Flea Control

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Fleas and ticks are prevalent in our area and throughout the Midwest for much of the year. Fleas can be challenging to treat in a household, especially when the problem has persisted for an extended period of time. When fleas have been in a household for several months, it is likely that the house is infested with all the life stages of the parasite. Therefore, using a pet product that kills all the stages of the flea life cycle on EVERY pet in the household is imperative.

Dogs: First, monthly (every 4 weeks) prevention with a topical insecticide such as Frontline Plus® or Certifect® is highly recommended during the months of March through December. Second, the addition of a systemic product, called Lufenuron, helps to break the life cycle of the flea by inhibiting egg development but does not kill adult fleas. For dogs, Lufenuron is in Sentinel® which is a combination medication for heartworm prevention and flea prevention. Sentinel® is given monthly and is an oral medication. Third, a systemic adulticide can be added to combat resistant fleas. Capstar® is an oral tablet with the active ingredient Nitenpyram. A single dose of Capstar® will kill all the adult fleas currently on your pet but only lasts 24 hours. We recommend giving Capstar® after each treatment of the environment or before returning home when traveling with your pet.

Cats: First, monthly (every 4 weeks) prevention with a topical insecticide such as Frontline Plus® or Revolution® is highly recommended during the months of March through December. Second, the addition of a systemic product, called Lufenuron, helps to break the life cycle of the flea by inhibiting egg development but does not kill adult fleas. For cats, Lufenuron is an injection called Program® which is administered every 6 months. Third, a systemic adulticide can be added to combat resistant fleas. Capstar® is an oral tablet with the active ingredient Nitenpyram. A single dose of Capstar® will kill all the adult fleas currently on your pet but only lasts 24 hours. We recommend giving Capstar® after each treatment of the environment or before returning home when traveling with your pet.

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Ferrets: Revolution® monthly is recommended for the prevention/treatment of fleas, mites and lice. WARNING: other topical flea products are potentially toxic to these species!

If you are having difficulty getting rid of fleas on their pets, a multimodal approach is usually required in addition to the topical and systemic treatments listed above.

bullet Environment: Treating the environment will help reduce the flea population in the house. Wash all bedding with which the animals come into contact. Vacuum often and discard the bag or clean the canister each time you vacuum. Household treatments (sprays and foggers) that kill multiple stages of the flea life cycle may also be used. These products should contain insect growth regulator (IGR) and adulticide ingredients that will kill multiple life stages and will need to be repeated multiple times; often you will need two additional household treatments, 7-10 days apart (following the manufacturer’s instructions). This can be done with either an over-the-counter product or by hiring a professional exterminator. Treating the yard can also be beneficial with a product such as Seven Dust® or Bayer Complete Insect Killer®. Follow all manufacturer instructions to prevent human and animal injury or sickness when using these products.

Complications of fleas:

·         Tapeworms – an intestinal parasite which your pet is potentially exposed to by swallowing a flea

·         Allergic Reaction – itching, hives or scabs

·         Skin Infection – which can require medical treatment if severe

 

 

 

2001 Linview Ave. Urbana, IL 61801; 217-328-4143; FAX: 217-337-3068

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