Information About Advantage Flea Control

Flea control is an important part of safeguarding your cat's or dog's health and comfort, and also that of your family. Fleas cause itching and allergies that make pets scratch and chew, and they can cause itchy welts and rashes in humans. They can also transmit serious diseases and parasites. Bayer Advantage Flea Control is one of the most popular, convenient ways to keep dogs and cats flea-free.

  1. Active Ingredient

    • Bayer Advantage Flea Control is made with imidacloprid, an insecticide that acts on the central nervous system of fleas, paralyzing them. Within minutes of applying Advantage, the manufacturer says, fleas stop biting, and most fleas are dead within 12 hours.

    History

    • The insecticide imidacloprid was patented in the United States in 1988 by chemical company Nihon Tokushu Noyaku Seizo K.K. of Tokyo, Japan.

    Significance

    • Itching caused by flea bites is more than just irritating to people and their pets. Fleas carry diseases transmittable to humans and animals, such as the bacteria known to cause the plague, Yersinia pestis. They can also carry typhus and tapeworms.

    Function

    • To apply Bayer Advantage Flea Control to your dog, have him stand, and then part the hair between your dog's shoulder blades. Place the tip of the applicator against his skin and squeeze the applicator gently until it is empty. For cats, part the hair on the neck at the base of your cat's skull. Place the tip directly against the skin and squeeze gently until the applicator is empty. Advantage is available in doses formulated for puppies, kittens, cats and dogs of various sizes. Make sure you have the correct dose for your animal, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

    Tips

    • When applying a flea treatment to pets, you might also need to rid your house of fleas. Wash and dry all pet bedding and thoroughly vacuum carpeting to pick up as many flea eggs as possible. You may have to consult a professional exterminator for severe infestations.

    Warning

    • Some dogs and cats have severe reactions to Advantage and other flea control products. According to Animal Protection New Mexico, these reactions can include inflammation, skin damage including ulcers and peeling, chemical burns, itching, redness and hair loss in the area where the product was applied.

      Bayer Advantage Flea Control is a powerful insecticide. Dispose of applicators carefully, keep them away from children and wash your hands after applying it to your dog or cat.