How to Rid Your Pet of Fleas

Good news for pet owners, generic brands of flea treatments are here. The prices are much lower and they are just as effective. Some vets were somewhat skeptical but the new products work exceptionally well. Veterinarian Kim Nichols gave the generic product a try when a sick cat was brought in covered with thousands of fleas. Nicholas dosed the cat and placed it in a kennel on a white towel. By the end of the day the towel was black with dead fleas.
Formerly when a pet was badly infected with fleas the whole house, including upholstered furniture and bedding had to be treated along with the animal. Treatments are so effective today that the whole house doesn't have to be treated but it's still a good idea to vacuum thoroughly and change bedding.
Some of the new products not only kill fleas but the eggs as well. Be sure to read labels before using. Different products are used for dogs and cats according to weight. Also,follow directions for yours and the family's safety. Flea treatment for most dogs are safe but shelties and collies can't handle the drug Ivermectin which is used in flea products to treat heartworm at the same time.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced a national campaign on the importance of treatment for animals who are infected with fleas. They recommend PetArmor, a new generic that's cheaper and available at retail stores like Walmart. The ASPCA said it has the same active ingredient (fipronil ) as Frontline. They are using the product at their animal shelters and adoption centers with excellent results.
Sargeants Pet Care Products Inc. has two generics, FiproGuard and FiproGuard Plus are available at Pet Smart, Petco and other pet retailers. Pronyl OCT and Pronyl OCT Plus are at drug stores and retailers everywhere. Flea dips, Flea collars and and flea powders are a thing of the past, but brushing your pet's coat is still a great idea. If you find fleas on the comb, it's time to get a flea treatment.
Fleas can consume 15 times their weight in blood, jump 2 feet high, and the length of three football fields. They can live 21 months and produce millions of offspring. Flea season in the southern united states is close to twelve months of the year, while states in the north are bothered with fleas only in the summer, and some states not at all. Fleas must have humidity to survive.