In the past few years, huge changes have taken place in regard to the chemicals used to eliminate fleas. The products are getting safer for cats and dogs and more deadly to the fleas.
Three of the most popular products used today are Program (lufenuron), Advantage (imidacloprid), and Frontline (fipronyl).
Program is the first once-a-month flea control tablet for dogs. Program is an insect growth regulator. By breaking the fleas' life cycle, the fleas are unable to reproduce. If your pet already has fleas,you may want to use another product in conjuction with Program for the first month, as Program does not kill the adult fleas who have already taken a bite out of your dog. After you get the current flea problem under control, Program is all you will need. Ciba-Geigy, the makers of Program, suggest you start your pet on Program early in the flea season before you start seeing fleas. One drawback with Program is that the flea must actually bite your dog before being killed, so if your dog is bothered by "fleabite allergic dermatitis" (itchiness from fleabites), Program won't stop the itching. Program should always be given with or immediately following a meal to insure proper absorption.
Advantage is Bayer's contribution to the new and improved flea products. Advantage destroys fleas by impairing the nervous system of the flea. Your pet does not have to be bitten in order for Advantage to work. It kills adult fleas before they have a chance to lay eggs, thus breaking the flea life cycle altogether. Administrated monthly, Advantage is applied by putting a pre-measured dose between the shoulder blades of the dog. You simply part the hair of your dog and apply the solution onto the skin. Studies conducted on this product show that Advantage does not entirely wash off during bathing.
Frontline has an additional benefit for those living in tick-infested areas, because it kills both fleas and ticks. Frontline also comes in two different forms: a spray and "topspot." Directions on the spray tell you to be in a well-ventilated room and to wear latex gloves. When the dog's coat is damp all over you then massage the coat well so that the product gets down to the skin. Topspot comes in a liquid and is applied in the same method used for Advantage. As I was reading the instructions for the spray, I became somewhat alarmed - good ventilation and gloves! Sounds toxic to me! But, Frontline has been used on greyhounds with safety. Frontline is another insect growth regulator - it blocks the central nervous system of fleas and ticks. One application continues killing fleas and ticks for 30 to 60 days.
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