Pet Flea Control

The first step in your flea control program, and eliminating the flea bites you’ve been suffering from, is to kill the fleas on your pet. Their are many different flea treatments available, as you know if you’ve ever looked in the pet store. The most popular, and probably the most effective, is Frontline and Frontline Plus.

Frontline Flea Treatment
Frontline is sold in small vials, which contain a single monthly dose, which makes the application a snap. The treatment is applied between the pet’s shoulder blades. Just spread the hair between your pet’s shoulders so the skin is visible, and apply the treatment there. It will then spread through the oil glands and hair follicles and should provide protection from fleas for one month.

Be sure to use the proper Frontline treatment, which is sold according to the size of your pet. In other words, don’t use Frontline designed for dogs from 45 – 88 pounds on a small, 20 pound dog. Also, never use Frontline for dogs on a cat, or vice-versa.

Flea Shampoo
Flea shampoos and collars can also be somewhat effective, at least temporarily. Good flea shampoos will kill both adult fleas and flea eggs and larva, which is critical for long-term flea control. Killing the adult fleas is pointless if you leave eggs and larva on your pets or in your home.

When buying a flea shampoo, look for one with both an insecticide, such as pyrethrin, and an insect growth regulator, such as methoprene. This combination will ensure you’re killing the fleas in all four stages of the life cycle. Insecticides can sometimes dry our your dog’s coat, so many shampoos contain a conditioner of some sort as well.

With consistent and regular use, you can eliminate fleas on your pet, which is the first step in over all flea control. Once you’ve treated your pet though, you’ll need to get rid of the fleas in your home as well. Doing one without the other is pointless, and will just waste your time and money.

The next step is effective home flea control