Fifty: that’s how many eggs one female cat flea can lay each day after it finds a host.
A flea infestation on your pet has the potential to cause other issues, such as bacterial diseases, dermatitis, anemia, and tapeworms. As a result, it’s critical to put an end to your flea problem before the situation worsens.
However, selecting the right flea treatment for cats and dogs proves to be a difficult task. The FDA recently put out a warning for certain chewable flea meds, as they may cause seizures in some animals.
If you need flea medicine for dogs and cats ASAP, read on to learn about three of the safest, most effective options on the market!
1. Advantage II
This veterinarian-prescribed product begins killing fleas on your cat or dog within half a day after application. Plus, it contains an ingredient that prevents juvenile fleas from transitioning to adulthood.
There are four doses in each box of Bayer Advantage II. You only need to use one dose every four weeks to reap its benefits.
Advantage II for Cats comes in three sizes:
- Advantage II Kitten (2-5 lb)
- Advantage II Small Cat (5-9 lb)
- Advantage II Large Cat (9+ lb)
Have a tiny or gigantic dog? Don’t fret because the dog version of the product provides four options:
- Advantage II Small Dog (3-10 lb)
- Advantage II Medium Dog (10-20 lb)
- Advantage II Large Dog (20-55 lb)
- Advantage II Extra Large Dog (55+ lb)
Be aware that Advantage II is only for cats that are least 9 weeks old. Also, don’t forget that you’ll need to make a visit to the vet before you can purchase this product.
2. Advocate
Looking for a monthly treatment that’s also fast acting? This topical antiparasitic for cats and dogs stops fleas from biting 3-5 minutes after application.
Here’s the best part: it eliminates all the parasites and their larvae less than an hour later.
The treatment is waterproof, so you don’t need to worry about outdoor pets getting wet. Just apply Advocate once a month to keep fleas, lice, mites, and heartworms away.
However, you’ll need to choose the right size. Advocate for Small Cats is good for felines between 2 and 9 lb, whereas Advocate for Large Cats is for felines between 9 and 18 lb
When it comes to Advocate for Dogs, you have four options to choose from:
- Advocate Small Dogs (2-9 lb)
- Advocate Medium Dogs (9-22 lb)
- Advocate Large Dogs (22-55 lb)
- Advocate Extra Large Dogs (55-88 lb)
Keep in mind that you cannot use Advocate on kittens that are less than 9 weeks old or dogs that are less than 7 weeks old.
3. Seresto Flea and Tick Collar
Not a fan of the spills and smells that come with some topical treatments? You can avoid them by picking up one of these flea collars instead.
Each Seresto Flea and Tick Collar fight off parasites for up to 8 months. It slowly releases the anti-flea ingredients, which remain in your pet’s fur and the top layer of their skin.
There’s a collar for dogs under 18 lb, and another for dogs over 18 lb. However, the cat version of the collar is good for felines of all sizes.
Final Thoughts on Flea Treatment for Cats and Dogs
If you’re looking for a more natural flea treatment for cats and dogs, see if you have any coconut oil lying around the house. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which kills fleas and keeps them away. Use about 1/2 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight, and rub it into your four-legged friend’s fur.
Want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to help your cat live a long, happy life? If so, visit our pet health and behavior blog for more helpful guides like this one!