Dog Flea Control Products

In addition to being a nuisance, fleas can be dangerous to your dog. They feed on your pet's blood and can cause problems such as allergic reactions, anemia, skin rashes, carry tapeworms and even in some rare cases, cause death. To control fleas, look for a preventative product that will give your dog protection from exposure. Not all products used to get rid of fleas work well as a flea-control product. Preventative products can be oral pills, collars, dusts, shampoos, sprays and spot-on applications.

  1. Spot-On Products

    • Apply drops slowly so fluid doesn't run down the dog's hair.

      Experts at the University of California Pest Statewide Integrated Management Program indicate that spot-on flea treatments may be the most effective means of controlling fleas, mainly because they are easy for owners to use. A few examples of topical spot-on products include: Vectra 3D, Advantage, Frontline Plus, Prac-Tic, Stronghold/Revolution. To apply, part the hair and squeeze drops of the fluid between the shoulder blades of your dog or down their back to the tail (see instructions for directions). The fluid is absorbed into the skin and after a day or two provides all-over flea protection.

    Oral Products

    • Oral flea control products are not affected by bathing or swimming.

      Your veterinarian can give you a prescription for an oral medication that also controls fleas for about a month. Products such as Program, Capstar, and Comfortis are all oral pills that you give to your dog (wrap in cheese or dip in peanut butter to help your pet take the pill more easily) on monthly to control fleas. According to the University of California experts, the active ingredients in these oral medications don't kill adult fleas but stop the reproductive cycle of the flea. Oral products are often preferred for pets that bathe or swim frequently.

    Collar Products

    • A flea collar can be used periodically when flea exposure is high.

      Flea collars, like flea sprays, shampoos and powders, typically rely on chemicals to control fleas but, depending upon the active ingredient, can be unsafe for pets. Some modern collars now use natural Pyrethrins, natural extracts made from chrysanthemum plants and natural citrus extracts that have linalool or d-Limonene. They can be used in conjunction with some other oral or spot-on treatments for better flea control. Some collars last up to 90 days. Frontline, Zodiac and Vet Kem Powerband are all examples of available flea collars. PetGuard also provides an herbal collar option.

    Insecticide Products

    • Flea shampoos must be used frequently to be effective.

      Chemical insecticides such as diazinon, pyrethrins, d-limonene, chlorpyrifos, carbaryl, naled and permethrin are formulated into flea shampoos, dusts, sprays and even dips. While they do help control fleas, experts at the University of California indicate they are not as effective as the more modern spot-on and oral treatments. Some newer products use natural substances instead of the insecticides, but their effectiveness is unreliable. Bio Spot, Ovitrol Plus, Adams Plus, Sentry and Hartz all offer flea shampoos.