Flea treatments that work

[Lotobear]

Our two terriers have 'low level' fleas and though they don't seem to bother them too much we get the odd ankle bite, which is not good.

Anyway we used to use Frontline which didn't seem to work either then Mrs Loto signed up with Pets and Home and they send two pipettes of some stuff every month and it goes out via standing order. Anyway this stuff, which is supposed to be 'prescription grade' does sweet FA.

I'm aware of the cycle and how an infestation takes time to eradicate but we've been at this for years now and it's clear the stuff they send us is no good.

I've heard that collars are effective but I also stumbled across something that linked them in the US to pet deaths.

So simple question really, what does work?

[tim1830]

I use Nexguard Spectra

it's an oral, 1x a month

Our dog is active, alway in streams or bushes, and this seams to work well.

Also works for ticks, and a worming treatment.

For our dog, it works great

[dudleybloke]

Beaphar FIPROtec works on my cat when he picked up a few guests.

[jmsgld]

You need to look at the active ingredients, anything "Fipro" is a generic Frontline (Fipronil). There is also Frontline plus which is altered slightly with an additional ingredient but anecdotally doesn't seem to be any better. The pets at home own brand subscription one is a copy of this. If it was sold to you as a veterinary product, I would complain as that appears to be misrepresentation.

The best you can get without a prescriptions in the UK is either Advantage (or generics with same active ingredient - Imidacloprid) or a Seresto collar.

The POM ones work well but are more expensive / you need to buy directly from a vet or with a written prescription.

Don't underestimate the importance of environmental control, 95% of fleas in the environment rather than on the animal... If people are being bitten that implies a serious infestation. I would consider professional pest control with a 2nd free visit (as 1 visit is unlikely sufficient).

Alternatively Indorex Defence is the best available to MOP. Also kills other insects, arachnids, fish , reptiles etc.

Realistically you are looking at at least 3-6 months to get rid of a light infestation, years to completely rid a heavy one, much easier to avoid it in the first instance.