Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) or flea bite hypersensitivity is the most common dermatological disease of domestic dogs & cats in the USA. They can start itching from just 1 bite and cause secondary skin infections. Severe flea infestation can cause anemia in cats.

They can transmit parasites such as tapeworms to people and animals. Fleas are also carriers of murine typhus, transporting bacteria from rodents to people.

Since fleas are annoying and can be detrimental to human and animal health, getting rid of them is usually a  priority.

Flea eggs dropped off your pet and can lay dormant for months, so just getting the fleas and eggs off your pet isn’t enough. In addition to using a flea treatment advised by your veterinarian, the first step in ridding your life of fleas is cleaning everything!

  • Treat ALL your pets and their environment at the same time.
  • Bathe your pet and use a flea comb to remove fleas. If you plan to use a topical flea treatment, follow the instructions regarding how long to wait before or after bathing.
  • Vacuum your carpets and anywhere your dog hangs out (like your couch).  Immediately remove the vacuum bag, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and take it outside to the garbage. You can also put flea powder in the bag before you vacuum to kill any live fleas that may end up inside.
  • Launder or replace pets' bedding.
  • Thoroughly clean pet carriers.
  • Mow your lawn regularly. Rake and discard any leaves or other lawn debris, and keep piles of sand away from your home.
  • Whenever possible, discourage wild animals from entering your yard.

Most of the time, if you treat your pet, lawn and home for fleas at the same time, you can get rid of an infestation.

There are a few home remedies for fleas that don't work. While flea collars can help keep fleas off of your pets, they don't have much effect on established infestations. Feeding brewer's yeast, garlic and vitamin supplements to pets is also unlikely to do much good against fleas. Ultrasonic collars also don't appear to act as a flea deterrent or repellent.
 

Parasite Preventions & Treatments Compared

Parasite Preventions/ Treatments Sold at The Family Pet and Available Through the Online Pharmacy 

*Prescription Prevention/Treatments require pets to have had an annual exam within the past year.
**Heartworm Prevention/Treatments require pets to have had a Heartworm Test within the past year. 

Product Dogs Cats Usage Prevents/Treats How Fast How Long *Rx
BRAVECTO
See Special Offers		 ✓ ✗ Oral Fleas, Ticks 2 Hours 12 Weeks ✓
BRAVECTO
See Special Offers		 ✗ ✓ Topical Fleas, Ticks 2 Hours 12 Weeks ✓
Pr❤Heart 6 ✓ ✗ Injection **Heartworms &
intestinal parasites
(for dogs 6+ months)		 7-10 Days 6 Months ✓
Pr❤Heart 12 ✓ ✗ Injection **Heartworms &
intestinal parasites
(for dogs 12+ months)		 7-10 Days 12 Months ✓

Parasite Preventions/ Treatments NOT SOLD at The Family Pet, but  Available Through the Online Pharmacy Vetsource

*Prescription Prevention/Treatments require pets to have had an annual exam within the past year.
**Heartworm Prevention/Treatments require pets to have had a Heartworm Test within the last year.

Product Dogs Cats Usage Prevents/Treats How Fast How Long *Rx
activyl ✓ ✓ Topical Fleas, Ticks 12 Hours 30 Days ✗
advantage II ✓ ✓ Topical Fleas, Lice 12 Hours 30 Days ✗
Capstar ✓ ✓ Oral Fleas 30 Minutes 24 Hours ✗
Comfort ✓ ✓ Oral Fleas 30 Minutes 30 Days ✓
Heartgard ✓ ✗ Oral **Heartworms, Roundworms, Hookworms 4 Hours 30 Days ✓
NexGard ✓ ✗ Oral Fleas, Ticks 4 Hours 30 Days ✓
FrontLine ✓ ✓ Topical Fleas, Ticks 24 Hours 30 Days ✗
revolution ✓ ✗ Topical **Heartworm, Fleas,  Ear mites, Sarcoptic Mange, Ticks 2 Hours 30 Days ✓
revolutionPlus❤ ✗ ✓ Topical **Heartworms, Fleas, Ticks, EarMites, Roundworms, Hookworms 6 Hours 30 Days ✓
sentinel ✓ ✗ Oral **Heartworm, Fleas, Intestinal Worms 24 Hours 30 days ✓
Simparica ✓ ✗ Oral **Heartworm, 5 Species of Ticks, Fleas, Fleas before laying eggs, Roundworms & Hookworms. Approved for puppies at 8 weeks of age and dogs 2.8+ lbs. 4 Hours 30 Days ✓

Trifexis

 ✓ ✗ Oral **Heartworms, Fleas, Roundworms, Whipworms, Hookworms 2 Hours 30 days ✓