How To Choose The Best Flea Medication

Choosing the right flea medication for your dog or cat is one of the most important decisions you can make as a pet owner.  There are many flea treatments available including Frontline, Advantage and K9 Advantix.  As a dog and cat owner, I have used several different brands and will provide you reviews and how you can find discounts on the best products.  

Now that Spring has arrived and Summer is just around the corner, it is time to protect your pets from fleas and ticks.  While most veterinarians recommend treating your pet year round, it is not to late to get started.  Flea treatments can be found at most pet supply stores, veterinarian's offices, retail stores and on the Internet.  You should be aware that many sites on the Internet offer counterfeit name brand medications that could harm your pet.  I always recommend purchasing your flea control from reputable merchants.  Always consult your veterinarian before using any pet medication.

The most popular choices of flea medications are topical solutions. The three most purchased brands of flea control for dogs are Frontline Plus, Advantage and K9 Advantix. The medication in all of these is applied to directly to your dogs skin. All three do a good job of of controlling fleas, but each one has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the most important things to know is about K9 Advantix. This medication is for dogs only. You should not use Advantix if you own cats. The medicine can be toxic to your feline.

Frontline Plus has a flea medication for both dogs and cats. The product is waterproof and is applied monthly to your pets skin (typically starting between their shoulder blades). Frontline claims that it will kill existing fleas within 12 hours. It also controls fleas and ticks for up to one month. Make sure you choose the correct dose for your dog or cat. This is determined by your pets weight.

Advantage is very similar to Frontline. Advantage is a monthly topical solution that claims to kill fleas within 12 hours, is waterproof and kills new fleas within two hours. Advantage also kills chewing lice on your pet.

K9 Advantix is a great choice if you do not own cats. Advantix claims to kill more pests that any other product. The product kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice and biting flies. The active ingredient will also repel these pests before they get on your dog. Like Frontline and Advantage, K9 Advantix should be applied to your dogs skin monthly and is waterproof.

Capstar is a pill that can be given to your pet for immediate flea relief. If your pet is infested with fleas, Capstar is a good choice because it will kill fleas in about 30 minutes. Many veterinarians will give your pet a Capstar pill before boarding. Capstar can be given to your pet daily until all the fleas are gone. Capstar is not a great choice for long-lasting flea control and will not kill other pests that may be on your pet.

So, which product do I use? Frontline Plus is my choice because I own both dogs and cats. If I did not own cats, I would go with K9 Advantix because it kills and controls a variety of pests. The one brand I would avoid is Hartz. It is cheaper than the other brands, but the product did nothing to control fleas.

Pet owners know that purchasing a quality flea control product can be expensive.  You can often find coupons for flea control on the products website.  Many of these are redeemable for free doses when you purchase a set amount from your veterinarian.  If you are lucky, your local retailer of pet supply store may offer specials on the products.  If you choose to make your purchase on the Internet, only buy from dealers you trust.