Flea Season is Upon Us!

As the days get longer and warmer, the parasites that bug our pets become more active. The key to controlling these pests is getting the jump on them before their population becomes out of control.
Years ago, fleas were "controlled" by use of strong pesticides called pyrethrins and permethrins. These chemicals often barely curbed the problem, and could even be toxic to your pet! Today, there are many products available through your veterinarian that effectively control fleas without the potentially dangerous side effect of older flea products.

Flea and Tick Products:

Advantage: This topical product is an "adulticide", meaning that it kills the adult flea. The chemical in advantage attaches itself to a transmitter in the flea's brain causing it to "short circuit", killing the flea. The chemical that Advantage acts on in the flea's brain is not found in the brains of vertebrates, so it is considered safe for humans, dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. Advantage is applied to the pet's skin via a dropper once monthly.

Frontline Plus: This is a similar, although chemically different, product to Advantage. It aFrontline Pluslso acts on the flea's brain, causing it to shut down. It is considered very safe for dogs, cats and humans, although it should not be used on rabbits, ferrets or other small mammals. The major functional difference between Advantage and Frontline Plus is that Frontline Plus also helps control ticks.

Comfortis -NEW-: This product is an oral chewable tablet given once monthly. It kills adult fleas as they feed on your pet. The product starts working within two hours of ingestion, and keeps killing fleas for 1 month. It is safe to give with heartworm products and other medications. Also, because this product is given by mouth, there is no residue left on your pets coat, so it is often preferred by parents of young children.

Program: Program is the oldest of the non-traditional flea products. This oral medication, given once monthly with food, causes the fleas to lay eggs with soft shells. These shells cannot hatch, which prevents the fleas from reproducing. All Pets Animal Hospital does not carry Program, however it is available through our home delivery service.

Combination Products:
There are a few products available that not only treat against fleas and ticks, but Heartworm and parasites, as well:

Sentinel: This oral product contains the active ingredients found in both Program and Interceptor. Interceptor is a heartworm preventative that also prevents against roundworm, hookworm and whipworm infestation. This treatment is given once monthly with food and has proven itself to be both safe and effective.

If you have questions about any of these products or promotions, please give us a call at (760)634-2022! One of our friendly staff members will be happy to help you!