How to Choose the Best Flea Treatment for Dogs

     Fleas are a menace not only to pets but also to humans. They cause severe irritation to dogs and when your dog has fleas, it is likely that it will scratch more often or try to bite the fleas in its fur. Apart from the irritation and the accompanying discomfort, there are several kinds of diseases that are linked to爁leas. These include internal parasites, tularemia, flea allergy dermatitis, and haemobartonellosis. These can cause serious harm to your dog if not controlled promptly.

Understanding Fleas
There are many species of flea, but most are 2-3mm long and red or brown in color. The燿og flea爄s a species of爁lea爐hat lives as an爀ctoparasite爋n domestic燿ogs, but they can also bite cats and humans. Adult fleas usually pierce the skin of mammals to feed on blood, but they can live for several months without food. Flea larvae, however, feed on organic matter in carpets or bedding and so high levels of hygiene can slow down the life-cycle.

Choosing flea treatment
Several flea treatment products flood the market. Different brands from different companies, all claiming to be the best can actually confuse the average dog owner. What factors should you consider in order to choose the best flea treatment for your dog? Here are some:
Spectrum of activity. Some flea treatment products control both fleas and ticks. This broad spectrum activity ensures you eradicate both categories of pests using just one product. The implication is that you not only fight the pests but you also save the cost.

Efficacy. Flea cocoons can remain dormant for two years or more. Many flea control products will kill the adult fleas but are ineffective for the egg and pupae stages. This means that fleas may appear soon after the treatment is given. The best flea treatment for dogs is therefore one that can act on all stages of the lifecycle.

Residual effect. How long does the chemical remain effective after you have applied it? This is called the residual effect. The longer the residual effect the better. So choose such.

Side effects. Some flea treatments for dogs have been implicated in skin reactions and even neurological effects on dogs. Before you buy the product, inquire into possible side effects and contraindications. The best flea treatment for dogs is one with the least or no side effects.

Environmental safety. Some chemicals may be very harmful to the environment including the person administering the treatment. It is prudent therefore to consider the adverse effects on the environment before procuring the product.

Cost. It is said that cheap is expensive. That said, it is still possible to find the same product at relatively cheaper cost than others. It is important to consider that the price is not only determined by the potency or efficacy but also by company policy. Once you know what to look for, you can compare prices before you buy the product.

Fleas are and continue to be a nuisance to pets all over the world. However, choosing the best flea treatment for dogs can save the situation. Important factors to consider include safety, efficacy, and cost.