The Best Flea Protection for Dogs & Cats

Fleas can be an annoyance to your pet as well as a health hazard. Fleas get their nourishment from your pets' blood. Fleas lay eggs and multiply quickly, causing great discomfort to your pet. The animal scratches itself to find relief, causing greater irritation. Using the proper preventatives can help keep your dog and cat protected from these parasites.

  1. Fleas

    • Fleas are tiny brown insects that love to burrow in the fur of your pets and live off of their blood, which can lead to anemia. Some animals develop an allergy to the flea saliva which causes further skin irritation. You can try to remove the parasite if you see one though they are quite fast. They cannot fly but they do jump. The best treatment for fleas is to medicate your pet to prevent their onset.

    Protecting Cats and Young Pets

    • Cats, kittens and puppies may need to be treated with a more natural preventative for fleas because of the toxic effects of chemicals on these animals. Many flea products today are much safer for pets than what used to be available. Some products are made specifically for the cat and small pet, such as Bio Spot for Cats and Zodiac Spot On Plus for Cats and Kittens. For an even safer alternative, without any toxic chemicals, you can use natural flea protection. According to My Healthy Cat, you can make your own safe flea powder from equal parts of rosemary, fennel, eucalyptus, yellow dock, rue and wormwood. Place the mixture in a shaker bottle and use sparingly on your cat as needed. Brush it into the coat. The ingredients are all safe for your pet and effective against fleas.

    Reputable Flea Products

    • Some of the most popular products are Advantage and Frontline, which are most often available as a topical treatment for the pet. You apply it at the base of the neck and rub in a straight line toward the back. Revolution is also available by prescription and includes heartworm prevention, most often prescribed for dogs. Advantage and Revolution are used monthly whereas the Frontline needs to be reapplied every one to three months depending on severity of the flea infestation. These products carry minimal side effects for all pets, which may include skin irritation and hyper-salivation if the pet licks the treated area when it's wet.

    Natural and Holistic Flea Solutions

    • Some natural supplements suggested by Paw Rescue are safe alternatives for the prevention of fleas on your pets. Try adding a teaspoon of brewer's yeast to your pets' food. Other supplements may include safflower oil, powdered kelp and garlic added to the food. Most of these supplements will boost your pets' immune system as well as cause your pet to have a disagreeable taste to the parasites. You can also add a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar to the drinking water, which works in the same manner to repel the fleas.