How Flea & Tick Medicines Work: Common Misconceptions
| Date Added: September 14, 2009 12:13:21 PM |
| Author: Angel Wasserman |
| Category: Pet Health Care: Dogs |
| Our dog trainers often hear from customers about flea and tick problems with their pets. This article addresses the most common concerns we hear and frequent misconceptions about these products. Topical Products Topical products, which are applied on the pet’s skin, are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. The product remains active for thirty days at which time it must be reapplied. Many people don’t realize that the pet cannot be immersed in water for several days after application. If your pet is a swimmer, gets a bath, or is caught in a rain shower, the application may be rendered useless. How many days you have to keep your pet dry varies by manufacturer. Read your product information leaflet carefully. These products are not repellants. They do not prevent fleas and ticks from getting on your pet nor do they prevent the pet from being bitten. Topical products basically make the pet’s bloodstream toxic to fleas and ticks. When the pet is bitten, the flea or tick is poisoned and eventually dies. They do not offer 100% protection until they are fully absorbed and distributed in the pet’s body. This is one reason why it’s essential to use the product every 30 days as indicated on the label. Each product has its own time period for activation so be sure to read your product leaflet. If your pet is infested with fleas, topicals will not work. You’ll need a different product for that such as Capstar, which kills fleas within 30 minutes. These products effectively control flea and tick populations and potential infestations. They prevent fleas from biting repeatedly and some prevent fleas from reproducing by biologically sterilizing the eggs. Most topical products work very well for fleas but not all of them deal with ticks effectively. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian if ticks are a concern in your area to ensure that you are using a product that is effective for both fleas and ticks. Warnings and Reactions Some dogs are allergic to the products and may develop a skin rash or more serious side effects. Other pets don’t like the smell and make you chase them in order to apply the medicine. If your pet tolerates these products, and most do, ensure that the product is applied directly to the skin and is not absorbed by the hair. Each product comes with clear instructions on application and they all have consumer websites to address questions about usage and application. Over the Counter Products There are many over the counter products available but we’ve yet to see one work well. If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors or in the vicinity of other dogs, we highly recommend using prescription only products. Pill Products Comfortis is a flea treatment, available in pill form. It works the same way as the topicals by entering the pet’s bloodstream but eliminates the problems of water immersion and potential on-site skin reaction. The most common side effect is vomiting. The manufacturers of this drug state that the pill works in 24-hours and water immersion is safe after the same time period. It is important to note that this product does not work on ticks. Merck Laboratories announced a novel discovery in June, a non-toxic, flea and tick preventative in pill form. According the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, (July 6, 2009), in tests on fleas and ticks in dogs, a single dose of the new pill was 100 percent effective in protecting against both fleas and ticks for a month. The product is not a toxin and no side effects were found. Scientists obtained the flea and tick fighter from a substance first found in a fungus. There is no indication yet from Merck as to when this product will be available but we’ll be watching for it! This article brought to you by Paws in Training. Paws in Training provides puppy training, dog obedience training, and dog education in Raleigh, Cary and Durham, N.C. © Paws in Training, Inc. 2009 |
Ratings:
You must be logged in to leave a rating. Average rating:( votes)
|
Comments:
No Comments Yet.
You must be logged in to leave a comment.
