![]() Because of this, it’s best to apply a topical medication three days prior to or after bathing your dog. Other treatments for worms, heartworm, and mosquitoes are also often combined with flea treatment in one topical product.Ī topical medication is absorbed and then distributed via the other oil glands on your dog’s body when applied to your dog’s skin. These medications often also treat additional parasites such as ticks and biting lice. Some brands are available as a prescription only, while others, such as Frontline, Advantage, and many generics of the same formulations are available in stores. Topical flea medications are the most common and most popular type of flea medication on the market. When used with a regular topical medication and treatment of the environment, they are incredibly effective at removing fleas from the body, generally within 24 hours. They’re more useful as an emergency treatment option when dealing with a large flea infestation. However, these medications do not work as preventives, and will not damage flea eggs or any fleas that jump back on the body. They can be given in conjunction with a topical flea medication, or used with flea collars and sprays. Oral medications work by eliminating any fleas currently present on the body. Most pet stores and some big box stores carry oral flea medications in their pet department. Most were available as a prescription-only medication, however, oral Capstar has been approved for over the counter use. Oral medications, such as Capstar, are gradually taking hold as a popular flea treatment. Be sure to always check product ingredients before purchasing and using any. Some breeds, such as collies, are also genetically unable to break down some medication ingredients, such as ivermectin which is used in treating internal parasites. Liver and kidney disease can affect your dog’s ability to break down and process some medications. If your dog has any underlying allergies or health conditions, it is best to consult with your veterinarian before trying a specific product. If you accidentally use a dog flea product on a cat, seek emergency care from your veterinarian. This can lead to seizures, coma, and loss of life. The dosage and chemicals used in dog-only flea products can cause a toxic reaction in cats. While this information is specifically for dogs, it is important to note to not use flea products designed for dogs on cats. These are some of the most common types of flea treatments for fleas on dogs. Adult fleas can feed, mate, and lay eggs within hours to days of hatching from their pupa in the right conditions. After 5-20 days, they pupate and reemerge when conditions are right - usually with the presence of a human or canine host nearby. After hatching, larval fleas feed on “flea dirt”, or the excrement of blood from adult fleas. Eggs generally hatch within 10 days but may go dormant in cooler months, re-emerging in spring and summer. Your dog’s skin is also where they mate and can lay eggs.Įggs are also commonly laid in dark spots such as baseboards, furniture crevices, and fabrics. These fleas feed on your pet’s blood at the base of hair follicles along the skin. Adult fleas are what most owners commonly see hopping around on their dog or the environment. Flea Life Cycleįleas have four major life stages, and it’s important to know the function of each. Female fleas can lay around a half dozen eggs after every meal. Fleas also have large abdomens for storing the blood they feed on, along with eggs in females. ![]() If disturbed, a flea can leap about a foot away, or about 200 times the size of their body. Fleas also have special tarsal claws that allow them to grip onto your dog’s hair without falling off. They then feed on the blood that pools in the wound. If they can’t find the correct host, fleas will still opportunistically feed on humans and other animals in the household regardless of species.įleas feed on your pet’s blood by biting the skin with their mouthparts. Fleas find their hosts by the body heat and vibrations dogs (and other mammals) give off while moving around. Other common fleas include dog fleas, human fleas, and rat fleas. This is what most people are referring to when they spot a flea. While the most common type of flea on dogs is called the cat flea, these fleas are found on all pets. Diseases and Conditions Caused by Fleas on Dogs.
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