Despite decades of effective ectoparasite control for cats and dogs, fleas on cats continue to be a major issue in veterinary medicine, writes Brian Herrin DVM, PhD. He provides an excellent review in this article that supports year-round adherence with highly effective flea control methods.
Year-round adherence is key to preventing home infestations, reducing flea allergy dermatitis, and decreasing the risk of flea-borne diseases to people and pets.”
Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, March/April 2026. Link. Infestations with adult fleas can be treated using a variety of active ingredients and formulations for use on dogs and cats. These can be separated into 3 broad categories:
- Topical adulticide products that are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Systemically acting adulticide products, which are predominantly approved by the U.S. FDA
- Insect growth regulators that vary in approval depending on formulation and use
INSIGHTS: Many animal health pros were trained that “We never see 85 percent of fleas,” a consequence of the flea life cycle, which makes premise control an important component of flea prevention.
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