There are dozens of different chemical-based flea treatment and prevention products on the market, ranging from collars, sprays, powders, shampoos and vials. When used correctly, some of them can prove to be highly effective at killing these blood-sucking parasites. However, they may also leave your pet vulnerable to allergic reactions and other unwanted side effects. This is why it’s important for owners to use caution when applying chemical-based flea treatment products to their pets.
Know Your Pet’s Size
Most chemical flea treatment products are sold in various sizes based on the pet’s weight. Frontline Plus, for instance, is available in a ‘small’ formula for dogs up to 22 pounds, a ‘medium’ formula for dogs 23-44 pounds, a ‘large’ formula for dogs 45-88 pounds, and an ‘extra large’ for dogs 89-122 pounds. Typically, the active ingredient remains the same, with the only difference between the different products being the dosage amount.
Before you head out to the pet supply store in search of a flea treatment product for your pet, take a few minutes to find out exactly how much they weight. If your pet doesn’t want to willingly stand on the scale (which is probably the case for most pets), you can weigh yourself while holding them to determine their weight.
Only Purchase From a Reputable Store or Dealer
You don’t have to search very hard to find all of the top brand flea treatment products sold on places like eBay and Craigslist. While the allure of saving 30% or more might draw some pet owners to using these sites, you should stick with reputable nation-wide stores and dealers.
It’s not uncommon for people to sell expired or even counterfeit flea treatment products online, which can have some dangerous side effects when used on a pet. If you’re going to use a flea treatment product on your pet, make sure it’s the real deal by purchasing it from a company you know and trust.
Monitor Your Pet In The Following 48 Hours
The 48 hours following your pet’s flea treatment application are critical, and it’s important for owners to closely observe their pet during this time. Watch for any signs of unusual behavior, such as excessive scratching, whining or whimpering, agitation, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
If you notice any of these symptoms, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately, as it could be a sign of a serious allergic reaction.
Has your pet experienced an allergic reaction from a flea treatment product? Let us know your store in the comments section below!
Flea diagram.