Flea & Tick Control Medications

Effective flea control starts with understanding a little about flea biology and then using proven methods to disrupt flea development. Currently the most effective flea and tick control combination is Frontline Top Spot applied on the pet and a separate spray of the insect growth regulator methoprene to the pet's bedding. There is no need to treat for fleas outdoors.

I prefer Frontline Top Spot because it offers both flea and tick protection, it is available for both dogs and cats, it is non-systemic, and is relatively water resistant. The other flea medications don't combine all these attributes in a single application. While Frontline Plus adds methoprene to the basic ingredient in Frontline Top Spot I prefer to keep these two treatments separate because methoprene works better when applied off the animal.

Flea & tick control medications

Currently there are two different ways to administer flea and tick control medications. One way is to apply drops to the pet's skin between the shoulder blades ("topically-applied" or "spot-on"), the second way is in pill form ("systemic"). Frontline Top Spot, Frontline Plus, Advantage & K9 Advantix are spot-on medications while Program is in pill form (Program is for fleas only). Whichever medication you decide to use don't forget to treat pet sleeping areas with methoprene for long-term flea control.

All products can be purchased without a prescription online or through your vet. We've found online sources to be significantly less expensive than purchases through vet offices.

What about flea traps and flea collars?

Flea traps may be useful as an early warning system in facilities where large numbers of animals are housed but they are generally not useful for homeowners. Flea collars were once the best approach to flea and tick control but today's flea medications are much more effective.

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