Best Flea Protection For dogs? Oh, those nasty little pests! We hate them, are dogs hate them, 
and if ignored can be quite harmful. As a Midwest resident (Ohio) I chose to specifically write this article during this time as Spring is rapidly approaching. With the warmer weather comes the likelihood of fleas and hopefully this article will help to answers some questions regarding these nasty parasites.
Flea And Your Dog’s Health
It’s hard to imagine how a parasite the size of a flea can jeopardize the overall health of your canine. For your convenience, I have listed a number of health issues that can be associated with the presence of fleas. Let’s take a look:
- Flea Allergy Dermatitis – This is a disease that can result as a bite to your pet. This occurs when your dog is bitten by a flea and the saliva from the flea can cause skin irritation. Excessive scratching, hair loss and scabs may be a direct indicator that your dog has been bitten by this nasty parasite.
- Anemia – A disease that occurs when the red blood cells are compromised. It is important to understand that these red blood cells are responsible for supplying oxygen throughout the body. Most, but not always, this disease seems to have the most impact on puppies as these fleas are blood-sucking parasites.
- Tapeworms – This is a case when a dog or cat will actually swallow an infected flea (Adult) through the process of licking themselves as they do when grooming. These infected pests may actually make your pet’s intestine their new home. Yuck!
As you can see, the bite of an infected flea can cause a number of health concerns. The three diseases mentioned above are the most common, but the bite can cause a number of health issues that should not be ignored. Always consult with your veterinarian should you notice or suspect your pet may be infected.
Who Let The Fleas In?
I get it, you have a beautiful fence-in backyard that allows your dog(s) to run and enjoy the outdoors. Your pet enjoys the freedom and you feel comfortable and secure in knowing they are safe from harm. But are they really?
Here’s the thing: It really doesn’t matter how high you build your fence or how often you cut the grass when it comes to rodents. Yes, rodents! Look out your front or back door on a nice summer day, and you will undoubtedly see some type of rodent. Squirrels, raccoons, etc. These rodents carry fleas with them!
This scenario may in many cases, lead to a flea infestation within your pup’s
play area. You let your four-legged friend go outside to have their run or to do their ‘business’ and one or more of these fleas jump on their back. You open the door to let your dog back in to the home. Your pet has now carried this flea into your home.
Are you aware that your friend who lives across town and pays you a visit, can also be a carrier of fleas? Yep, this can happen. Humans can also transfer a flea to another human as well, and bring them into your home. What a mess!
Fleas … What To Look For?
Keep in mind that these pests are tiny creatures (Adults only reach 4 millimeters in size) and are difficult to find in both your dogs and homes. In addition to their tiny size, these pests are a master at hiding and keeping out of sight.
According to Matt Leahy, owner of B.O.G. Pest Control in Maryland, fleas are usually a shiny red-brown color,” the perfect camouflage against many pets’ hair, and their bodies “are very flat, making it difficult to see them on your pet.” Even worse, they’ve got a tough armor of hard plates for 
protection, and their feet double as claws that dig into the skin to resist being scratched or pulled off. And of course, they dine on the same food as ticks.
Leahy goes on to explain that , ” an adult flea can lay 40-50 eggs per day. Inside the home, they can be “easily transferred by your dog or cat to carpets, rugs and furniture.” You can see by his remark how quickly flea infestation can begin inside your home. So how do we combat and ward off these nasty insects? Let’s take a look.
What Is The Best Flea Protection For Dogs?
We have discussed a number of health conditions associated with the flea bite and how are pets and homes can become a fertile nesting place for these nasty pests. Is there a safe way to protect our pets and homes?
Keep in mind that there are a number of options available to you when it comes to protecting your pet from fleas and ticks. Such items as collars, chewable tablets, shampoos and topical treatments will give you a choice to choose from in the protection of your pup. Let’s take a look at a few of these now, and ones I am confident in recommending.
When you buy something from this website, I may receive an affiliate commission. These are my opinions and are not representative of the companies that create these products. My reviews are based on my own personal experiences and research. I never recommend poor quality products or create false reviews in order to receive a commission. My intention is to provide you with information so you can make decisions to which products may best suit your needs.
1. Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Prevention Collar For Large Dogs
Vet recommended designed to kill and repel fleas and ticks on contact without requiring the painful biting.
Key Benefits Include:
- Veterinarian-recommended prevention treatment kills fleas and ticks on puppies and dogs 7 weeks and older weighing over 18 pounds.
- Starts to repel and kill fleas within 24 hours of initial application and re-infesting fleas within two hours; works on contact with no painful
biting required. - Also repels and kills ticks within 48 hours of initial application and re-infesting ticks within in six hours; works on contact with no painful biting required.
- Easy-to-use, 27.5-inch adjustable collar is odorless and non-greasy; quick-release feature and visibility reflectors provide extra safety.
- Water-resistant formula continues working for up to eight months, even after bathing, swimming and sun exposure.
Click The Product Image To Find A Great Price!
