Comparing Flea Treatments

Flea treatments vary widely in type, administration method, price and brand. When selecting which treatment is best for your pet, there are a number of key characteristics to consider.

  1. Approved Pet Usage

    • Most products are approved for use on both cats and dogs, but some products, such as Advantix, are approved for use on dogs only. Always make sure the flea treatment you're using is appropriate for your pet.

    Type of Treatment

    • Flea control is available in a number of forms. Topical flea treatments are generally in a liquid form and are applied to the animal's neck area. Feed-through treatments come in the form of a pill which you feed to the animal. Flea collars are for the animal to wear continuously.

    How the Treatment Works

    • Some flea treatments kill fleas, while others only repel them. Products which kill fleas may only be effective during a particular stage of the flea's life, such as when the fleas are adults. Such a product will not be effective on fleas in their early life stages.

    How Long the Treatment Lasts

    • Some flea treatments, such as most topical flea products and feed-through products, are designed to be administered once a month. The pet must wear the flea collar continuously to be effective.

    Price of the Treatment

    • According to Discount Pet Medicines, topical flea treatments start at about $10 per dose as of August 2010. Sort Price lists flea collars as beginning at about $3 each, though most average between $5 and $7.