Pros and Cons of Flea Control Methods

Getting rid of fleas can be quite a chore, and choosing a flea control method can be too. It's important to keep your pet free from fleas, not only so that it's comfortable but so that it's safe and healthy as well. There are three common flea control methods: flea shampoo, flea collars and flea cream. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Flea shampoo kills fleas as you bathe your pet. However, this can sometimes be a struggle with a finicky cat that hates water or a dog that won't succumb to baths. Plus, flea shampoo only kills the fleas that are currently on your pet. It doesn't protect against future fleas, so if your house is infested with fleas, the a flea bath is a bit of a waste. Once you release your pet, it will be covered with fleas again. Yet, flea shampoo is effective for cleansing your pet and killing any fleas it may have on it at the moment. Flea shampoo is best used when fleas are first spotted and before they are a huge problem.

Flea collars are collars that kill and keep fleas from getting on your pet. However, the way that flea collars work is that they emit poisonous chemicals that act as a deterrent to fleas and keep them from jumping on and biting your pet. Plus, they don't always work when there are loads of fleas either. Also, you must consider that this poison is constantly being breathed by your pet and your family, especially if you have an indoor pet you like to cuddle. Granted, flea collars are tested to be safe, but still. Flea collars should not be completely discredited, though. They are effective in keeping fleas from your pet in most instances and last for three months.

Flea creams are products such as Advantix and Frontline. These cost a little bit more than flea collars. However, of the three flea preventative methods, this one tends to be the most effective. You simply apply the tube on your pet's back between its shoulder blades and your pet will be flea free relatively soon. This cream soaks into your pet's skin so that the chemicals are constantly circulating throughout its veins, keeping fleas from your pet. However, the one drawback to this is that oftentimes the fleas must bite your pet for it to work. So fleas can still crawl on your pet and cause it to itch. Yet, they will die if they bite. Flea creams, too, last for about three months.

Those are three flea preventative methods and their pros and cons. Whichever method you choose depends upon your preferences and the severity of your flea situation. However, these are the present methods for keeping your pet free of fleas.