There are plenty of options on the market when it comes to products meant to protect your pets from fleas, but there are a few factors that you should take into consideration before making a choice.
First and foremost, make sure that you consult your veterinarian, who will take your pet’s species, weight and lifestage into account before recommending a product. The products that may be recommended can range from collars and sprays to pills, chews, powders, shampoos, dips, “spot-ons” and various liquid products that are applied directly to the skin of the animal.
As a rule of thumb, you should never use a product on puppies or kittens unless it is specified on the label that the product is approved for such uses. The same advice applies for nursing, pregnant, sick, medicated, old and weak pets, even if you have used flea products on them before and there have been no adverse side effects. Your vet should also be aware of any other products that you are currently giving your pets, since products can create negative reactions when they are used in conjunction.
Once you have selected your products based on the considerations above, you will want to make sure that you use them properly. Read the instructions on the label carefully, and if you have trouble understanding any of the jargon, you can either call your vet or the manufacturer of the product. Do not overuse or underuse the products. Most will tell you the interval at which they need to be used. Overuse them and you will have side effects, underuse them and they will be ineffective. You also want to keep the products separate from any object that would come in contact with someone’s mouth (cigarettes, baby pacifiers, food, medicine, etc.) and make sure that they are out of the reach of pets and children.
After the product has been applied, monitor your pets for any adverse reactions or side effects, particularly if this is the first time that you are using a product. If you notice any of these negative reactions, stop treatment immediately and contact your veterinarian.
If you notice that your pets are having consistent flea problems, and that those fleas are starting to take root in your home, then you might have a flea infestation that you need to get rid of before it gets even worse. Contact us today for flea pest control services.