flea control for dogs and cats (and you)

Fleas can make life miserable and even make your pet seriously ill.

The best way to fight fleas is to repel them before they even get a chance to clamp their jaws on you or your pet.

Little insects, big threat

Fleas can make life miserable and even make your pet seriously ill. Smart approaches to flea control, protection, and prevention can help your dog or cat do less itching and scratching, and enjoy more love, health, and happiness.

Here’s how to foil fleas

The best way to fight fleas is to repel them before they even get a chance to clamp their jaws on you or your pet.

1. Prevent infestations
   Prevent infestations by providing your pet with vet-recommended, year-round protection. Because every pet — and family — is different, ask your veterinary team what works best for your situation.


2. Groom your pet regularly
   Groom your pet regularly. This can help keep your cat or dog flea-free, plus help loosen up coat matting. Your veterinary team can also recommend shampoos to supplement your pet’s preventive routine.

Natural remedies are a no-no

Some pet owners prefer to try “natural” flea remedies, like special food preparations, organic skin treatments, or homemade pesticides. Unfortunately, none of these approaches are proven to control parasites — and some can actually be toxic for your cat or dog.

Garlic

Garlic is toxic and potentially fatal to some pets. Plus, there’s no scientific proof that garlic repels fleas.

Essential oils

Coating your pet’s fur with essential oils is a bad idea. Even if the one you choose is used in some skin care products or shampoos, essential oils are just too concentrated for safe use on pet skin — and they don’t help with the fleas.

Traditional remedies

Things such as brewer’s yeast and herbs like pennyroyal and eucalyptus are sometimes promoted as good flea repellants. Unfortunately, pennyroyal is toxic to both pets and humans. And none of these “cures” have been shown to be particularly effective.

Sonic repellents

You may see high-priced ultrasonic repellents being promoted as effective flea control. They aren’t effective in eliminating potential parasites on your pet, or in terminating any developing larval stages that may be growing around your home.

Feeling flea infested at home?

• Don’t use dog products on your cat — even if they are the right size, it can be dangerous.


• Follow all product label and veterinary recommendations.


• Keep all household pets, including indoor pets, on flea and tick preventives.


• Regularly wash all bedding, pillows, and clothing that have come into contact with your pet. Use hot water and dry on a high-heat setting.


• Vacuum areas of your home where your pet spends a lot of time, and discard the vacuum bag each time.