Fleas on your pet? Vets say fight them in three steps
A new NBC Selected guide says flea control starts with confirmation, then vet-approved treatment and a home clean-up plan.
By Frankie Delgado · News Reporter
3 min read
Fleas can turn one itchy pet into a household problem fast, and veterinarians consulted by NBC Selected say the fix comes down to three jobs: confirm the infestation, treat and prevent it, then clean the home.
Dr. Jennifer Garner, a veterinarian at Chewy Vet Care, told NBC Selected that skipping parts of that process can raise the odds that a pet gets reinfected and that the home faces another round of fleas.
First, confirm what you are dealing with
NBC Selected says a flea comb is a key tool for the first step. A fine-toothed comb can separate a dog or cat’s fur so owners can inspect the skin and hair follicles for live fleas or flea dirt, which the guide identifies as flea feces.
The guide names the Pets&Goods Flea Remover Comb as its best flea comb pick, priced at $9.99 on Amazon. NBC Selected says the comb can also help remove fleas, flea eggs and debris from a pet’s coat, while doubling as a grooming tool for cats and dogs.
The guide also cautions that a comb may not be enough to make the call in every case. Pet owners should book a veterinary appointment if they need help diagnosing fleas or choosing the right treatment.
Treatment and prevention come next
NBC Selected says its flea treatment picks were chosen because they matched expert guidance, were highly rated, worked as both treatment and prevention, guarded against more than one type of parasite and carried EPA or FDA approval.
Some options are sold over the counter, but NBC Selected notes that many flea medications require a prescription. The guide advises pet owners to talk with a veterinarian before choosing oral preventatives, topical products or collars.
- NexGard Chewables for dogs contain afoxolaner, start working within four hours and last one month, according to NBC Selected. The product is FDA-approved to kill adult fleas before they lay eggs and to kill black-legged ticks. It requires a prescription.
- Credelio for Cats contains lotilaner, starts working within six hours and lasts one month, according to the guide. NBC Selected says the chew kills fleas and black-legged ticks and must be given with food. It also requires a prescription.
- Frontline Plus for Dogs uses fipronil and (S)-methoprene, starts working within 24 hours and lasts 30 days, NBC Selected says. The guide says it kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae, chewing lice and ticks.
- Frontline Plus for Cats has the same listed active ingredients, starts working within 12 hours and lasts 30 days, according to NBC Selected.
- Seresto collars for dogs and cats contain imidacloprid and flumethrin, start working within 24 hours and last eight months, according to the guide.
NBC Selected updates editor Mili Godio told the outlet she has used NexGard for her havachon, Bella, since the dog was four months old and said Bella has not had a flea problem despite outdoor runs and dog park visits.
Do not forget the house
The third step is cleaning. NBC Selected lists Wondercide Natural Flea, Tick & Mosquito Spray as its best flea spray cleaner pick, priced at $26.99 on Amazon.
The guide’s bottom line is brisk: treating the pet alone is not the full job. Diagnosis, prevention and cleaning all have to work together if owners want to cut down the risk of fleas coming back.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.