Instructions
Determine the proper medication for the pet. A number of flea treatments are available for most types of domestic animals. Do not settle for using a dog medication on a cat or a cat medication on a rabbit and so on. Purchase a product labeled for the pet it will be used on. If there is no flea product labeled for the pet in question, consult a veterinarian before using any treatment on the animal.
Choose the most tolerable application for the animal and the owner alike. The dustiness of a flea powder may irritate some animals' upper-respiratory system; ferrets are especially sensitive. Meanwhile, sprays are usually not a favorite of cats. Holding a cat still while spraying a liquid on it could result in a very angry cat and injury to the well-meaning owner. Additionally, spot treatments may take a bit longer to work to their full capacity (usually a couple of days), but application is easier than other methods.
The University of California's pest management program recommends using flea-control products that contain fipronil or imidacloprid. These topically applied medications are highly effective and much safer for pets than cheaper alternatives.
Ignore cost when searching for the perfect flea treatment. Unfortunately for the pet owner's wallet, all flea medications are not created equal and the more expensive brands usually contain safer and more effective ingredients. Cheaper brands of flea treatment often contain the active ingredient permethrin, which is dangerous to use on some cats.
How to Choose Flea & Tick Medicine
The pet supply market is flooded with flea and tick treatments and medications. Making the correct decision for a beloved pet can seem overwhelming. From sprays to powders, finding the perfect treatment delivery system for a pet can involve a bit of trial and error. Pet owners must choose wisely, and those who question the safety of certain products should consult a veterinarian before administering the treatment.