Battle Ground Veterinary Clinic, P.C.

Wellness Care

Flea Control

What products should I use for flea control? When it comes to flea control, the range of products available is vast. Below you will find a list of veterinary approved products for the treatment and prevention of fleas and other external parasites on your pet.

Frontline Plus (Topical): Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larva, ticks, and aids in controlling sarcoptic mange. It is safe to use on both dogs and cats 8 weeks or older and should be applied monthly. This product is sold in our clinic and through our online store.

Frontline Spray (Topical): Kills adult fleas, ticks, and aids in controlling sarcoptic mange. It is safe to use on both dogs and cats 8 weeks or older and should be applied monthly. This form of Frontline is recommended for animals with a dry or unhealthy skin coat as it is manually applied over the entire body. This product is sold in our clinic and through our online store.

Capstar (Oral): Kills adult fleas. This treatment begins working within 30 minutes and is 90% effective within 4-6 hours. It is safe to give to both dogs and cats 4 weeks or older with a minimum weight of 2 pounds. It can be given up to twice weekly as a supplementary method of flea control. This product is sold in our clinic and through our online store.

Herbal Gold (Organic Powder): Kills flies, fleas, ticks, lice, and mites. Use as needed and after bath, swim, or heavy rain. This product is sold in our clinic. 

Advantage (Topical): Kills adult fleas and flea larva. It is safe to use on both dogs 7 weeks or older and cats 8 weeks or older and should be applied monthly. This product is sold through our online store.

K9 Advantix (Topical): Kills adult fleas and flea larva. Repels and kills ticks and mosquitoes. It is safe to use on dogs 7 weeks or older and should be applied monthly. DO NOT USE ON CATS. This product is sold through our online store.

Revolution (Topical): Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, and American dog ticks. Treats and controls sarcoptic mange and earmites and prevents heartworm disease. It is safe to use on healthy cats 8 weeks or older and should be applied monthly. BGVC does not recommend use for dogs. This product is sold through our online store.

Program (Oral): Kills flea eggs. It is safe to give to dogs 4 weeks or older and cats 6 weeks or older weeks or older and should be administered monthly after a full meal. This product is sold through our online store.  

Sentinel (Oral): Kills flea eggs and prevents heartworm disease. Treats and controls roundworms, adult hookworms, and whipworms. It is safe to give to dogs and cats 6 weeks or older with a minimum weight of 2 pounds and should be administered monthly after a full meal. This product is sold through our online store.

What products should I NOT use for flea control? Flea dips, shampoos, collars, and non-veterinary approved products should be avoided. These products have been known to cause adverse reactions and not effectively control flea infestations.

How do I prevent a flea problem from occurring? Using one of the monthly, veterinary approved, topical flea controls listed above is the first step to prevention. These products should be started as early as possible and used year round. While some owners choose to stop flea prevention in the winter, flea infestations can remain indoors year round. Supplementary medications such as Capstar, Program, or Sentinel can be used to further reduce the possibility of a flea infestation.

How do I exterminate a current flea infestation? In addition to treating all your pets, it is necessary to exterminate fleas and their eggs and larva in your home and pet’s area. We recommend using an aerosol spray with a insect growth regulator (IGR) such as Siphotrol Plus II (sold in our clinic), Mycodex Plus Environmental Control Spray, or Knockout Area Treatment (sold through our online store). Follow the instructions listed on the can for proper usage. Vacuum all rugs and carpets and dispose of the vacuum bag away from the house. (Using a flea collar in the vacuum bag can aid in killing any remaining live fleas) An advanced infestation may take several months to eliminate.

How do I apply topical flea control? Apply entire contents of the vial in a 1-inch strip along the skin between the shoulder blades. Part the hair to enable direct contact to the skin. The liquid can be applied in multiple locations down the spine to the base of the tail on larger dogs. Do not use topical products within 48 hours of bathing or swimming. Repeat monthly, year round.