Want to win in the ongoing battle against the fleas? An effective flea control program must address the following:
Get rid of fleas on the pet. The entire dose of the flea control product must be given correctly and routinely. It takes from 4 hours to 36 hours to kill the fleas on the pet, based on the product being used. Birdneck Animal Hospital recommends for dogs the use of Vectra 3-D, Trifexis or Advantix. A tick preventative must used with Trifexis and a heartworm preventative with Advantix and Vectra 3-D. For cats Dr. Johnson's first recommendation is Revolution, because it also helps prevent heartworm disease. For some cats he recommends Advantage or Frontline. ALL cats and dogs in the home must be treated with a flea control product. Unsure as to which flea control product is right for your pet? Call us, we are happy to make a recommendation for your pet.
Get rid of fleas in the home. It can take several weeks to several months to eliminate fleas in the home due to the life cycle of the flea. Flea eggs are laid on an animal's hair, and then the eggs drop off into the carpets and crevices in the floors where they hatch and become the larval and pupal stages. It takes time to eradicate these immature stages of fleas living indoors. Wash bedding and rugs, and apply appropriate insecticides. Birdneck Animal Hospital carries a product that has proven to be safe and effective. We would be glad to explain the proper manner to administer this product.
Prevent new infestations. Use lifelong flea control every thirty days. Flea infested animals, both domestic and wild, continually deposit flea eggs in the environment and in our backyards. Keep your pet on year-round flea control to prevent infestation in your home and discomfort, tapeworms, and secondary infections on your pet.
As always, for further information and advice on flea prevention for your pet, please don't hesitate to call us. We are here to answer your questions!