Common Pet Conditions - Fleas
Fleas are a very common pest affecting dogs & cats. There are over-the-counter as well as prescription options for dealing with them.
Capstar is a fast-acting over-the-counter tablet that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. This is for short-term management to address an infestation quickly, but only lasts for up to 48 hours. It can be used for cats & dogs 4 weeks and older, and weighing at least 2 pounds. It is necessary to follow up with a long-term preventive, as well as environmental control.
Seresto collar. This lasts for 8 months, and is (in my opinion) the safest flea/tick collar. It is the only flea/tick collar I recommend, and is available without a prescription.
Topicals: I do not recommend over-the-counter topical preventives, as I have seen fleas in many pets even when these are applied on time monthly. Generally, I recommend chewable Rx preventives for dogs (Nexgard, Simparica, or Credelio), or Rx Comfortis for cats. Since heartworm disease is also a risk, I use Revolution topical for my own cats (even though they are indoor cats). Advantage Multi has similar efficacy. For dogs, the chewable preventives may be combined with heartworm preventive (Proheart injection, Interceptor, Heartgard), or instead, use a combination product like Trifexis or Simparica Trio (this is what I use for my own dog). Dogs should be tested yearly for heartworm disease.
For dogs with food allergies, topical preventives like Revolution or Advantage Multi may be more appropriate.
Fleas carry tapeworms, so it is important to rule these out in any pet with fleas. Sometimes we see the tapeworm segments in the pet’s stool - they look like white rice grains. My preference is an antigen test, as I have seen quite a few positive test results even in pets without obvious flea problems, and without visible proglottids. Annual fecal examinations are recommended for all pets.
Secondary bacterial infections are quite common in dogs with fleas. Your veterinarian can help you determine whether treatment for infection is indicated.
Fleas are also the causative agent of plague, so preventing them is important for human health. If a pet has an allergic reaction to the flea saliva (flea allergy dermatitis), prescription itch medications may be warranted.
Environmental treatment includes frequent vacuuming, washing bedding with bleach & hot water, and sometimes extermination services.
Although I consider myself conservative in recommending pharmaceuticals, I do feel that flea and heartworm preventives are an important part of pet care.
If you have a concern about fleas in your own pet, the best approach is to coordinate with your veterinary team for support.
