full of blood, in which case they may be lighter). However, typical behavioral signs include restlessness and more frequent gnawing, scratching, or licking of certain body regions. If you think your dog or cat may have fleas, you can look for evidence of them on his skin and coat or seek for “flea dirt,” which resembles typical dirt but is actually flea feces. Put some on a paper towel and add some water to determine if it is real dirt or flea dirt. If it is flea filth, it will turn a reddish brown since the flea discharged blood after ingesting it.
Finding the right treatment
Finding the best flea treatment can be challenging because there are so many options on the market. The finest flea treatments for dogs and cats have been listed below to help you get started, but it may take some trial and error to find the one that works best for you and your pets.
Frontline Flea Spray for Dogs and Cats
Frontline sprays are a one-stop shop for any family with both cats and dogs because they don’t include the potentially hazardous insecticides present in many pet store sprays. Additionally, it is risk-free to use if you have puppies or kittens on your property, and because it is water-resistant, it will still work even if you live in a location with heavy rainfall.
Frontline Plus for Dogs and Cats
This product, a topical version of Frontline, will keep pests at all life stages away for a full 30 days. For a month at a time, this helps to prevent re-infestation and keep fleas out of your home. It is water-resistant and free of potentially dangerous insecticides, just like other Frontline products.
SerestoTM Flea and Tick Collar for Dogs and Cats
These collars provide a far more durable remedy for flea and insect issues. The SerestoTM collars offer protection for up to 8 months, in contrast to topical and oral treatments, which normally need to be used monthly. There are numerous options that can accommodate either dogs or cats.
Capstar Flea Control for Dogs and Cats
This is a fantastic alternative if you prefer to give your pet’s flea medication orally. It eliminates fleas and can be used along with other well-known preventatives to aid in preventing any further infections. Pets that are nursing or expecting are also safe to use. For dogs and cats, a variety of formulations are offered. Make sure to choose the appropriate one for the weight of your pet.
Advantage II for Dogs and Cats
Fleas are among the pests that can be killed and repelled using this topical treatment, which employs insecticides. Within 12 hours of the initial application, it eliminates all adult fleas, earning it a reputation for being exceptionally quick-acting. Some animals, though, report skin irritation from the treatment. It is available in a number of weight-based formulations.
Sentry Fiproguard for Cats
Sentry Fiproguard, a well-liked substitute for Frontline, is an affordable choice for supplying fundamental flea and other pest protection, and owners of numerous pets frequently use it. It is also water-resistant, so it will continue to work even in locations with heavy rainfall.
Effix for Dogs
Another topical treatment, Effix starts killing fleas as soon as six hours after application. It also works to deter a wide range of other pests, such as ticks, lice, and mosquitoes. It is an effective all-around treatment that must be applied monthly.
Which flea medication do veterinarians advise?
You can give them this oral medication along with their meals to avoid fleas. NexGard’s chews are FDA-approved, according to the American Animal Hospital Association, to help eliminate adult fleas before they can lay eggs, offering protection from fleas and ticks for a full month. NexGard is a dog-only brand with a 4.7-star rating from more than 600 Chewy customers, in contrast to the other manufacturers mentioned above that produce products for both dogs and cats.
Which flea spot treatment works the best?
- Effectiveness lasts 90 days for fleas, 30 days for ticks, and 14 days for biting lice.
- Safe for: Canines over 8 weeks old and weighing more than 5 lbs. ; canines that are nursing, pregnant, or breeding
- Puppies under 8 weeks old and dogs under 5 pounds are not indicated for usage on the label.
- Recommendation: No
Our #1 non-prescription recommendation is Frontline Plus since it eliminates chewing lice, flea infestations, ticks, and fleas with just one simple application. Frontline Plus can last up to three months per dosage when used primarily for flea control. Apply it periodically if you have concerns about ticks or biting lice.
Owners of pets have used and trusted Frontline Plus for more than 20 years. Frontline Plus kills parasites right away; they don’t even need to bite your dog to perform its job. Fipronil and S-methoprene, the product’s active components, combine to kill parasites and disrupt the flea life cycle. Adult ticks and fleas are killed by fipronil. S-methoprene stops the development of flea eggs, larvae, and pupae. When your dog is severely infested, it may take up to a month of constant application to completely disrupt the flea life cycle because flea eggs can be present in your home but not on your dog.
Utilizing Frontline Plus is simple. Put all of the tube’s contents in one spot on your dog’s skin, in the area between the shoulder blades. Your dog’s skin absorbs the liquid medication, which is subsequently stored in the oil glands. Through the hair follicles, it continuously disperses itself.
What dog flea and tick treatment is the safest and most effective?
To adequately protect their patients, veterinarians often advise dog flea and tick collars, topical flea and tick treatments, or oral flea and tick drugs (sometimes in combination). Here are some of the safest flea treatments for dogs available right now, along with some of its benefits and drawbacks.
Dog Flea and Tick Collars
Modern dog flea collars are generally safe solutions for controlling fleas and ticks (unlike older collars, which were largely ineffective). Right present, the Seresto collar is a highly popular choice.
