The common household flea, Ctenocephalides feli, is a wingless, pinhead sized insect that feeds on the blood of dogs, cats and humans. Infestations begin to show in the constant itching of the household dog or as flea bites around the home owner's feet or ankles. Flea control is a serious challenge, but manufacturers are rising to the occasion, introducing a flurry of new preventative oral medications. These companies are choosing to attack the flea life cycle at different stages. How the drugs work vary, depending on the treatment.
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A History of Insecticides
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The earliest insecticides were composed of inorganic compounds, more specifically, heavy metals such as arsenic, copper and sulfur. Starting in the 1940s, manufacturers turned to carbon based, or organic materials to produce a different type of insecticides. The new line surpassed its predecessor, and most of the insecticides on the market today are based on chemicals found in nature, like nicotine, pyrethrum and neem. Research continues, and scientists are now exploring chemical options within the insects themselves.
Modern Methods
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Today's insecticides are classified by how they work to kill pests. Some of the types of categories are: organiochlorine compounds (DDT, as an example), organophospates, carbamates, pyrethroids, neoniontinoids, and insect growth regulators (or IGRs). Flea control manufacturers are focusing on two types of insecticides to kill fleas, development inhibitors and protein binders.
Blocking Proteins
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The two most common oral flea medications of this type are Capstar, using spinosad as the active ingredient, and Comfortis, which depends on nitenpyram. Spinosad is a natural chemical product derived from the soil fungus, Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Nitenpyram is modeled after natural nicotine. Both insecticides are ingested through the animal's blood, then work by binding to target proteins, or postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors. This prevents the protein from functioning normally, and in the adult flea this causes muscle contractions, tremors and ultimately, death.
Inhibiting Development
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Once the adult female flea is introduced to a host, it will feed prior to laying eggs (up to 50 per day). After one to six days, the eggs will hatch into larvae, then feast on dried blood droppings before forming cocoons or pupae. Pupae are capable of hibernating or staying dormant for months. Once desirable conditions are met, the adult flea emerges and the cycle begins again. Lufenuron, the active ingredient in both Sentinel and Program, stops the cycle. A benzoylphenyl urea, Lufenuron inhibits the formation of chitin, which the flea uses to form its exoskeleton.
Administering Medication
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The insecticides discussed are all administered orally, and are effective for a time period ranging from one to 30 days. Fleas are capable of spreading tapeworm, heartworm and other diseases, and can even cause allergy dermatitis in some unlucky pets. Treatment is essential in keeping your pet healthy and happy. When using any treatment, follow the instructions of each medication carefully, and treat all of your household pets to avoid cross contamination. Speak to your veterinarian to discuss which of these flea options will work best for you and your pet.
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