The most common flea on both cats and dogs is actually the “cat flea” which is equally happy to infest humans. They can be a nuisance all year round and the irritation left by “flea dust” can persist long after the fleas have gone.The “cat flea” also carries larvae of dipylidium tapeworms and these are spread when the animal swallows fleas during grooming. An animal that has had fleas needs worming with Drontal wormer containing praziquantel as other wormers are not very effective against Dipylidium.

Methods of Flea Control

Include drops for application to the back of the neck, sprays, tablets and Flea Collars.

Insecticidal Products (available without prescription)

Frontline Flea Drops

Containing fipronil are very effective treatments for both dogs and cats.The “spot-ons” are more popular than the spray. (it is necessary saturate the whole of the coat if using the spray) Frontline is more “waterproof” than permethrin once it has dried and usually lasts for around two months against fleas and one month against ticks.

Flea Drops

Hyperdrug Flea and Tick Drops (and similar products) contain permethrin a safe and effective insecticide highly effective against fleas and ticks and available without prescription. They normally give four weeks cover but if the dog (they are not suitable for cats) is soaked regularly they will wash out of the coat before this. They can be used for all dogs and puppies over 2 weeks of age.

Flea Sprays

The most popular product is the Zodiac spray containing propoxur which is suitable for dogs and cats over 12 weeks of age. It works rapidly and gives protection for two weeks.

Flea Tablets

Capstar containing nitenpyram treats fleas on both cats and dogs rapidly and can be used in pregnant and nursing animals. It does not have a residual effect so treatment is best combined with use of an environmental spray around the home or kennel.

Flea Collars

Zodiac flea collars give five months protection and can be used on animals over 12 weeks of age. They contain propoxur . Animals should be checked regularly to ensure that the neck does not become irritated under and around the collar.

INSECTICIDAL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE ONLY ON PRESCRIPTION

NB The “Prescription Only” status of these products may change in the future following recommendations by the Competition Commission.

Advantage Flea Drops

Contain imadocloprid and are highly effective treatments for fleas on both dogs and cats. They are NOT effective against ticks but a new version is now available also containing permethrin for this purpose

Stronghold

Containing selamectin which is usually used every month. It controls fleas and is also used to treat sarcoptic mange. It is also active against the adult stages only of roundworms but NOT tapeworms.

Environmental Flea Sprays

These usually contain both an insecticide and a growth regulator to kill adult fleas and prevent flea eggs from hatching for up to a year. These are intended to be used around house etc and Not on the animals. Popular brands include Zodiac, Stay-Kil and Acclaim.

Insect Repellents

These contain herbal ingredients to repel fleas which then die rapidly away from their source of food. Examples are the Xenex range and Hyperdrug Cat Flea drops.