battleoftheFleas

This page is for all the pet owners who don't understand the difference between the current products on the market that are available for total flea control. Listed below are products with simple descriptions that in my personal opinion work very effectively in the battle of the fleas. I'm going to stay with the once a month prescription medications since they do have the clinical studies to back up their claims and.. they simply work!! Keep in mind you can't compare products because none of them are made to do exactly the same thing. With the expense involved in purchasing these products, it always helps to have a simple explanation of each product before you make your investment to insure you've bought the best product for your own personal circumstances.

Advantage is a once a month topical flea medication that is applied 1-4 designated spots on the back, parting the fur and applying to the skin.. Medications comes in individual tubes ready for use. NO mess, No Rubbing in. Medications stays within the hair follicles and does not penetrate into the body of the animal. Advantage kills fleas without the fleas biting the dog when the medication is working 100 percent. Fairly ??High percentage of being effective even after water exposure. Medication starts to work within minutes and is totally effective within 24 hours. FACT: This product does exactly what it claims to do. MY OPINION: I do like this product but it isn't 100 percent waterproof. There are no side effects. It doesn't have tick control nor does it claim to have it. Simple and easy to use. one application lasts up to 30 days. If you are constantly having your dog bathed and groomed, you definitely are going to see less effectiveness of this product. there are no expiration dates on legitimate Advantage.

Frontline Plus is a once a month topical Flea & Tick medication that is applied in l designated spot between the shoulder blades (part the hair and apply to the skin)(for cats.. its applied at the base of the head) Frontline Plus comes in individual applications ready to use. No mess.. no fuss.. no rubbing in. Medications stay within the hair follicles and do not penetrate into the body of the animal. Frontline Plus kills without the fleas biting the animals when the medication is applied properly. Product is 100 percent waterproof under normal circumstances. Medication starts to work within minutes and is totally effective within 24 hours. FACT: This product does exactly what it claims to do. MY OPINION:: This product rates a 10+ with my canine/feline family. This product differs from the others big time. One application of this product if you just need flea protection can last up to 90 days!!!!!(fine print with the product) If you need the full flea and tick protection then you need to apply it monthly. Product is 100 percent waterproof, big bonus as far as I'm concerned. Remember when your buying a 6 pk of this product, your buying 6 individual doses, not 6 months worth, because actually a 6pk can give you 18 months of coverage for fleas... Big bonus for those that only need flea protection and makes it very affordable. No expiration dates on legitimate Frontline Plus

Program is a once a month oral medication in tablet form. When the fleas bite their host (dog or cat) that is treated with program, the fleas will become sterile therefore not able to produce eggs. You must administer orally approx 3 weeks in advance before it starts to be effective. FACT: It does work and does exactly what it is meant to do. MY OPINION: You don't have instant effectiveness with this product, it takes approximately 3 weeks before it becomes effective. My main problem with this product is that if your pet or family member is suffering from flea allergies.. this product WILL NOT correct this problem. Your little flea houseguests will still continue to jump on a host (pets, kids, YOU!!) for a bite to eat and continue to bite you for 111 days until they drop over from old age.. Sure they are sterile.. but they are still ALIVE and still EATING!!!! ... . so with program.. if you like live sterilized fleas, that continue to bite you for 111 days but won't reproduce then this product is for you.. If you develop a severe flea problem and your pet is on this product, chances are very great that you'll be buying one of the products below. This product DOES have an expiration date
Note: Program is also a part of the heartworm/flea control product called Sentinel... if program is NOT your choice for flea control.. then neither is sentinel.. just continue to use interceptor/heartguard plus a topical flea choice.

Advantix is a once a month topical flea, tick and mosquito medication that is applied in 1-4 designated areas depending on the weight of the animal. Medication comes in individual applications ready for use. One application lasts up to 30 days. No mess, fuss or rubbing in on this one either. Product penetrates the hair follicles and does not penetrate body organs. Product also starts to work within minutes of application and totally effective within 24 hours. Same manufacture as Advantage. Advantix claims to repel fleas, ticks and mosquitoes as well, also claiming that anything coming in contact with a treated animal (animal bedding etc) will also be effective as well in killing eggs and larve. Product is less effective after being exposed to water. Strong warning concerning exposing or using this product on felines (cats).. this is NOT for cats. FACT: This product should do exactly what it claims to do. Advantix is by far the strongest one on the market, but NOT 100 percent waterproof. MY OPINION: I'll be perfectly honest here, Ii haven't tried it and probably won't. I'm not comfortable with the strong warning about cats, and since I DO have cats who constantly crawl, sleep and play with my dogs when they are wet or dry, I'm not taking any chances, I personally do not feel comfortable with this product.. I prefer something without strong warnings that are non hazardous to cats and also something that is 100 waterproof.

