Factors to Consider When You Want To Choose the Best Flea Treatment for Dogs

Flea infestation can cause severe irritation and discomfort to pets and humans alike. Additionally, fleas may cause several kinds of diseases such as internal parasites, tularemia, flea allergy dermatitis, and haemobartonellosis. All these can seriously harm your dog if not controlled promptly. Common symptoms of dog flea infestation include scratching or biting the fur.

Understanding FleasThere are many species of flea, but most are 2-3mm long and red or brown in color. The dog flea is a species of flea that lives as an ectoparasite on domestic dogs, but they can also bite cats and humans. Adult fleas usually pierce the skin of mammals to feed on blood, but they can live for several months without food. Flea larvae, however, feed on organic matter in carpets or bedding and so high levels of hygiene can slow down the life-cycle.

Choosing flea treatment Several flea treatment products flood the market. Different brands from different companies, all claiming to be the best can actually confuse the average dog owner. What factors should you consider in order to choose the best flea treatment for your dog? Here are some:

Spectrum of activity. Some flea treatment products control both fleas and ticks. This broad spectrum activity ensures you eradicate both categories of pests using just one product. The implication is that you not only fight the pests but you also save the cost.

Efficacy. Flea cocoons can remain dormant for two years or more. Many flea control products will kill the adult fleas but are ineffective for the egg and pupae stages. This means that fleas may appear soon after the treatment is given. The best flea treatment for dogs is therefore one that can act on all stages of the lifecycle.

Residual effect. How long does the chemical remain effective after you have applied it? This is called the residual effect. The longer the residual effect the better. So choose such.

Side effects. Some flea treatments for dogs have been implicated in skin reactions and even neurological effects on dogs. Before you buy the product, inquire into possible side effects and contraindications. The best flea treatment for dogs is one with the least or no side effects.

Environmental safety. Some chemicals may be very harmful to the environment including the person administering the treatment. It is prudent therefore to consider the adverse effects on the environment before procuring the product.

Cost. It is said that cheap is expensive. That said, it is still possible to find the same product at relatively cheaper cost than others. It is important to consider that the price is not only determined by the potency or efficacy but also by company policy. Once you know what to look for, you can compare prices before you buy the product.

Fleas cause serious discomfort and diseases to pets the world over. The problem however, can be mitigated by choosing the best flea treatment for dogs. In order to do this, such factors as the safety, efficacy and cost of the flea treatment product ought to be considered before buying.

Dan Pellegrino is the author of this article on best flea treatment for dogs.