Ask a vet: how do I pick the best flea product for my dog?

There are so many different flea products available on the market, both through veterinarians and over the counter, that it is hard to name one specific product that will be preferred by everyone. However, the two basic formulations, topical and oral, do have some pros and cons that you need to consider when you decide.

Here are some things to consider about topical flea products.

They are topical which means that they are applied directly to the skin of the dog. People do not like the idea that the product stays on their pet’s skin and exposes the humans in the environment to chemicals. Other people like the idea that the product stays on the skin and is not systemically absorbed by the dog. Some dogs are very difficult to entice to eat oral flea products also and for these dogs topicals are the only choice. They are readily available and fairly affordable. Their efficacy can be affected by the type and frequency of shampooing. So if your dog is primarily outdoors, is not bathed frequently and doesn’t sleep with a family member, topical flea products might be a desirable choice. It is important to remember that because these products are not prescription and the pet business is lucrative, there are many look alike products that are cheap, but less effective.

Here are some factors you should think about when considering oral flea products.

Oral flea products are available only by prescription from your veterinarian and must be fed to your dog according to the label directions. These products come with and without tick coverage, in addition to the flea coverage. They are not affected by the type of shampoo or the frequency of bathing. They’re not as affordable as the over-the-counter topicals and will require a visit to the veterinarian. They leave no residue on the dog’s skin if your pet is in close contact with your human family. Since they are available only by prescription, there are no “off brand” products (at least not legally), so your chances of efficacy are very high. They also come with “tech support” because if they are not working the way you think they should, you can call your vet’s office and ask questions. If your dog is in close contact with you and your family, is bathed frequently and has a regular veterinarian, oral products will be a good choice.

All dogs should be on flea protection (unless you want a flea circus of your very own). Follow the old saying “You get what you pay for” because it is true in this case also. If you want to be absolutely sure that your dog does not have fleas that he can share with your home, ask your veterinary staff to help you weigh the pros and cons and share with you what their other clients are saying. They will know what is working best on the fleas in your area and can use their experience with you and your own dog’s lifestyle to help you choose.

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