Fleas happen. It is a fact of life for any pet owner. You are not a bad pet parent if your dog gets fleas, but knowing what kills fleas on dogs instantly can be beneficial. Some remedies are quick and easy, while others are more hands-on and labor-intensive.
After using any product that kills fleas on dogs instantly, using an appropriate maintenance deterrent is equally important. Wading through all the products on the market can be daunting, but knowing the facts can make it an easy choice.
Commercial Products from Your Veterinarian
You should always seek the recommendations of a veterinarian before starting any flea control program. They are trained to help you keep your pet safe and healthy and will help you develop a flea treatment program. Treatment plans usually include an initial treatment to kill existing fleas, followed by a regimen to keep fleas from bothering your dog.
The most common product used to kill fleas on dogs instantly is Nitenpyram, more commonly known as Capstar. This single-use tablet is administered orally and kills fleas within 30 minutes. It is recommended that you contain your pet in a small area when using Capstar. A sheet or blanket your pet can lay on will catch the fleas as they drop off making cleanup easier. Capstar is very effective and available from your vet or without a prescriptionat many online pet supply outlets.
Your vet may recommend bathing with special flea shampoos, which will also kill fleas instantly. A good bath is followed by combing with specially designed flea combs to remove any remaining eggs. Also available from your vet is lufenuron, which is an insect development inhibitor. Given monthly in pill form it does not kill adult fleas, but does prevent reproduction.
Natural and Over-the-Counter Products for Maintenance
Following a flea treatment, your dog will need a maintenance product to keep the fleas away. These might include collars, drops, powders, shampoos, or a combination.
Many pet owners select natural options for this task. Products such as vitamin B, brewer’s yeast, and garlic have not been tested for effectiveness. If you do opt for natural deterrents, be aware that your results may not live up to claims you see on the internet.
Flea drops are applied directly to your pet’s skin. Through natural movement, the active ingredients are dispersed to maintain effectiveness. Most drops are good to kill adult ticks and fleas and include a development inhibitor to prohibit eggs and larvae from developing. Spot-On Bug Off contains Permethrin and Pyriproxyfen, which effectively control fleas.
If you find it difficult to work with drops, you may opt for a flea collar for your pet. The rated effectiveness of collars varies from 30 days up to one year, depending on the manufacturer and active ingredients. Collar-Me-Tickless is a good example of a mid-range product, providing up to six months of active protection for your best friend.
Continued Protection for Your Pet
Whether you have a major flea problem or a minor one, treating it promptly will keep both you and your pet happier and healthier. Follow the instructions from your veterinarian and product usage guidelines. Your pet depends on you.
