There are a number of factors to consider when buying flea treatment.  The kind of pet you own, the level of infestation, how quickly you need the treatment to work, and whether you need chemical treatment or if you can use non-chemical or natural products.  There are also a lot of products from which to choose, from shampoos and sprays to chemicals and flea collars.  They are too numerous to list them all here, but more information can be found on this site.

Of course pets getting fleas is a common occurrence, and hopefully you are visiting this site to get information on what the options are when it does occur or, even better, how to prevent it.  If that is the case, then the section on “holistic flea treatment” is probably the best part to look at, and if you follow the advice laid out there, then there’s a good chance you will never have to deal with fleas.

However, not all of us are so forward thinking, and there is a good chance that your pet has already contracted fleas.  If that is the case, then you should still check out the holistic treatment section as you will find some advice there on how to get rid of them, as well as things to do to make sure they don’t come back once you are rid of them.

Here a few products to consider, however, when you are ready to be buying flea treatment as well as some things to consider about them.  First of all, be very clear whether you are buying treatment for a dog or cat (although of course other pets can get fleas as well), because what you can use on a dog you cannot necessarily use on a cat.  There are some chemicals in dog products, for example permethrin, which are harmful if used on cats, so beware of that. 

One of the range of products which can be used on cats and dogs, however, is the Revolution products.  They are waterproof and contain Selmectin but have no ingredients intended to sterilize the fleas.  Puppies younger than six weeks old, however, should not be given this product, nor kittens under eight weeks old.

The products Promeris, Vectra 3D and Comfortis are all incompatible between cats and dogs; Comfortis is not appropriate for cats, is waterproof and suitable for puppies as long as they are at least 14 weeks old.  The main ingredient used for killing fleas is Spinosad, which is not a sterilizing ingredient.  Vectra 3D meanwhile does have a sterilizing agent, Pyripoxifen, as well as Dinotefuran and Permethrin.  So what does that mean it’s not suitable for, kids?  That’s right, it’s not suitable for cats.  Although there is a Vectra made specifically for cats which only contains dinotefuran.  Dogs have to weigh at least two and a half pounds and be at least seven weeks old.  These are all factors which have to be considered when buying flea treatment.

Finally, Promeris is only suitable for dogs, and they must be eight weeks old (or older) and has an ingredient, Amitraz, which will kill all parasites which happen to be residing on your pet as well.

There are of course other products available when buying flea treatment and it is good to shop around.  In particular, it would be a good idea to look into non-chemical and natural alternatives as these are better for your pet and less dangerous.  The best thing to do, however, is to ask your vet for advice, and then monitor whichever option you choose to make sure that it is working as it should.