Permethrine: Many products for dogs contain permethrine alone or in combination with other drugs, to effectively treat fleas in dogs. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source It is not safe for use with all pets, and it can cause health problems in both humans and dogs. Dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen (known as Vectra) is used to treat fleas in cats. Be careful: Vectra 3D is a product for dogs. Vectra 3D contains permethrin, which is harmful to cats. [5] X Research source Fipronil and (S)-methoprene (known as Frontline Plus for Cats): This product kills flea larvae, eggs, and adult fleas. It also kills ticks and chewing lice. [6] X Research source Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen (known as Advantage II): This product kills fleas of all life stages. Be sure not to get a similarly named product, Advantix II, which is a product for dogs. It contains permethrin, which is harmful to cats. [7] X Research source Selamectin (known as Revolution): Apply this once a month. It also kills ticks, heartworms, ear mites, and sarcoptic mites. [8] X Research source Be careful about what chemicals you are using. Products like Advantage manufactured by Bayer contain neonicotinoids which have been shown to have serious ecological impacts including contributing to the wide spread loss of bees around the world. [9] X Research source
Lufenuron (known as Program): This comes as tablets, an oral suspension liquid, or injections and is an option for cats only. Give this medication with food once a month. Be aware that Program does not kill fleas but sterilizes them, making them incapable of breeding. If you have a heavy flea infestation then this is not the best product for you, as you will have to wait for the fleas to die of old age. It’s best use is in a clean household when you don’t want the odd visiting flea to establish a family. [11] X Research source Nitenpyram (known as Capstar): This comes as a pill. Give it to your pet according to your veterinarian’s directions to kill adult fleas. Keep in mind that nitenpyram only kills adult fleas. It is a neonicotinoid and constricts the central nervous system of fleas. [12] X Research source Spinosad (known as Comfortis): This comes as chewable tablets, which you should give your pet with food once a month to kill fleas. [13] X Research source
Since the fleas will run to the head and face of your pet once you start wetting them, it is best to wet and lather up only the neck first then the rest of your pet. This will create a barrier to prevent the fleas from invading your pet’s face and ears. Use room temperature or slightly warm water, so as not to shock or harm your pet. Stop the bath with small pets that get too stressed out. Animals like rabbits and guinea pigs can die from fear-induced heart-attacks. [14] X Research source
Fleas could hop off the comb and back onto your pet, so be sure to kill them right away.
This also includes treating any other animals in your home. Pets act as a reservoir for fleas, so the fleas will likely travel from one pet to another if they need to.
Keeping everything cleaned and washed will help prevent fleas. If you do, the fleas won’t have the time or space necessary to live and breed. Dispose of the vacuum bag afterward to prevent reinfestation. Vacuum cleaners can kill fleas as well as chemical treatments. [18] X Research source
Typically, the application will need to be done twice, at a minimum—about three and a half weeks apart. Often it is advantageous to spray the areas of the house frequented by your pets on a monthly basis during flea season. IGRs are not poisonous to mammals. This makes IGRs a good option around a house that has kids or small animals such as hamsters.
