Fleas are a common problem for pet owners. As a pet owner myself, I know how frustrating flea infestations can be. The good news is there are many effective flea removal treatments available to safely eliminate fleas and prevent future infestations. Here is an in-depth look at the various pet flea removal treatments.
Oral Flea Medications
Oral flea medications are a popular and effective way to kill fleas and prevent reinfestation. These medications come in chewable tablets or flavored liquids that are applied directly on your pet’s skin.
Flea Pills
Flea pills such as NexGard and Bravecto contain powerful insecticides that kill adult fleas and prevent eggs from hatching. The medication is absorbed into your pet’s bloodstream anddistributed throughout their tissues where fleas feed. This provides whole-body flea protection that starts working within hours and lasts for 1-3 months depending on the product.
Some key benefits of flea pills include:
- Broad-spectrum protection – kills fleas plus other pests like ticks or lice
- Easy oral administration – given as a tasty chew or with food
- Waterproof protection – stays effective even after bathing
- Minimal side effects – generally safe for dogs and cats
However, pills can be more expensive than other flea treatments and may cause vomiting or skin irritation in some pets. I give my dog Nexgard chewables which provide excellent flea and tick control with no issues.
Flea Drops
Flea drops or spot-ons contain concentrated liquid medication that is applied to a pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Popular brands include Frontline and Advantage II. The medication spreads over the body and kills fleas rapidly. It also lingers in the coat, continuing to kill new fleas for 30 days or longer.
Advantages of flea drops include:
- Long-lasting – kills fleas for 1 month or more
- Low cost – very affordable compared to pills
- Easy application – just a few drops on the skin
However, drops can cause skin reactions in pets with sensitivities. Cats may also be prone to excessive licking and ingesting the medication. I use flea drops on my cat during high-risk months and they keep her flea-free.
Flea Shampoos and Sprays
Flea shampoos and sprays provide a convenient way to quickly kill fleas on your pet without monthly applications. They can be used alone for mild infestations or paired with other treatments for severe flea problems.
Flea Shampoos
Flea shampoos like Adams Plus contain insecticidal ingredients that rapidly kill fleas when massaged into the coat during bathing. They leave behind a residue that continues working for days to weeks after the bath. Benefits include:
- Fast-acting – begins killing fleas within minutes
- Convenient – easy to use while bathing
- Residual effects – keeps working after rinsing
Flea sprays like Vet’s Best contain similar insecticides and are spritzed over the entire body. Sprays offer advantages such as:
- Full body coverage – gets into hard-to-reach places
- No bath required – just spray and go
However, shampoos and sprays provide shorter protection compared to oral/topical preventatives. I use flea shampoos or sprays in between my cat’s monthly flea treatments or if I spot any fleas.
Flea Combs
Flea combs offer a non-toxic and inexpensive way to manually remove live fleas and eggs. Combs have fine teeth that trap fleas and allow you to comb them out of the fur. Benefits of flea combs include:
- Chemical-free – safe for sensitive pets
- Removes all life stages – gets rid of live fleas plus eggs
- Low cost – combs are reusable
To properly use a flea comb:
- Comb slowly and thoroughly from head to tail
- Dip comb frequently in soapy water to collect fleas
- Discard live fleas immediately
The main downside is that combing only removes fleas already on your pet. It does not provide ongoing prevention like other treatments. However, I always keep a flea comb handy for quick periodic checks.
Natural Flea Remedies
For pet owners looking to avoid chemicals, there are some natural options for flea removal and prevention:
- Flea & Tick Collars – collars made with natural ingredients like citronella and geraniol.
- Essential Oils – oils like peppermint or eucalyptus applied to the coat to repel fleas.
- Diatomaceous Earth – powder made from crushed fossils that dehydrates and kills fleas.
- Flea Traps – traps that use light and heat to lure and catch fleas in the home.
However, natural remedies may be less effective than traditional treatments, especially for severe infestations. I recommend using natural methods alongside other flea products for the best control.
The Takeaway
Fleas can be frustrating but there are many great treatment options available. Oral/topical medications offer the strongest preventative protection. Shampoos, sprays and combs are ideal for quick removal and periodic use. Those looking to avoid chemicals can try natural remedies for mild control. Finding the right treatment plan will help keep your furry friends flea-free!
