Dr. Bob Barnes
Some of us will remember the problems of trying to treat your pet with flea issues many years ago. It was powders and topical sprays that made a mess. Not to mention flea bathing and dips that smelled terrible and made even bigger messes, especially with big hairy dogs.
There have been too many injuries — bites and claws — to mention from doing that type of thing to cats.
The introduction of monthly topical flea medication was a watershed moment in the therapies for pets with flea issues. Most of the major veterinary pharmaceutical companies make a topical medication. The safer, more effective and preferred products are available at your local veterinarian. Although there are other places to obtain other products for topical use in pets, there have been several adverse reactions with dogs and especially cats with certain over-the-counter medications in certain pets.
The most recent products are pills or chews that are given monthly. There is also a certain collar that has been introduced, which is only available through a veterinary clinic or with a prescription.
All of these products are very effective and safe when used according to label directions. We must be aware that any of these medications are not preventing a flea from getting on your pet. They will cause the flea to die within a short time — minutes to hours, spending on the drug. But the only way the flea can get to the medication that will ultimately cause death is to get to the medication, which is either in or on the pet. We will see fleas on pets even in the best of situations. The flea on a treated pet will die shortly.
Fleas also do not live entirely on the animal. They live indoors and outdoors, from spring to fall. It is important to also treat the environment with appropriate products, also on a regular basis. There are several commercial companies that also provide flea treatments.
It is important to treat both pet and environment monthly, due to the life cycle of the flea itself. There are four stages of a flea’s life, from egg to adult insect. Only two of the stages are able to be impacted by any of the medications used. The entire flea life cycle is about 30 days; this is why we need to treat it monthly in order to break the cycle.
If you have a severe flea problem, it may take 90 to 120 days in order to gain control of the situation. It is much easier to prevent these issues with the use of good products.
I hope that this helps someone with care for their pet. Again, the best place for pet advice is your local veterinary office.
Dr. Bob Barnes is the owner and practitioner of Mt. Comfort Animal Hospital, 5537 W. U.S. 40. The office can be reached at 317-894-2800.