PROGRAM

ADVANTAGE

FRONTLINE PLUS

FACTS AND SUGGESTIONS ABOUT FLEAS
FOR THE LOVE OF YOUR PETS....

ADVANTIX

"I don't have that may fleas.. why spend the money??" Good question.. :) Remember that you only see the fleas that are on your dog for a bite to eat. They do not live there, they eat and jump off , breed and lay thousands of eggs everywhere. The ratio is: for every flea you see.. you have 100. UGHHHHHHH!!!!!

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"My cat never goes outside.. how did I get fleas??". Again good question. Fleas are attracted to vibration and of course a yummy host. The fact is that your cat doesn't have to go outside, because fleas more times than not, come in on humans and the cat just happens to be the lucky host of choice. Lets face it.. who goes in and out the door more times than human family members??

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FLEAS NEED HOSTS. This is not limited to your dog. Hosts include anything that has movement and blood. Unfortunately that puts you and your kids at the top of the list for "the luncheon special of the day"

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"I'm itchy but don't see any fleas". If you are having a flea allergy, you will probably see little red bumps on your lower legs and feet. Any outdoor bug repellant will do the trick, also applying avon's skin so soft to your legs will act as a natural repellent until you solve your flea problem.

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Examine your pet for fleas. If you are not seeing fleas but suspect that you have them, run your hand slowly the opposite direction on the coat of your dog so the skin is physically visible. If you are seeing little black dots (pepper looking) .. you've got fleas. These little dots ARE NOT FLEAS, LARVE OR EGGS! YOUR LITTLE BLACK DOTS ARE FLEA POOP!! Flea eggs/larve are not visible to the naked eye.

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DO NOT use any other flea products on your dogs/cat when using these once a month prescription topical treatments.

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These products soak into the hair folicles. Make sure your pets hair is free from previously used flea sprays, flea shampoos etc and completely DRY before use.

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Don't use powders on your pets, even if your not using the once a month treatments. Your animals are constantly cleaning themselves. These products could make your animals sick if they are ingested. FLEA POWDERS CAN BE FATAL TO YOUNG PUPPIES AND KITTENS.

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There is no need for flea/tick collars with these treatments. They are not totally effective anyway, you are better off using a good flea spray that kills fleas, ticks, eggs and larve if you choose not to use the prescription one a month flea treatments..

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Bathing your animal with any strong shampoo will remove any flea product from your dogs hair. Use a very mild shampoo if you feel you must bath your dogs while using the once a month treatments.

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If you've used the over the counter store name brands and are experiencing an allergic reaction ie: skin rash, loss of hair, scratching, hot spots.. Bath your dog in palmolive dish detergent to remove all the flea treatment. (as per the manufacturers directions) This isn't the best for his skin, but technically it does totally remove the flea product which is the root of your problem to begin with.

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Bath your pet several times a year NOT several times a month or week. You are removing all the necessary oil in the skin and hair that keeps the coat looking so shiny and the skin healthy. The more you bath, the more they shed. Baby wipes work wonders to remove dirt, food, feces and urine from the fur without bathing. Remember its the hair that is dirty not the skin. Do your best to keep your animals skin healthy.

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Please keep in mind that if you have a severe flea problem none of these products will work on your home, it only works on the animals. In extreme circumstances you might find it necessary to have your home exterminated professionally. This is by far cheaper than using the foggers. Most reputable exterminator companies do guarantee their work. Fleas hatch every 21 days, so if you have an outbreak within that time frame you usually get a second treatment at no charge. Check their policy before you sign any contract for service.

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Hope all of you have a flea free 2008!!!

REVOLUTION

Revolution is a once a month topical medication that comes in tube form that is applied the same as the above products to dogs six weeks of age or older that kills adult fleas, prevents flea eggs from hatching, controls the american dog tick and also prevents heartworm.. It also claims to control and treat ear mite infestation, sarcoptic mange and help clinical signs of flea allergy dermatitis. Clinical studies show it is 98 percent effective within 36 hours and a 90 percent control of flea infestation within 30 days of the first dose. FACT: They give no information regarding this product being waterproof. I assume nothing unless it is in writing from any of these products. MY OPINION: I haven't personally tried this one to be honest. The concern about being 100 percent waterproof as well as having only a 90 percent flea control doesn't do anything for me either. I hate to try a new product when something I use is working great. You know the old saying.. If it's not broke.. why fix it??