Flea and Tick Control

Fleas are small wingless insects that pierce the skin with their mouth and siphon blood from their host. When a flea bites, it injects a small amount of saliva into the skin to prevent the blood from coagulating. Some animals become sensitized to flea saliva. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common disease among dogs and a single flea bite in allergic animals can cause severe itching and scratching. Tick infestations are more common with dogs than cats. Ticks may look like a small dark speck on your pet's fur or like small growths or brown bumps when attached. Ticks can carry  a number of serious diseases including Lyme and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Current flea control products are primarily either oral or topical systemic treatments. Most of the products may be used for prevention as well as to treat existing flea problems. One group of products control fleas by interrupting their development by killing or stopping the maturation flea larvae and eggs. These drugs are called Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs). The FDA shares regulation of these products with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is illegal to purchase or import these products when they have been packaged and manufactured for use outside United States.

Currently the most popular flea control products kill adult fleas (adulticide), are applied topically and work rapidly. Popular topical products utilize fipronil which is the key ingredient in Frontline^® Top Spot and imidacloprid which is in Advantage^®.  The most popular product on the market, Frontline Plus^®, utilizes both an adulticide and an IGR. An oral adulticide that is also available is nitenpyram which is in Capstar^® and begins to kill fleas in 30 minutes. Frontline Plus also kills ticks which makes it the most popular product where ongoing tick protection is required.

Consult with your veterinarian to determine which flea and tick control products are best for you.  The choice of flea control will depend on your climate, environment, your pet's life-style, and the potential for exposure. However, with consistent use, it is almost always possible to control your flea problem. Using these products throughout the year typically will eliminate the need for regular insecticidal use.

Click here for a summary of selected popular products flea and tick control products.