FLEAS - STOP THE PROBLEM BEFORE IT STARTS

One of our goals at Jefferson Animal Hospital is to keep our clients informed of preventative measures they can take to keep their pet happy and healthy. Fleas are one problem that you can help prevent.

Adult fleas living and feeding on your pet make up only 1% of the flea’s life cycle. The other 99% of the flea’s life time is spent as eggs, larvae, and pupae in your carpet, furniture, drapes, etc. Sometimes fleas hatching out will even feed on you! Fleas can cause allergic skin reactions in both dogs and cats. The severity of the allergy can range from increased shedding to large, infected bald areas that can only be treated medically.

These pests are much easier and less costly to prevent than they are to exterminate. Fleas can cause you to have a pet that is itchy, bald and miserable and a medical bill that has you miserable! A few simple preventive steps will help you get through the dreaded flea season.

Pet Treatments

There are many new and wonderful preventative products that can be used on your pet!

Sentinel - This product contains an ingredient that contains an insect growth regulator that causes death at the egg and larval stages. It also contains heartworm preventative all in one tablet that can be given monthly.

Frontline Plus- This product is a liquid that is applied as drops on the skin by parting the fur between the shoulder blades once monthly. It kills both fleas and ticks. It will kill fleas for up to 3 months and ticks for up to one month. It is not necessary to reapply this product after bathing or swimming. This product also contains an insect growth regulator that kills flea eggs! Safe for use on puppies 8 weeks old and at least 11lbs & kittens 8 weeks or older.

Revolution- This product is a topical parasiticide. It kills fleas & prevents eggs from hatching for 1 month. It also contains heartworm preventative for dogs & cats. It is effective against several types of intestinal parasites as well. This product can be used on puppies and kittens 6 weeks and older.

These spot-on products are prescription only. Similar products in the pet shops use

different chemicals. The prescription products have proven to be safer and more effective! We have seen some serious and even fatal reactions from some over-the-counter products!

If you do find yourself with a flea problem, it is best to also use an area

treatment to treat your house and yard. Ask us for a listing of products that we

recommend!