Monday, January 14 2013 4:23 PM EST2013-01-14 21:23:17 GMT
Hi! My name is Zeus and I am a 2-month-old Newfoundland mix puppy. I made the long journey from a shelter in Alabama to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
Hi! My name is Zeus and I am a 2-month-old Newfoundland mix puppy. I made the long journey from a shelter in Alabama to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
In recent years, veterinarians have stepped in to provide a quick, cost-effective place on the Internet for owners to have their questions answered and get solid advice no matter the time of the day.
In recent years, veterinarians have stepped in to provide a quick, cost-effective place on the Internet for owners to have their questions answered and get solid advice no matter the time of the day.
Writers from mystery novelist P.D. James to science-fiction icon Ray Bradbury and numerous others have at least one thing in common: They all love cats.
Writers from mystery novelist P.D. James to science-fiction icon Ray Bradbury and numerous others have at least one thing in common: They all love cats.
Along with the admonitions about caffeine, lunch meat and wine, many pregnant women are told they should get rid of their cats because of health risks.
Along with the admonitions about caffeine, lunch meat and wine, many pregnant women are told they should get rid of their cats because of health risks.
No one likes fleas. Whether you're a frustrated owner or an itchy cat, those little stinkers can make everyone's lives miserable. While many people rely on, and get good results from, products such as Advantage and Frontline that have dominated the market for years, others are encountering resistance, or are simply wondering what the latest products on the market are.
Here are three of the newest flea-control products for cats:
Assurity is the newest offering from Elanco, the company that also makes Comfortis for dogs. The active ingredient is spinetoram, which kills adult fleas. Like all flea products currently on the market for cats, Assurity is a topical product. This product is only available through veterinarians.
Vectra is a product from Summit VetPharm that contains both dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen. This product kills fleas at all life stages, from egg to adult. It is important to note that Vectra 3D for dogs contains permethrin and should never be used on cats. This product is only available through veterinarians.
Pet Armor is one of several new products that contain fipronil, the active ingredient in Frontline. Since fipronil is now available in generic form, you may see multiple products on the market with the same ingredient. Regular Pet Armor kills adult fleas, while Pet Armor Plus has the added ingredient s-methoprene, which disrupts the egg and larvae life stage as well. Pet Armor is available over the counter.
Remember that no matter what product you choose, if you don't treat the environment, it is going to be very difficult to get a flea infestation under control. Regular vacuuming, steam-cleaning (for rugs and upholstery), and frequent laundering of bedding are also essential to getting rid of pesky fleas.
Dr. Jessica Vogelsangis a small-animal veterinarian from San Diego. When she's not at work or with her family of two and her four-legged creatures, you can find her blogging about life with pets at PawCurious.com
*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.
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Remember that no matter what product you choose, if you don't treat the environment, it is going to be very difficult to get a flea infestation under control. (© iStockphoto / Thinkstock)
