Types of flea medications for dogs

© Sugar Pond Flickr Animal Care and Control in Brooklyn
© Sugar Pond (Flickr)

Pyrethroid

Pyrethroid based products include those with Permethrin, Phenothrin, Etofenprox. This topical product is placed between the shoulder blades once a month. It kills adult fleas and prevents larvae from hatching into adult fleas. It does work to prevent fleas, mosquitoes and ticks. Products that use Pyrethroid are K9 Advantix, BioSpot Spot-on, and Vectra 3D. Pyrethroid accounts for more than half of all dog poisonings in the United States.

Serious adverse reactions can occur such as heart attack, violent seizures, and brain damage; however Pyrethroids are approved for use by the EPA.

Fipronil

Fipronil is found in Fiproguard and Frontline Plus. It works by paralyzing the flea and killing it. The product lasts for 90 days vice the usual 30. Another plus is that if the dog gets way, Fipronil is still effective at killing fleas. It does protect against ticks, but only for 30 days from application.

Imidaclorid

Imidaclorid is the main ingredient in Advantage II, Advantage Multi, and is another ingredient in K9 Advantix. It interrupts the nervous systems of insects by blocking nerve receptors. Imidaclorid does not protect against ticks, however it does prevent heartworm, hookworm, whipworm, and hookworm. It kills fleas within 12 hours and begins to repel fleas within five minutes.

Selamectin

Selamectin is the active ingredient in the topical flea medication called Revolution. It works by killing adult fleas, larvae and eggs, and by preventing eggs from hatching. Selamectin also works to prevent heartworm, hookworm, ear and sarcoptic mites, the American dog tick, and even mange. It is a once a month topical medication placed between the dogs shoulder blades.

All topical flea medications contain one or more insecticides. When beginning a flea treatment, watch the dog for any adverse reactions. Symptoms of poisoning include salivating, vomiting, tremors, skin irritation, and dilated pupils. If your pet is showing any of these symptoms or just doesn’t seem right, contact your veterinarian. If after hours, go to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.