Things You Need To Know About Combining Flea Treatments
Fleas are the most menacing parasites for pets. No matter how small in size, fleas have literally made the medical industry leverage its innovation and advancement to come up with new flea preventives and treatments. However, due to the myriad of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming for pet parents to choose the right product. And, the areas that are highly affected by fleas require more precautions and control. This need for a more effective flea control leaves pet parents wondering whether they should combine different flea treatments for their pets.
Well, mixing flea treatments without proper supervision is not a good idea. But some combinations can be safe, and then some that should be avoided. This blog will give you insights into the possible safe flea treatment combinations you may try for your pet, under vet supervision. Read on to know more.
Is There a Right Flea Treatment Combination for Pets?
It is imperative for you to know that every pet is different. Thus, the results of treatment on pets may vary. Therefore, read product labels meticulously if you intend to combine the products. Besides, ensure to consult your vet before combining treatments because a vet can better understand and suggest an apt combination for your pet as and when required.
How to Find a Flea Treatment Combination That Works?
Here are some combinations to know which have been tried by pet parents for their dogs and cats:
Combining Flea Treatments: Oral
> Combination for Dogs:
Oral treatment, such as Capstar for Dogs, is often combined with an oral solution, like Sentinel Flavor Tabs for Dogs. Capstar tablet kills adult fleas. Whereas, Sentinel tablet controls flea populations by breaking the flea life cycle at the egg stage. Thus, the two complement each other well.
> Combination for Cats:
Oral treatments, like Capstar for Cats, can be used with other oral solutions, such as Credelio Cat Chewables. While Capstar tablet kills adult fleas and gives immediate relief, Credelio Cat Chewable Tablet kills adult fleas and treats and prevents flea infestations for one month. You may give your cat Capstar first, followed by Credelio Cat.
Can an Oral Flea Treatment Be Used with a Flea Collar or a Topical Treatment?
You may use an oral flea treatment like Capstar for dogs in combination with a topical treatment like Frontline Plus for dogs, or Capstar for Cats with a collar like Seresto Flea Collar for cats. However, consulting a veterinarian is the best option before trying any combination to ensure your pet’s safety.
Combining Flea Treatments: Topical
Topical flea treatments are convenient and mess-free. Above that, complementing a topical treatment with a wearable or an oral flea treatment makes a perfect combo for quick flea killing as well as long-lasting protection.
> Combination for Dogs:
Topical treatment, like Vectra 3D for Dogs, may be complemented by an oral solution, such as Credelio for Dogs. Vectra 3D monthly topical kills and repels fleas, providing a protective shield. Whereas, Credelio kills adult fleas to help provide quicker relief and prevents flea infestations.
> Combination for Cats:
The combination of topical treatment, like NexGard Combo for Cats, and oral treatment, like Credelio Cat, may help provide comprehensive protection to your cat. Credelio Cat kills adult fleas and prevents flea infestations for a month. Whereas, NexGard Combo monthly topical application helps kill adult fleas and prevent flea infestations, along with treatment and control of tick infestations and prevention of heartworm disease.
Can Flea Collars Be Used in Combination with a Topical/Oral Flea Treatment?
Combining an oral or a topical flea treatment with a flea collar helps provide your pet with an extra layer of protection against these menacing creatures. Some of the common combinations include:
> Combination for Dogs:
A flea collar like Seresto Collar for Dogs can be combined with an oral treatment, like NexGard for Dogs, or a topical solution, like Revolution for Dogs. While NexGard or Revolution kill adult fleas and protect for one month to provide immediate relief, Seresto Flea Collar kills and repels fleas for up to 8 months for long-lasting protection.
> Combination for Cats:
Seresto Flea Collar for Cats can be used in combination with Credelio Cat oral treatment or Revolution for Cats topical treatment. Revolution & Credelio for cats kill adult fleas and prevent flea infestations for a month to provide quick relief. Whereas Seresto helps continue the protection against fleas for up to 8 months.
Don’t forget, pet parents must consult their vet before combining the Seresto Collar with any other flea preventive.
Can a Heartworm Preventive Be Used with Other Flea/Tick Treatments?
It is crucial to protect your pet from heartworm disease. Therefore, it is necessary to treat your pet with a flea treatment that can be used in combination with a heartworm preventive.
> Combination for Dogs:
Combining products like Interceptor Plus for Dogs and Bravecto for Dogs helps provide comprehensive parasite protection to dogs. Interceptor Plus prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls adult roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm infections. Whereas, Bravecto treats & prevents flea infestations and treats and controls tick infestations.
> Combination for Cats:
Similarly, combining Milbemax for Cats and Bravecto Topical for Cats helps provide wider protection against parasites. Milbemax prevents heartworm disease, and Braveco Topical treats and prevents flea infestations and treats and controls tick infestations.
Can an All-In-One Parasite Solution Be Helpful?
The answer is a big yes. There are many parasite treatments available, which help provide a broad-spectrum protection to your pet in a single solution. Bravecto Plus for Cats and NexGard Spectra for Dogs are such convenient options that help provide comprehensive protection to your furry family member.
Bravecto Plus treats and prevents flea infestations, treats and controls tick infestations, treats roundworm and hookworm infections, and prevents heartworm disease in cats. Similarly, NexGard Spectra kills fleas, prevents heartworm disease, and treats and controls ticks, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms in dogs.
Combinations to Avoid While Combining Flea Treatments
- Revolution with Advantage Multi (Advocate)
- Advantage or Advantix with Frontline Plus
- Frontline Plus with Advantage II
Points to Consider for the Safety of Pets
- Consult your veterinarian in any case of confusion and even before combining any of the treatments.
- Never combine treatments that contain the same ingredients to safeguard your pet from the danger of overdose.
- Avoid combining treatments that target the same species of parasites.
- Do not use more than one spot-on treatment or heartworm preventives together.
Faq’s: Things You Need to Know About Combining Flea Treatments
1. Can You Combine Oral and Topical Flea Treatment for Dogs?
Answer: Yes, combining an oral flea treatment like Capstar with a topical treatment like Frontline Plus can be safe. However, always consult your vet before combining any products.
2. Can I Use Bravecto and Frontline Plus Together?
Answer: It is generally not recommended to use Bravecto and Frontline Plus together as both target fleas and ticks. Doubling similar treatments can risk overdosing. Always check with your veterinarian first.
3. Can You Put a Flea Collar and Frontline Plus at the Same Time?
Answer: Combining a flea collar with a topical treatment is not recommended without a veterinarian’s advice. Make sure you go ahead with any combination under vet supervision only.
4. Can You Use a Flea Collar and Drops at the Same Time?
Answer: Yes, in certain cases, it’s safe to combine a flea collar with topical drops, but only if they target different stages or species. Always consult your vet before combining.
5. Can I Use Capstar and Frontline Plus Together / at the Same Time for Cats?
Answer: Capstar (which kills adult fleas instantly) can be safely combined with Frontline Plus (which provides long-term flea and tick control). Vet advice is still recommended before starting.
6. Can I Use Capstar and Advantage at the Same Time?
Answer: Capstar for dogs and cats kills adult fleas immediately. Whereas Advantage provides a month-long protection against parasites. Therefore, both can be used together, but under a vet’s guidance.
7. Can I Use the Seresto Collar and Advantix Together?
Answer: It is generally not recommended to use Seresto Flea Collar and Advantix together, without a vet recommendation. Both are powerful products, and using their combination requires strict supervision.
8. Can You Give Capstar and Revolution at the Same Time?
Answer: Capstar and Revolution may be given at the same time to dogs and cats. Capstar helps with quick flea killing, and Revolution helps provide month-long protection.