It employs imidacloprid and flumethrin to eradicate ticks as well as fleas in all stages of development. The collar is a practical substitute for monthly preventive treatments because its effectiveness lasts for 8 months (as long as you limit its exposure to water).
However, if you have young children in your house, keep them from playing with the reflector clips or a Seresto collar. With small children who have a tendency to put everything in their mouths, all flea and tick collars have the tendency to leave residues of the chemicals that make them effective on your dog and on your cat.
Some dogs have experienced localized skin responses to the collar, which went away after it was taken off. The product insert for Seresto additionally warns, “Before using this medicine on debilitated, elderly, breeding, pregnant, or nursing animals, see your veterinarian. This is valid for all preventatives against fleas and ticks.
Topical Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs
There are several effective topical (or spot-on) flea treatments for dogs, and many of them provide defense against a variety of pests in addition to fleas.
For instance, Advantage Multi is a prescription medication that kills heartworms, hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, sarcoptic mange mites, and fleas using the active chemicals imidacloprid and moxidectin. But it doesn’t kill ticks, and to prevent possibly harmful side effects, dogs shouldn’t be permitted to lick the application location for at least 30 minutes.
Fipronil and (S)-methoprene, two OTC medications, are used in Frontline Plus to combat fleas and ticks at all stages of development. Additionally, it gets rid of chewing lice and aids in managing sarcoptic mange outbreaks. Even while it shouldn’t be consumed, a few covert licks from your dog won’t likely result in any issues.
A topical therapy might not be the best option if you can’t keep your pet away from young children or other animals that could come into direct touch with the drug before it has dried or been absorbed into your pet’s skin, as is the situation with flea and tick collars.
Before selecting a topical flea and tick medicine for your dog if you have cats in the house, consult a veterinarian. Some use extremely harmful to cats substances like pyrethrin or permethrin.
The ideal time to bathe a dog following application is a few days later. The usual requirement for topical therapies is monthly application.
Oral Flea and Tick Medications for Dogs
Many prescription oral flea and tick treatments are thought to be relatively safe for dogs. These preventatives are available as pills and chewables. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best one based on the age of your dog.
Spinosad and milbemycin oxime are used in Trifexis to protect dogs from fleas, heartworms, and intestinal parasites, however it is ineffective against ticks. This medication must be prescribed by your veterinarian.
For 8–12 weeks per dose, Bravecto chews (also available as a topical) provide protection from fleas and ticks. Fluralaner, the substance’s active component, kills adult fleas and ticks. Your veterinarian must also write a prescription for Bravecto.
For homes with young children or other small pets who might be at risk of coming into touch with the chemical residue from flea collars or topical therapies, oral flea and tick meds are an excellent option.
Vomiting is the negative effect of prescription oral flea medicines that is most frequently reported.
While there is always a chance for negative side effects with any drug, the danger of not treating parasites is far greater. Based on your dog’s age, lifestyle, health status, and other specific factors, your veterinarian can assist you in selecting the safest and most efficient flea and tick treatment.
Which is better, Frontline or Advantage?
Both items are monthly topical medicines that have been suggested by veterinarians.
FRONTLINE Plus is more expensive than Advantage II. Similarly, Advantage II has components that are seen as being more benign and is frequently linked to less adverse effects. Advantage II is therefore appropriate for sensitive pets.
Unlike Frontline Plus, Advantage II only treats fleas and no other parasites. On the other hand, FRONTLINE Plus eliminates ticks and fleas. Additionally, it effectively treats mange and deters insects. FRONTLINE Plus is the best option if ticks are another worry for you.
Protection from other parasites should be taken into account as well, particularly if they are a recognized concern in your area.
Both FRONTLINE Plus and Advantage II are efficient at getting rid of fleas at all stages of development. The three-way protection in both products lasts for up to a month. But FRONTLINE is the superior option between the two for serious infestations and all-around defense.
Is Nexgard an improvement over frontline?
The response to this query is the opposite of that for fleas, i.e., both are equally effective at eliminating ticks, however in this instance, Nexgard eliminates them more quickly. When compared to Frontline, which takes between 24 and 48 hours to take effect, Nexgard can get rid of the tiny bloodsuckers in just eight hours.
Although there isn’t much of a difference, the extra time may be sufficient for disease transmission to take place. However, your dog may just as easily contract a tick-borne illness in eight hours as they might in 48.
Which is superior, Sentinel or Nexgard?
Overall, Sentinel and Nexgard are very unlike. They address various facets of your pet’s health. Both therapies, though, are quite effective. While Sentinel is suggested for usage in avoiding heartworms and intestinal worm infestations, Nexgard is typically preferred for combating active flea and tick infestations.
We hope this comparison will help you choose between Nexgard and Sentinel, but don’t forget to consult your veterinarian first since he will be more familiar with your pet’s needs.
Is Vectra more superior to frontline?
