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Program (Lufenuron) for Fleas

- Systemic flea control. -

Summary: Program is a flea control medication in pill form. Lufenuron, the active ingredient in Program, stops flea eggs from hatching. Program does not control adult fleas nor ticks.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

What is Program?

Program is a flea control medication that comes in the form of chewable tablets for dogs or in liquid form for cats. The active ingredient, lufenuron, is an insect growth regulator (IGR) that circulates in the pet's blood (systemic).

Fleas ingest the active ingredient when they bite which effectively disrupts the flea's life cycle because eggs from these adults don't hatch. Because lufenuron acts on eggs it is not effective against adult fleas nor is it effective against ticks. Therefore, Program is generally combined with a treatment that controls adult fleas if biting fleas are present.
Adult cat flea (original photo by Ken Gray)

Adult cat flea (1/5"-1/10") moves between the host animal and "nest" (pet bedding, etc.).

 

While Program is very effective I prefer the non-systemic, spot-on flea control products like Frontline and Advantage because they are less likely to have side effects and control ticks as well.

If you live in a region where heartworm has been reported your pets should also be protected from this serious, often fatal, parasitic infection as well. Program does not protect pets from the mosquitoes that transmit heartworm. See the heartworm page for additional information.

You can use the links below to order Program online from either 1-800-PetMeds or National Pet Pharmacy. Check each site for current pricing and shipping costs as these tend to vary somewhat.

Currently National Pet Pharmacy offers free shipping and 1-800-PetMeds offers free shipping on order over $39. Remember to order the correct dosage level based on your pet's weight.
1-800-PetMeds
234x60_NationalPetPharmacy

Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.

Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

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