Common Cat Flea And Tick Treatments
There are many different cat flea treatment products on the market. This includes a plethora of remedies involving substances that have no medical validity where fleas and ticks for cats are concerned. Our Veterinarians would strongly recommend against numerous over the counter flea and tick treatments. Some common cat flea treatment methods include:
- Oral Tablets: These are a great choice for both prevention and treatment of fleas and ticks, while being safe for both your cat and your family. Oral tablets that treat fleas and ticks can only be obtained from your veterinarian.
- Spot-On Flea Treatments: There are many different spot-on flea treatments with varying effectiveness and different spectrums of use. At your next veterinary appointment we will help you choose the most effective spot-on flea and tick treatment for your cat.
- Cat Flea Collars, Powders and Sprays: We do not recommend the use of flea collars, powders or sprays. While these products were the mainstay of flea control in past years, they are more toxic and less effect than the products we currently recommend.
Some dog products are lethal to cats so please make sure you are using a product specifically made for cats.
How To Use Comfortis
While you should consult your veterinarian about your pets specific needs, these are the general guidelines for administering Comfortis:
- Administer every month.
- Administer year-round without interruption for best results.
- Give with food for maximum effectiveness.
- Administer the correct dose as prescribed by your veterinarian.
- If you miss a dose, give Comfortis immediately and resume regular monthly dosing.
View the Comfortis product label for more details.
Why Are Flea Pesticides Sold According To The Weight Of The Dog
Manufacturers of flea and tick pills for dogs prepare the dose with a different concentration of the active ingredients. That said, the pills with the least concentration are suitable for lightweight dogs . While you will note that the medication intended for the larger dogs will have larger amounts of the active ingredient.
In general, these concentrations depend on the weight of the dog. Thats why you have the weight category for flea and tick pills for dogs.
Also Check: What’s Cat Years To Human Years
Flea Tick Pills Can Cause Nerve Reactions In Pets Fda Warns
Pills or chews that protect dogs and cats against fleas can cause neurological problems such as stumbling or seizures, and pet owners need more warning, the Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.
The FDA issued an alert to owners and veterinarians and said it was requiring clearer labels on the products.
The flea pills and chews all contain a pesticide called isoxazoline, the FDA said. They include products sold under the brand names Bravecto, Nexgard and Simparica.
Another product in this class, Credelio, recently received FDA approval. These products are approved for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, and the treatment and control of tick infestations, the FDA said in a statement.
Sentry Capguard Oral Flea Control Best Overall
SENTRY Capguard Oral Flea Control flea pills are easy-to-dose tablets to get rid of fleas on your dog. It starts working within 30 minutes for immediate relief, with no long waiting periods like topical solutions. The tablets are made with nitenpyram, a safe-to-use pesticide used to kill external pests like fleas.
One dose is strong enough to treat most flea infestations on your dog, but a second dose can be given the next day to prevent re-infestation. It also kills adult fleas to stop breeding and repopulation, so youll stop the cycle and finally get rid of the fleas.
This pick for the best flea pills for dogs is also the perfect treatment for immediate flea removal, whereas other treatments take multiple doses to see any results. However, Capguard tablets are not a long-term treatment, so its important to use additional flea and tick protection to prevent infestations in the first place. Aside from that, SENTRY Capguard Oral Flea Control pills are the best overall flea pills for dogs.
- Not recommended for dogs under 25 pounds
- Doesnt treat flea eggs
You May Like: How To Remove Cat Urine Stain From Hardwood Floors
Oral Flea Medication For Cats
If you are worried about exposing other members of the household to flea medications, products that are given orally are a good choice.
Comfortis is a prescription monthly chewable option thats safe for cats 14 weeks of age and older and 4.1 pounds and up. It contains the active ingredient spinosad, which kills adult fleas, and should only be given every 30 days.
Capstar, on the other hand, is OTC and approved for use in younger and smaller cats . It uses the active ingredient nitenpyram to kill adult fleas. Capstar is a great option for getting a flea infestation under control because it can be given every 24 hours, but it should not be used in place of monthly preventatives.
The most common side effects seen with oral flea preventatives are gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. If your pet vomits immediately after taking the medication, it can be difficult to gauge whether they absorbed the appropriate dose. Talk with your veterinarian to figure out the best way to handle this issue.
Fleas are not just annoying. They can also be associated with severe health problems like anemia, plague, murine typhus and bartonellosis, many of which can be spread to people. By talking with your veterinarian, you can evaluate the safe and effective flea treatments available and decide on the best option for your cat.
Types Of Flea & Tick Control Products And How They Work
Aside from posing a nuisance, fleas and ticks have the potential to transmit numerous types of diseases to both animals and people. To reduce putting your pet and your family at risk, use medicated drops, collars, powders, shampoos or sprays to keep pesky parasites at bay. Remember to only use these products as instructed, and consult your veterinarian if your cat or dog experiences any adverse reactions.
