Flea Control There is no other area of veterinary medicine where more progress has been made in the last ten years than flea control. The products available now are light years ahead of where they were in terms of safety and efficacy.

The products available now are light years ahead of where they were in terms of safety and efficacy.

In the Okanagan we have pockets of flea infestation. There is often a burst of flea activity in the spring, a bit of a lull during the dry heat of summer, and another peak in the late summer extending into the fall. Animals differ tremendously in their sensitivity to flea bites. Some will be in a scratching frenzy with just a few bites, whereas others can support a thriving population of fleas with relatively little irritation.

In comparison to the slow moving tick, fleas are lightning fast. You have to be quick to see them on your pet and they are also able to jump several feet in a single bound. Sometimes the only visible evidence of an infestation is flea dirt - the dried up digested blood that the flea passes during feeding.

There are two excellent products on the market for use in flea control - both can be used for dogs and cats.

Advantage is a topical drop that is applied in several spots along the back. It kills fleas within several hours and maintains the pet flea free for one month. It is not affected by occasional swims but frequent swimmers may have to have it applied more often.

Program is an oral product that works its magic by sterilizing any fleas that may be feeding on your pet. Medication is given once a month. For cats there is another form of Program that has become very popular. This is an injection that is effective for a full 6 month flea season. This has become very popular for a few reasons: firstly, you can forget about the need for monthly treatments, one treatment and you are done for the year. Secondly, not all cats are that easy to medicate with oral medications and the injection can be given with relative ease by a veterinarian.

All the flea control medications and tick collars are over the counter treatments and do not require a prescription, except for the injectable form of Program that must be administered by a vet. Capstar is our newest product in the battle against fleas. Capstar is an oral tablet that is administered as a short term quick kill solution for adult fleas. It is not recommended as a long term preventative against fleas. Our well trained staff can answer any questions you may have about any of the products.