DID YOU KNOW...
Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common type of skin disease in dogs and cats. The disease is caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva. In allergic pets, just one flea bite can trigger itching so intense that it leads to hair loss, sores, and skin infections. Complete flea control is essential for allergic dogs and cats to remain symptom free and healthy.
FLEA & TICK SHAMPOO
Getting rid of fleas can be a frustrating process. To prevent and treat flea infestations, compare the top selling flea and tick control products to help you find the best one for your pet.
How to Choose a Flea Control Product
There are many factors to consider when choosing a flea control product for your pet. Finding the best one for your situation depends on your pet, whether you are looking for a treatment or preventive, and if you have a preference regarding the application method and ease of use of a particular flea control product.
Comparison Chart of the Top Selling Flea and Tick Control Products
| Brand Name | Kills Fleas | Kills Flea Eggs | Kills Flea Larvae | Stops Flea Growth | Repels Fleas | Kills/Repels Ticks | Kills/Repels Mosquitoes | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All of the above products advise a monthly dosage for optimal control. | ||||||||
| K-9 Advantix | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Topical |
| Advantage | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Topical |
| Frontline Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Kills | No | Topical |
| Frontline TopSpot | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Kills | No | Topical |
| Program | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Orally |
Flea and Tick Medications
Match the Product to the Pet
One of the most basic factors is to choose a flea control product that is intended for your pet. This may seem obvious, but some pet owners don’t realize that medications can be toxic if used improperly. If a product is used for any purpose other than indicated, it can jeopardize the animal’s health and safety.
- Type of Pet: Do you have a dog or cat? Flea control products are usually formulated for either dogs or cats. Do not use dog medications for cats, or vice versa.
- Age of Pet: Is your pet a puppy or kitten less than 8 to 12 weeks old? Is your pet elderly? Some products are not safe for very young or very old animals.
- Weight of Pet: Many flea control products are available in differing quantities and potencies based on the weight of the animal.
- Health Conditions: If your pet is pregnant, sick, or has other health conditions, ask a veterinarian before using a flea control product.
Treating vs Preventing Fleas
Getting rid of the fleas on your pet depends on killing fleas at all life cycles, not just the adult fleas. When comparing flea control products, you will notice they vary in purpose and indications for use.
- Treatment: Some formulations will only kill existing adult fleas.
- Prevention: Some products prevent flea infestations by inhibiting flea growth, killing flea eggs and larvae, and repelling fleas.
- Treatment and Prevention: Some flea control products are effective at both treatment and prevention of flea infestations.
Treating the fleas on your dog or cat, however, is only part of the solution to the flea problem. You must also treat the fleas in the house and yard areas used by the pet.
Types of Flea Control Products
Before using a flea medication on your pet, make sure you read the ingredients, instructions, and warnings carefully and completely, and that you use it only as directed.
- Shampoos & Dips: Used to treat adult fleas currently living on your pet.
- Sprays: Offers quick elimination of existing flea infestations.
- Powders & Foggers: Used to kill fleas living in the house and yard.
- Flea Collars: For protection against all stages of the flea life cycle, but have largely fallen out of favor and replaced by the new topical medications which are generally considered safer and more effective.
- Topical Flea Control: An easy-to-apply liquid that helps treat and prevent fleas. These newer topical insecticides are the top selling flea control products for dogs and cats. Many veterinarians recommend and prescribe them due to their safety, ease of use, and effectiveness at treating and preventing fleas.
- Oral Flea Control: Medication taken orally to treat and prevent fleas.
Comparing the FRONTLINE Products
FRONTLINE Spray was introduced in 1996. The active ingredient is fipronil, which kills adult fleas. It is recommended for multi-pet households, initial treatment of flea allergy dermatitis, and severe existing flea and tick infestations. It is typically used by veterinarians in clinics for treating fleas quickly.
FRONTLINE Top Spot was introduced in 1997. It is an easy-to-apply spot-on liquid with the same active ingredient and same benefits as the spray. It is recommended for dog and cat owners who want a long-lasting and fast-acting flea and tick control product in a convenient topical application. It can also be used for routine control of flea allergy dermatitis.
FRONTLINE Plus was introduced in 2000. It also contains fipronil which kills adult fleas as well as an extra ingredient, (S)-methoprene, which stops flea growth and kills flea eggs. It is recommended for dog and cat owners who want the most complete flea and tick control possible.