These days, pinching pennies is understandable, but squeezing change in an attempt to draw a line in the flea war will likely result in requiring more expensive heavy artillery later. Veterinary parisitologist Dr. Michael Dryden, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan says, “You can beat the fleas. But you have to purchase the right products.’

Dryden says that flea control products purchased through veterinary offices are proven to be effective because they’ve been rigorously tested. “That’s not the case for (generally less expensive) over-the-counter products,” says the world’s flea guru. He points that to be effective a flea preventative must have a kill rate of 90 to 95 percent minimum. Any less than that, the fleas win because their reproduction rate, laying 40 to 50 eggs daily, beats the product.

The allure of some of those over the counter products is marketing, suggesting they are all natural and organic – which may be true. However, Dryden cautions, “Natural and organic doesn’t necessarily mean safe. Mushrooms are natural and organic, and I don’t eat any mushroom I find, or encourage my dog to. I’m all for green and all for saving the planet. But I am also all for using a product which is proven safe for my pets.”

Of course, just the very thought of being overrun by fleas is gross. “Listen, let’s call it what it is,” adds Dryden. “Fleas are blood sucking parasites, injecting foreign proteins (which many dogs and cats are severely allergic to) and potentially transmitting tapeworm, all of which may cause devastating effects. In cats, mycoplasma (a bacterial parasite of cats’ red blood cells) is transmitted by fleas.  Bartonella is also carried by fleas, (also known as cat scratch fever). Bartonella can potentially result in death in people. In severe cases and in puppies and kittens, anemia resulting from flea bites may be fatal.”

So, clearly protection is a good idea. In the old days, veterinarians did what they could, sprinkling flea powders on pets and dipping them into a toxic bath. Flea powders and dips are today mostly products of the past. Even flea collars aren’t any longer needed, which is a good thing since they don’t work very well. Instead, Dryden strongly advocates any of the many choices of products available through veterinary offices. They are mostly monthly spot-on products (dispensed between a pet’s shoulder blades), and some or chewable tablets. Another plus are the additional label claims many of these products carry, including killing and/or repelling disease carrying ticks and mosquitoes (which carry heartworm disease), or dealing with mites which may cause mange.

“The good news is that these products do work,” says Dryden, who adds that reports of fleas building up resistance has so far not been proven. “The bad news is that people sometimes do forget about using the product properly (according to directions), and that’s when sometimes people blame resistance. “

Even Dryden doesn’t count fleas, but he suspects flea numbers are up in some parts of the country as a result of increased wildlife encroaching on suburbia and generally mild and moist weather in recent years. That’s why he endorses the Companion Animal Parasite Council’s recommendation for year-round flea protection.

For pet owners who live in the flea friendly south, or who are generally concerned resistance, Dryden suggests an integrative approach. Even if the fleas can beat one product – which is debatable - they can’t beat two. Some products can work in tandem with one another, some should not be used together. Veterinary advice about which flea product or flea products are best for your pet(s).

Another good reason to purchase the flea (and/or tick) product through a veterinarian is you are simply receiving what you pay for. Believe it or not, there are counterfeit flea and tick products on the market. The EPA is asking for consumers who purchase products via the telephone or the Internet to check the label for the EPA Reg number. According to the EPA website, when purchasing via the Net or by phone, there may be an increased risk of adverse reactions, and/or ineffectiveness as a result of using a counterfeit product. The product might be the real thing, but perhaps it has expired, or is intended for a pet weighing more or less than what the counterfeit label indicates.  

In a valid attempt to save dollars and for the sake of convenience, purchases are increasingly being made online or by phone through toll free numbers. For starters, when shipping costs are added, there may be no savings. The EPA promises to offer further developments on their website. Here’s a direct link to a page on increased scrutiny into flea and tick products; http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/flea-tick-control.html

Even if you do spend a few bucks more as a result of flea fighting purchases through your vet, it’s worth the investment if it means no further costly battles, and guarantees that you win the war on fleas.

©Tribune Media Services, Steve Dale