QuestionDoctor, even though I have a professional exterminator treat my house and yard every month, I am having problems keeping fleas off my cats and dogs. What can I do to control this problem?
AnswerSince you appear to be dealing with environmental control of fleas through your exterminator's contract, I assume that you have discussed the problem with the representative from that company in detail.
It appears that your effort at increased flea control would
best be directed at 
control of
fleas directly on your animals. Discussing possible options with
your veterinarian is a good first choice to develop a specific
flea control program to suit your needs.
Products for your pet can be divided into ones that are either
given orally(by mouth) or ones that are directly applied to the
skin(or topically). Oral products 
have the advantage of convenience, possible
long duration of action, ease of administration, and minimal
exposure to family members of the active ingredients.
Disadvantages may be reaction to taste, the need for
administration with food, and possibly a longer interval before
total results are achieved.
Topical products come in many types such as shampoo, flea
dips, sprays, foams, collars, and one-spot skin treatment
products. Because some topical 
products have a lower margin of safety than
others, it is very important that consumers read all label
warnings and instructions very carefully prior to their use. The
advantages of shampoo, foams, sprays, dips, and collars can be
cost and availability. The disadvantages can be short duration of
action, possible incomplete control, unpleasant odors,
hypersalivation, and difficult or time consuming mode of
application. One exception to these rules is the new monthly flea
spray called Frontline which can be used on puppies or kittens
over eight weeks of age.
The newest products available
are the one-spot skin treatments sold by veterinary clinics
today. We have received very positive feedback from almost all
our clients using these products. These topicals, such as
Advantage and Frontline Top Spot -, offer the advantages of long
duration of action, ease of application, and minimal side effects
for the animals. The main disadvantage is higher cost per
treatment.
Never before have consumers had
more options for better flea control and your veterinarianwould
be glad to help you in making the right choice for your special
pet.
This article generously contributed by:
WAYNE A. ROGERS, D.V.M.
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