Flea medicines

The flea circus your grandfather told you about was cute. Fleas on your dog are not. If your home feels like it is turning into your very own flea Cirque du Soleil, you definitely need to take some action. There are 3 generally accepted ways to treat for fleas: Flea Collars, Flea Pills, Topical Insecticides, and Flea Sprays.

 You’ve probably heard someone in your life mention flea pills for dogs. These pills can be a very effective method for getting rid of fleas on dogs, and there are more options available today than ever before. Here is what you need to know about flea pills to help you choose the best option for your dog.

What About Seresto Flea Collars?

Flea collars: Most veterinarians do not recommend flea shampoos or collars for puppies or adult dogs because they are not very effective. There is an exception: The collar, Seresto, is designed to slowly release the active chemicals (imidacloprid and flumethrin). This product may be useful at stopping flea larvae from molting. Seresto is effective against fleas and ticks for up to 8 months and can be used on a dog as young as 7 weeks old. (NOTE: Seresto is the only flea product used by Maverick Meyers, spokesdog for SchnauzerLife.)

What Are Flea Pills?

 Flea pills are oral insecticides that help control, treat, and prevent flea infestations in dogs. There are several different types of flea pills out there commonly prescribed by veterinarians. Each has a different active chemical ingredient that targets fleas in a unique way.

 Some flea pills kill adult fleas, others kill larvae, and some inhibit a flea’s ability to lay eggs. Knowing which part of the flea life cycle the pill targets is essential for effective flea control, so make sure you read the label carefully and talk with your veterinarian.

 The type of flea pill that is best for your dog depends on your situation. If you are looking for an oral monthly preventative, then a fast-acting flea pill that only stays in your dog’s system for a few days is probably not your best bet. On the other hand, if your dog is suffering from flea allergy dermatitis, then a fast-acting flea adulticide is exactly what you need.

REMEMBER THAT YOUR VETERINARIAN KNOWS BEST ABOUT WHAT MEDICATIONS ARE MOST EFFECTIVE FOR THE FLEA AND TICK POPULATIONS IN YOUR SPECIFIC AREA. ADDITIONALLY, THERE ARE MEDICATIONS WHICH DO NOT PLAY WELL WITH CERTAIN BREEDS AND THEREFORE CAN BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR PET'S HEALTH.  ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR VET FOR RECOMMENDATIONS!

NexGard (Afoxolaner)

 NexGard (afoxolaner) is a flea adulticide, which means it kills adult fleas. Once a flea attaches to your dog and begins to feed, the active ingredient, afoxolaner, acts to kill the adult fleas. This interrupts the life cycle by killing the adults before they can lay eggs.

 NexGard lasts for up to 30 days and also kills ticks, making it an ideal monthly oral preventative for dogs. While NexGard is generally well tolerated, some of the side effects of NexGard for dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, dry/flaky skin, lethargy and lack of appetite.

Bravecto (Fluralaner)

 Bravecto (fluralaner) is a relatively new flea pill. It kills attached and feeding fleas and ticks and takes effect quickly, killing both adult and juvenile fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 12 hours. The preventative lasts for 12 weeks, which means you only have to give it every three months.

 Possible side effects of Bravecto for dogs include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, gas, lethargy, and excessive thirst.

Capstar (Nitenpyram)

 Capstar (nitenpyram) is a fast-acting, over-the-counter flea pill for dogs. Nitenpyram is absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly, and the drug starts to work within 30 minutes of ingestion, killing more than 90 percent of fleas on your dog within 4 hours. Capstar only kills adult fleas that have fed on your dog, and the drug leaves your dog’s system after 24-to-48 hours. This makes it effective for immediate relief, but not as a long-term treatment option or preventative.

 Side effects of Capstar for dogs are mild, but can include stomach upset and itchiness. The itchiness is a result of the dying fleas and should resolve within a few hours. Watch out for allergic reactions to nitenpyram.

Comfortis (Spinosad)

 Comfortis (spinosad) is a monthly preventative flea pill that comes in a chewable tablet. The active ingredient, spinosad, causes paralysis and death in adult fleas, killing them before they can lay eggs. This interrupts the flea’s life cycle if given as a monthly preventative, helping to treat and prevent infestations. Comfortis begins killing adult fleas within 30 minutes after ingestion, and has a demonstrated 100 percent effectiveness within 4 hours.

 The most common side effect associated with Comfortis is vomiting. Less common side effects include lethargy, diarrhea, itchiness, drooling, shaking, ataxia, and seizures. Comfortis does not protect against ticks.

Do Topical Flea Liquids Work?

GUIDELINE CHART FOR FLEA PROTECTION