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Flea Control

You’re familiar with the topical flea product you apply to your pet’s skin each month, ensuring they stay flea-free.

The way these products work depends on the ingredients involved. While some flea control medications are absorbed into the bloodstream, others are not.



### Frontline

Fipronil Flea Control

Fipronil, sold under the brand name Frontline, doesn’t primarily work by entering the bloodstream, though a small amount may end up there. Instead, it settles in the sebaceous glands beneath the pet’s skin, slowly releasing onto the skin's surface. When fleas come into contact with it, Fipronil disrupts their central nervous system, causing hyperactivity before they die. Additionally, (S)-methoprene, another ingredient, prevents flea larvae from developing, ensuring no new fleas appear on your pet.


### Advantage & Advantix

Imidacloprid Flea Control

Imidacloprid, marketed under brand names like Advantage and Advantix, does not enter the bloodstream when applied to your pet's skin. Instead, it spreads across the skin, including the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Imidacloprid poisons fleas by being absorbed into their bodies, effectively killing flea larvae either through ingestion of contaminated pet dander or direct contact.


### Revolution

Selamectin Flea Control

Selamectin, available under the brand name Revolution, not only kills fleas but also other parasites like heartworms, roundworms, mites, and ticks. Available only by prescription, Selamectin enters the bloodstream to kill worms but also remains on the skin, where it eliminates adult fleas, flea eggs, and mites.


###Frontline Plus

Fipronil & Methoprene

A flea and tick controlling product, kills all life stages of ticks and fleas, including the deer tick, a Lyme disease carrier. It also eliminates flea eggs and larvae, breaking the flea life cycle. Within about 18 hours after application, all fleas on the pet will be dead. Ticks take about two days to die.

Frontline Plus contains fipronil, a synthetic insecticide that disrupts the nervous system of adult fleas and ticks by blocking chlorine molecules from entering cells, leading to paralysis. Due to its potency, it only needs to be applied once a month. The oily liquid formulation ensures it stays on the pet’s skin, slowly seeping into the hair follicles and oil glands where fleas and ticks reside.

The other active ingredient in Frontline Plus is methoprene, an insect growth regulator (IGR). Methoprene affects flea eggs and larvae by mimicking the flea's growth hormone, preventing them from maturing into adults. This interruption of the flea's life cycle helps to control the flea population on your pet.


⚠️

Given the strength of fipronil and methoprene, take precautions when using Frontline Plus. Point the applicator away from your face, particularly your eyes, and thoroughly wash your hands after application.

Monitor your pet for signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, restlessness, vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, take your pet to the vet immediately.


###Bravecto spot-on

Fluralaner

Bravecto is administered, it is readily absorbed into the dog’s blood stream from the skin. The active ingredient, fluralaner, then distributes and persists for 6 months. It works inside the dog providing nose-to-toes protection.Due to its systemic profile Bravecto is suitable for dogs who swim or are bathed regularly. It is recommended dogs are not washed or shampooed within 3 days of treatment.

Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving fluralaner, even in dogs without a history of seizures.


###NexGard

Afoxolaner & Milbemycin Oxime

NexGard Spectra is an innovative parasite prevention, control, and treatment in one single chew. With two active ingredients, Afoxolaner and Milbemycin Oxime, combined together, this tablet treats not just fleas and ticks but also internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and heartworms.


***Warnings and Considerations***

Even though topical flea products are available over the counter, consult your vet to determine the best treatment for your pet!

Age and health of your pet does make a difference.

Always follow the package directions and ensure the dosage is appropriate for your pet’s weight. When applying topical flea control, wear gloves, and never use products designed for dogs on cats or vice versa. The package may include stickers you can use to mark your calendar for the next dose, helping you keep your pet protected. Depending on your location, your pet may require seasonal or year-round flea control.


Contact your vet to get the best advice 😁



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