Recommended Reading: How To Use Terramycin For Cats
Comfortis Pros And Cons
Pros
- A single table can last up to 30 days and will kill fleas within 30 minutes to four hours.
- Comfortis is able to eliminate adult fleas as well as fleas that are just about to lay eggs.
- The active ingredient, Spinosad is said to be environmentally friendly.
- The best part! Comfortis comes in a beef flavor, making it more appealing to fussy pets
Cons
- Its pricey
- Comfortis will not kill flea eggs or larvae
- Consumption of Comfortis tablets may result in a few side effects and an increase in seizures in animals who may have a history.
What Pet Owners Need To Know
If you have questions about the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar, or any other flea-control product, speak to your veterinarian for advice. Regardless of what type of flea-control product you choose for your cat, the EPA urges pet owners to read the entire label before using the product, follow all directions carefully, and monitor your pet after treatment.
There are also reports of counterfeit Seresto collars on the market, particularly through online retailers. Petco and Petsmart, major suppliers of pet products, told us that they purchase Seresto collars directly from the manufacturer, Elanco. It’s important to purchase from a reputable website, brick-and-mortar store with a guarantee program, or for the most assurance, directly from your veterinarian. Before placing a Seresto collar on your pet, we also recommend that pet owners call Elanco product support to verify the authenticity of the product’s serial number.
If you suspect that your pet is having an adverse reaction to a flea collar, immediately remove the collar and call your veterinarian. Carroll also advises pet owners to contact theNational Pesticide Information Center, which is an EPA information-sharing partner with staff who are specially trained to respond to pesticide exposure incidents, as well as to report adverse reactions from flea collars and topical treatments on the EPA’s website.
You May Like: Are Croton Plants Toxic To Cats
Hide It In A Pill Pocket
Pill pockets are small treats designed to hold edible medication for your cat. It fools cats into thinking theyre only eating treats, but you may have to cut the pill in half and place the pieces in two pill pockets. Some of the larger tablets are too massive to fit snugly in a standard pill pocket. If you prepare homemade treats for your cat, you can try the same technique.
Flea & Tick Pills For Dogs
Preventing flea infestations in the future is important, but what do you do if your dog has fleas today? A top pick for a number of circumstances is an oral flea treatment for dogs. That’s because this method has some unique qualities and benefits. You don’t have to worry about this kind of flea preventative rubbing offor getting licked off for that matter! And many oral flea treatments act fast, killing adult fleas in the same day that it is administered. Some dog flea pills are powered by the active ingredient, Nitenpyram, a safe and effective flea infestation remedy. It is fast-acting, killing adult fleas on your pet within as little as 30 minutes. If your dog has fleas, one go-to oral flea treatment for dogs is Capstar Flea Tablets for Dogs. It is safe for adult dogs as well as pregnant or nursing dogs and it effectively kills adult fleas within 4 hours. And there’s also Sentry Capguard Oral Flea Tablets for Dogs and PetArmor FastCaps Oral Flea Tablets for Dogs, both begin working within 30 minutes offering flea protection fast. Shop top oral flea treatments for dogs today to keep scratching and infestation at bay on Chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions aboutFlea & Tick Pills for Dogs
How does dog oral flea medicine work?
What is the best oral flea treatment for dogs?
How long do dog flea pills take to work?
How long does dog oral flea treatment usually last?
Recommended Reading: Calico Cat Short Hair
Best Flea Treatments For Cats In 2021 Reviews & Top Picks
You already know that your cat needs flea treatment, especially if you let them outside at any point. However, that doesnt help answer the next question that youre likely to have: Which one?
There are plenty of options out there, each with a different intimidating-sounding active ingredient. If youre not well-versed in the research behind each one, youll basically be throwing darts, blindly hoping to get a bullseye.
In these reviews, we explain the differences between a few of the major options, including what theyre good at and what they struggle with. When were done, you should know exactly what your cat needs.
Bravecto For Dogs Reviews
Not sure if Bravecto is right for your dog? Heres what customers say about Bravecto on PetMeds.com.
The topical treatment didnt work for our dogs, with Bravecto, within a few days they stopped itching and we didnt find any fleas. SO RELIEVED!.
Started Bravecto 10 days ago and so far no signs of anything! No adverse effects either!
Read Also: Cedar Pellets For Cat Litter
What To Consider When Choosing The Safest Flea Treatment For Cats
If you are looking for the safest flea treatment for cats, here are several factors that can help you and your veterinarian decide which option is best:
-
Your cats lifestyle: Outdoor cats are at higher risk for flea infestations, but indoor cats are also susceptible.
-
Age: Different flea preventatives have different age restrictions.
-
Health history: Your veterinarian needs to be aware of your cats health status and all medications and supplements that your cat is currently taking to recommend the safest type of flea preventative.
-
Breed: Coat length can influence the type of treatment.