Fast-acting, successful against fleas and ticks, and lasting up to 30 days, Vectra 3D and Frontline are fairly comparable.
The active substances and how they effect your dog and other pests make a considerable difference, though.
Although Frontline is my top choice out of the two, Vectra 3D can be preferable in some circumstances.
For instance:
- Vectra 3D is a great option if your dog spends most of their time outside.
- Vectra 3D will make your dog more comfortable if you live in an area where steady flies or sand are problems.
- Frontline is the finest option for your dog if they have any health issues.
Which is better, Bravecto or Nexgard?
For eight weeks, Bravecto kills numerous tick species, including the lone star tick. The only FDA-approved remedy for avoiding infections that lead to Lyme disease is Nexgard. When used according to instructions, both medications are safe for dogs and have received FDA approval to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations.
Does Frontline Plus work?
Two of the most established flea treatments for dogs and cats are Frontline Plus and Advantage. As a result, it is clear that there is a constant struggle among pet owners to find these flea prevention treatments. Even though these two products are grouped together, they differ from one another in a number of important ways.
Let’s examine a few of the following advice:
Approximately 98% of fleas are killed with Advantage for dogs and cats within a half-day of dosing, and chewing lice are killed within a week. Within three to five minutes of treatment, fleas stop biting the pet. It cures Flea Allergy Dermatitis and is effective against flea larvae and adults (FAD). However, it has no effect on ticks. While Frontline Plus for dogs is even effective against chewing lice and ticks, and kills 100% of fleas within a day or two of application. All flea life stages are destroyed by it. It has a maximum 30-day flea and brown dog tick efficacy and a maximum 2-week efficacy against paralysis ticks. While Frontline Plus for cats is effective against ticks, chewing lice, and fleas, it is ineffective against fleas, flea larvae, or adult fleas.
ADVANTAGE FOR DOGS & CATS IS EFFECTIVE IN ELIMINATING ADULT FLEAS, FLEA LARVAE, AND CHEWING LICE FOR A MAXIMUM OF 30 DAYS, SO THAT IS THE IMPORTANT TAKE AWAY POINT OF DIFFERENCE AND SIMILARITY BETWEEN BOTH THE PRODUCTS IN TERMS OF EFFICACY. While Frontline Plus for Dogs is effective for a maximum of one month against brown dog ticks, chewing lice, and adult fleas throughout their whole life cycle. With the exception of not being effective in getting rid of ticks, FRONTLINE PUS FOR CATS IS JUST AS EFFECTIVE AS FRONTLINE PLUS FOR DOGS. So, FRONTLINE PLUS IS THE BEST OPTION IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT TICKS ON YOUR FURRY PAL. While you have the option to take advantage if adult fleas, flea larvae, and chewing lice are a concern.
Imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid ingredient found in Advantage, operates on adult fleas and lice in a manner similar to nicotine’s, causing excessive stimulation that results in paralysis and death for these parasites. While Fipronil and (S)-Methoprene are present in Frontline Plus. Fleas and ticks’ nervous systems are adversely affected by the insecticide fipronil. While (S)-Methoprene prevents the maturation of flea eggs and larvae by acting as an insect growth regulator (IGR). The combination of these two components completely eliminates adult fleas, the flea life cycle, larvae, and ticks in dogs. Despite having the same chemicals as Frontline Plus for dogs, Frontline Plus for cats is ineffective against fleas.
Therefore, FRONTLINE PLUS CONTAINS TWO INGREDIENTSFIPRONIL AND (S)-METHOPRENE WHILE ADVANTAGE CONTAINS ONLY ONE INGREDIENTIMIDACLOPRID.
The dosage for both products is determined by the pet’s weight. Advantage for dogs comes in packs of 1, 4, 6, and 12 with various color codes:
The pack size for cats and kittens does not change, but the color codes do.
There are 3, 6, and 12 pipettes of Frontline Plus for dogs with various color codes:
FOR BEST RESULTS, CHOOSE THE BEST PACK SIZE OF EITHER OF THE PRODUCTS BASED ON YOUR PET’S WEIGHT.
The cost of the two products is equivalent and depends on the size of the pet, how much of the product you need, and the retailer you buy it from. At VetSupply, a pack of 6 Advantage applicators for dogs with 2 free doses up to 4 kg costs $ 63.19, while a box of 6 Advantage applicators for cats with 2 free doses costs $ 68.13. At VetSupply, a pack of 6 Frontline Plus applicators for dogs with 2 free doses up to 10 kg and a pack of 6 Frontline Plus applicators for cats with 1 free dose will cost you $ 37.99 and $ 59.99, respectively.
Therefore, choose the appropriate pack size while taking the prices of both products into account.
Between the two options, Frontline Plus appears to be the victor on paper. However, a thorough examination would convince you that Advantage is more successful in preventing fleas. Frontline Plus for Dogs is the greatest option if you are worried about fleas and ticks, but Advantage would be the ideal option if you only need to defend against fleas. Everything hinges on the circumstances. Do what works for your furry friend.
