A flea, as defined by dictionary.com, is a wingless, bloodsucking, parasitic insect. The C. canis, also known as a dog flea, is small, black, and noted for its ability to leap. Fleas prey on pets, dine on humans, and can be found hiding in carpet, furniture, and grass.
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The Facts
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Commonly known to be annoying, flea bites on humans can leave unattractive, irritating bumps on our skin, and scratching them can lead to infection. However, it has been discovered that humans can contract Murine Typhus (Fleaborne Typhus) from fleas carried by our pets.
According to Texas Department of State Health Services, people get Murine Typhus from an infected flea. Most fleas defecate while biting; the feces of infected fleas contain the rickettsial organism. The rickettsiae enter the body through the bite wound or from a person scratching the bite area. While this can be easily treated with antibiotics, if not taken care of promptly it can lead to hospitalization or fatality. The best solution is to ensure that our pets are consistently on a flea-prevention medication.
Benefits
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Flea-control pills offer benefits to pets as well as humans. If medication is given, then fleas will be prevented from feeding off of our pets, and are also less likely to jump on Fido while he is running to potty outside. If we can control the fleas on our pets and in our yards, then odds are that fleas won't be infesting our homes, therefore decreasing the likelihood of flea bites and infection.
Types
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Flea control and prevention medications are available in several forms, including oral and topical, and are sold under a variety of brand names. Adult fleas, which contribute to 5 percent of the flea population, can be killed with an oral pill such as Capstar, containing an adulticide-like nitenpyram. The remaining portion of the flea population consists of immature fleas, which can be prevented effectively with a once-a-month pill containing lufenuron, such as Program Flavor Tabs.
Function
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Oral flea-control pills that contain the compound nitenpyram, interfere with fleas' neurotransmission, killing them very quickly. This type of flea control would be used as needed for pets with adult fleas, when they are seen in your home or on your animal.
Oral flea-control pills containing lufenuron are taken once a month, and work as flea prevention. The medication stays in your pets' system, and does not allow flea larvae and eggs to develop.
Time Frame
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Immediate flea control, such as Capstar, will start killing fleas within 30 minutes. If your pet is re-infested, you can give another dose. Flea-prevention pills, such as Program, are given once a month and will prevent fleas up to 30 days.
Resources
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Oral flea-control pills are available through your veterinarian. There are also many online pet stores that offer this medication.
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