2. Seresto 8 Month Flea & Tick Prevention Collar For Small Dogs
Just like the collar mentioned above, but with the small dog in mind.
Key Benefits Include:
- Veterinarian-recommended prevention treatment kills fleas and ticks on puppies and dogs 7 weeks and older weighing up to 18 pounds.
- Starts to repel and kill fleas within 24 hours of initial application and
re-infesting fleas within two hours; works on contact with no painful biting required. - Also repels and kills ticks within 48 hours of initial application and re-infesting ticks within six hours; works on contact with no painful biting required.
- Easy-to-use, 15-inch adjustable collar is odorless and non-greasy; quick-release feature and visibility reflectors provide extra safety.
- Water-resistant formula continues working for up to eight months, even after bathing, swimming and sun exposure.
Click The Product Image To Find A Great Price!
3. Frontline Plus Flea & Tick Large Breed Dog ( 45 to 88 Pounds )
Easy to apply to your furry friend, keeping fleas and ticks at bay.
Key Benefits Include:
- This fast-acting, lost-lasting and waterproof formula provides flea and tick treatment and control for large-breed dogs 8 weeks of age and older.
- Made with 2 tough pest control ingredients—this treatment breaks
theflea life cycle by killing existing infestations of adult fleas as well as the eggs and larvae, preventing further infestations from bugging your pal! - Not only does this treatment kill fleas, flea eggs and larvae, it also kills lice and ticks—including those that may transmit Lyme disease.
- Stored in your pup’s oil glands, this formula provides long-lasting flea and tick control, working non-stop for 30 days after application.
- This product is approved for the use on medium-breed dogs weighing 45-88 pounds.
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4. K9 Advantix II Flea, Tick, & Mosquito For Extra Large Dogs ( Over 55 Pounds )
This product is specifically designed to repel these nasty pests on contact.
Key Benefits Include:
- Broad-spectrum, veterinarian-recommended treatment repels and kills fleas, ticks and mosquitoes on dogs 7 weeks or older and weighing
55 pounds or more. - Begins working within 12 hours and kills pests on contact.
- Kills all life stages of fleas to prevent re-infestation; also kills lice and even repels biting flies.
- Waterproof formula continues working for up to four weeks, even after bathing or swimming.
- Convenient, monthly topical application contains imidacloprid, permethrin and pyriproxyfen; available in packs of 2, 4 or 6 treatments.
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For The K9 Advantix II For Large Dogs, ( 21 to 55 Pounds ) Click HERE.
For The K9 Advantix II For Medium Dogs, ( 11 to 20 Pounds ) Click HERE.
For The K9 Advantix II For Small Dogs, ( 4 to 10 Pounds ) Click HERE.
5. Capstar Flea Tablets ( Over 25 Pounds )
These tablets work from the inside out, giving your pet relief from those nasty pests.
Key Benefits Include:
- Kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment of flea infestations on dogs, weighing 25.1-125 pounds and 4 weeks of age and older. For dogs, puppies, cats and kittens 2-25 pounds of body weight, use Capstar
11.4 mg tablets. - Use when pets are likely to be exposed to fleas, such as in dog parks, at shows, or other areas.
- Safe to give as often as once daily if re-infestation occurs.
- Kills adult fleas on your dog within 4 hours of administration.
- Safe for pregnant or nursing dogs.
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For The Capstar Flea Tablets For Dogs ( 2 to 25 Pounds ) Click HERE.
Final Thoughts And Important Things To Consider
Well, there is your crash course on the topic of fleas, and the potential dangers these nasty insects can play on our pets and our homes. Each, and every one of our four-legged companions can be a target of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
I have given you five various methods of preventing and treating these pests that will result in a happier, healthier pet as well as a home absent from these nuisances.
A word of caution: Consult and discuss with your veterinarian the best choice of treating your pets in preventing and disposing of fleas. You and your vet know your pet best, and deciding which route to take should not be taken lightly. Consider your pet’s current situation, (Age, Allergies, Nursing, Pregancy, etc.) as it can play a factor in which product to use or stay away from. Always read the instruction labels before administering!
Thank you for visiting my site and please feel free to provide a comment below or have any questions. To the health of you, and your pet!
Disclaimer
For those unfamiliar with dog food grain-free recipes, there has and is a controversy taking place as I write this article. The FDA has made public that it has launched an investigation between a possible connection between the grain-free diet and heart disease within dogs. For further information, the American Kennel Club has provided further details. Click here.
Disclaimer
The purpose of this site and articles are intended to provide a source of entertainment and information. As a dog owner and dog lover myself, I enjoy researching dog food products on the market to provide you with helpful insights. I am not a veterinarian nor an animal nutritionist, just a dog owner who wants to provide a healthy lifestyle to their pet. I use my research to express an opinion which may or may not be one you agree with.
eathealthydoggy.com assumes no responsibility or liability for the use or misuse of what’s written on this site. You should always consult with a veterinarian if you should have questions regarding your dog’s diet or overall health.
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