Introduction
Fleas are one of the biggest problems that pets and their owners face. Millions of dollars are spent each year trying to get rid of these biting pests. Over the past several years there has been a switch from the traditional methods of flea control in dogs and cats. Sprays and dips have become less popular and oral or topically applied monthly treatments have taken their place. The text below should help you compare and contrast our currently recommended flea control products to help you select the best one for your pet.
AdvantageMulti® (imidacloprid & moxidectin)
AdvantageMulti® is a topical liquid consisting of two ingredients that is applied to the skin along the neck of dogs and cats as young as six weeks of age. The imidacloprid component spreads until it covers the entire surface of the animal's skin. Imidacloprid is not absorbed into the bloodstream. It will kill 98% of the fleas on an animal in 12 hours and will be effective for 30 days. New fleas that jump on a treated animal should be killed within 2 hours. Imidacloprid on the hair and skin cells that are shed into the environment will kill developing flea larva. Bathing with mild soaps or swimming will not wash AdvantageMulti® off the skin. This product does not have any effect on ticks. The moxidectin component is absorbed into the bloodstream in under 90 minutes and provides 30 days of protection from heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and some types of ear & skin mites.
Advantix® (imidacloprid & permethrin)
Advantix® is a liquid that is applied to the skin along the back of DOGS as young as 7 weeks of age. It must not be used on cats. The imidacloprid component kills fleas for 30 days and the permethrin component kills and repells ticks and mosquitos for 30 days.
Sentinel® (lufenuron & milbemycin)
Sentinel® is an oral medication that prevents heartworms, roundworms, whipworms and flea infestations. It is given once monthly with food. The lufenuron component works by preventing flea eggs from hatching but it does not kill the adult fleas. It can take 2-3 months to control a flea infestation if Sentinel® is the only product you use. All animals in a household must be on this product together or it will not be effective. It can be used on puppies and kittens as young as 6 weeks of age. Sentinel® does not have any affect against ticks but it can be used in combination with other products that do treat ticks. The milbemycin component prevents heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms for 30 days.
Capstar® (nitenpyram)
Capstar® is an oral tablet that begins to kill fleas within 30 minutes of administration. The flea killing effect lasts for 24 hours. It only kills the adult fleas that bite the animal - there is no effect on flea eggs or larvae. Capstar is safe for use in pregnant or nursing dogs and cats. It can be used in combination with other oral or topical flea comtrol medications.
Comfortis® (spinosad)
Comfortis® is an oral tablet that kills adult fleas within 30 minutes of administration. The effect lasts for 30 days. It must be given with food and is only for use in DOGS 14 weeks old or older. Comfortis® may be used in combination with other oral or topical flea control medications.
Conclusion
It should be noted that each animal is an individual and products may not have the same effectiveness on every animal. Any animal can have an adverse reaction to any medication or chemical. |
