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Here’s some basic information about preventing fleas and heartworms in your cats and dogs. For more specifics about how to treat your pets for theseconditions, please talk to your veterinarian.
Flea Prevention
Flea preventative comes in either an oral or a topical form. The oral forms typically only last a short time (Capstar is one example) or do not kill adult fleas and only prevent flea reproduction (e.g., Program).The most popular forms are the topical preparations,which usually last for about a month and are very effective. Some are more waterproof than others (for example, Frontline is more waterproof than Advantage). Some also treat other insects, such as ticks (Promeris in dogs, Frontline and Revolution)and lice (Revolution and Frontline); repel mosquitoes (Revolution); and control other external parasites (Promeris in dogs, and Revolution). Revolution is also a heartworm preventative and can control internal parasites (in cats more than dogs).All these products have been proven to be relatively safe as long as they are used for the species intended; for example, never give Advantix (not to be confused with Advantage) to cats. Some people don’t like putting these chemicals on their pets, but in my opinion, it is better than having the nuisance of fleas and the potential diseases
that can come from fleas. There are alternative therapies, such as feeding garlic and spreading diatomaceous earth on the ground, but I have not found these methods to be consistently effective.In some regions of the country (e.g., the desert) and seasons (e.g., winters in cold climates), fleas are less of a problem. Consult with a veterinarian about what flea productis best for your pet, your pet’s lifestyle and your geographic region.
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