-
Where you live: Resistance to certain types of flea preventatives is a problem in some areas. Your veterinarian will know which treatments will be the most effective.
The safest flea treatments for cats are those that are formulated for cats, dosed appropriately and recommended by a veterinarian who is familiar with the particulars of your cats case.
What Kind Of Flea Medicine For Puppies
Treating fleas and ticks on pups can be challenging as flea and tick medicines used for large dogs might not be suitable for them. Most flea medicines are best for dogs when they reach the age of 7-8 weeks. Before you pick any therapy, check its suitability based on your puppers age. Some flea solutions from brands like Capstar would also solve your little purpose as they are feedable to pups of 4 weeks.
You May Like: Cat Years Vs People Years
How Long Should I Use Flea And Tick Medication On My Cat
When in doubt, I use external parasite prevention as soon as the temperature warms up above freezing. I use it until there is a consistent hard frost for weeks at a time. If you live in more temperate regions , you should use it year-round. Because trust me, in the long run, itll be cheaperand safer for your catthan getting a flea infestation or horrible tick-borne infection. When using flea and tick medicine for cats, make sure to read the instructions carefullymost of these products last one month, although a few last 2 months.
Best Fleapills For Dogs In 2022 Reviews & Top Picks
There are many amazing reasons why anyone should own a dog, but there are some less than stellar things that cant be avoided. From sudden illnesses to food allergies, your loving companion can go from cute to costly within a blink of the eye. Another part of owning a dog is dealing with pests, such as fleas and ticks. Unless youre in a low-risk area, flea and tick preventions and treatments are a crucial part of caring for your dog to reduce the change of tick-borne illnesses.
Flea and Tick treatments have come a long way as technology and science improves each decade, but its still hard to tell which brands are reliable. Thankfully, weve done the research for you. We found the highest quality products available and gave our honest review of each. Here is our list of the Best Flea Pills for Dogs:
Read Also: How To Keep Cats Off Outdoor Furniture
Advecta Plus Flea Squeeze
- Fragrance-free
- Easy to apply
Apart from all those regular medications for getting rid of fleas, this one kills in just 12 hours after applying. Advectas Plus flea treatment kills not only fleas but also eggs and larvae effectively. Thus, it helps to break the cycle completely and prevents re-infestation of fleas in felines. Being a cheap flea medicine for cats, it has active ingredients as pyriproxyfen & imidacloprid. These ingredients arrive formulated in many top flea and tick medicines, making this suitable for the best results. All in all, this one offers high-quality results without any compromise.
Advecta flea medication is efficient in preventing reinfestation for up to 4-months. Individuals can apply the pet flea and tick control treatment on their paw mates with great comfort. Besides, it comes as a topical solution without being harmful to animals in any way. This flea therapy is waterproof and free from fragrance, thus catering to its use without any side effects. Since it does not require any efforts in killing fleas, it becomes an easy-to-use product apart from causing no harm. Also, it is available at a reasonable price.
How To Prevent Fleas
Your cat’s warm, furry coat and nourishing blood supply are a flea’s dream home. Protect your pet with a flea barrier to prevent these tiny pests from settling in. There are a few different types:
Products you put on your cat. Spot-on treatments are safer, more convenient, and more effective than traditional dusts, shampoos, and sprays. You can buy them from your vet or online. Ask your vet where on your cat to put the product, how much to apply, and how often to use it. If youre not getting the treatment from your vet, read the product label first to make sure it’s safe for cats. Some common active ingredients and brands include:
- Fipronil
- Fluralaner
A flea collar with flumethrin and imidacloprid can also work well.
Medicines your cat eats. The pill nitenpyram kills adult fleas on your cat within 30 minutes. It doesnt have any lasting effects, though. Spinosad is a fast-acting chewable that starts killing fleas before they lay eggs. It provides a full month of flea protection to help prevent future hatchings.
Don’t Miss: How To Make Keyboard In Little Alchemy
Can Oral Treatments Eliminate The Flea Population In The House
Tablets provide instant relief for your cat, but they cannot kill off the fleas hiding in your home. When your kitty moves around the house, fleas nearby your cat will die, but unless you treat your feline like a duster or floor mop and move your cat along every surface in your home, the flea colony will remain and continue to propagate. Flea eggs and larvae can hide in fabric, carpet, crown molding, bedding, and practically any surface inside or outside your home.
Although several commercial pesticides are available, we suggest calling a professional pest control company if the infestation is severe. Commercial products are cheaper than professional treatments, but theyre also less effective and more hazardous to cats and children. Most pest control operations offer pet-safe treatments that do not leave sticky, toxic residue on your furniture and carpets.
In some homes, the infestation may be limited to the interior, but youll also need to treat the outside if your pets play outside. If you use pest control technicians to eliminate the fleas inside and around your property and give monthly tablets to your cat, you can eliminate the pests and keep your pets and family safe.