Program Flea Control Side Effects

Program flea control is a monthly oral medication that’s available for use in both cats and dogs. Cat fleas should be treated in time to prevent the contraction of intestinal parasite infections and flea bites that result in flea allergy dermatitis. Program flea medication contains the active ingredient lufenuron. It’s available in varying doses in both tablet and suspension form for cats and kittens over 6 weeks of age. The active ingredient lufenuron is an insect growth inhibitor and prevents flea eggs from developing into adult fleas.

Usage of Program Flea Tablets

Program is available as beef flavored tablets that should be mixed with cat food. It can also be given whole to cats soon after a meal. However, pets should be monitored to make sure that the entire dose is ingested. Program tablets don’t protect pets against existing fleas and the effects of treatment are seen after nearly 30 days of initial dosage.

Side Effects of Program Flea Control

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Hives
  • Loss of appetite
  • Skin conditions
  • Difficulty breathing

Precautions

Although program flea control breaks the flea life cycle, it doesn’t kill mature fleas and pets can become re-infected if they’re left outdoors. It’s also important to treat all pets living in the same household in order to completely eliminate flea infestations. The medication may not be suited to pets that have a known sensitivity to the drug. Pets that experience any of the side-effects should be given prompt medical help. Since program cannot kill fleas in all stages, it’s often administered along with other flea medications to adopt a more comprehensive treatment procedure.

Commercial Flea Control Medications

There are several flea control medicines that are safe and effective for use on cats and kittens. Medicines that contain organophosphates or permethrin aren’t safe for use in cats. Pet owners should read medicine labels and use products specifically labeled for use in cats. Flea medicines are available as topical treatments, spot on solutions, flea dips and oral suspension formulas. Most medications contain active ingredients that are adulticides or insect growth inhibitors. The active ingredients include imidacloprid, metaflumizone, s-methoprene, etofrenprox and selamectin. Several medicines also protect pets from roundworms, hookworms and mosquitoes.

Other Flea Control Medications Include

  • Advantage for cats
  • Revolution for cats
  • ProMeris for cats
  • Bio Spot for cats

Flea Prevention

Program medication works as an effective flea preventive measure. In addition to medication, pet owners should vacuum and steam clean carpets to kill flea eggs. Pets should also be safeguarded during seasons when the presence of fleas in the environment is high. The response to medication differs in individual pets and care takers should monitor their cats to notice signs of unusual behavior after administration of flea control medicines.

Overdose is dangerous and pet owners should discuss with the vet the appropriate dosage suited to cat. Regular pet grooming is also helpful as it keep fleas and infections at bay and controls skin conditions such as mange and flea allergy dermatitis.

 

Comments