In alphabetical order:
Advantadge, made by Bayer Active ingredient(s): imidacloprid Adulticide (kills adult fleas) How: Attacks the nervous system of the flea. Begins working immediately upon application. Application: Monthly, measured liquid dosage, between shoulder blades. Waterproof. Can be used at 7 weeks on puppies and 8 weeks on kittens. Availability: Veterinarian Web Site: http://www.nofleas.com (site owned by Bayer) Aromaleigh Essential Oils and Spritzes, made by Aromaleigh Active ingredient(s): Varies. See web page for ingredients. How: Repels fleas and ticks. Begins working immediately upon application. Application: Daily. Safe for puppies. Availability: Online ordering Web Site: http://www.aromaleigh.com/ Bio-Spot, made by Farnam Companies Active ingredient(s): permethrin Adulticide, Insect Growth Regulator How: Kills and repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. Begins working immediately upon application. Application: Every three-four weeks, between shoulder blades. Availability: Pet stores/mail order Web Site: http://www.biofleahalt.com/ Defend ExSpot Active ingredient: permethrin Adulticide How: Kills and repels fleas, ticks and mosquitos. Begins working immediately upon application. Application: Every three-four weeks, between shoulder blades Do NOT use on cats. Availability: Pet stores/mail order Web Site: http://www.defendpets.com/EXspot.html Frontline, made by Rhone Merieux, Inc. Active ingredient(s): fipronil Adulticide, fleas do not have to bite pet. How: Kills adult fleas and ticks. Application: Measured application between shoulder blades. Waterproof. Safe for puppies and kittens. Flea protection for up to 3 months. Tick protection for up to a month. Availability: Veterinarian Web Site: unknown Garlic, made by Mother Nature, Inc. Application: Ingestion Safe for puppies and kittens Availability: Grocery store Interceptor, made by Novartis Active ingredient(s): milbemycin oxime Heartworm preventative Application: Monthly pill Availability: Veterinarian Web Site: http://www.petwellness.com/dog_inter_home.asp Preventic collar, made by Active ingredient: amitraz How: arachnicide -- kills ticks Application: Collar, lasts 3 months. Only use on dogs that are older than 3 months. Availability: Veterinarian or mail order Web Site: Program, made by Novartis Active ingredient: lufenuron How: chitin inhibitor -- stops fleas eggs from maturing aka Insect Growth Regulator Application: monthly pill for dogs, liquid suspension for c*ts Availability: Veterinarian Web Site: http://www.sentinelpet.com Revolution, made by Pfizer Active ingredient: selamectin How: Kills adult fleas, prevents flea eggs from maturing, kills ticks, etc. Application: monthly topical application for dogs and cats. Waterproof. Protects against ticks, fleas, heartworm, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites. Availability: Veterinarian Web Site: http://www.revolutionpet.com Sentinel, made by Novartis Flea and heartworm control. Active ingredient(s): lufenuron and milbemycin oxime How: chitin inhibitor + heartworm protection Application: monthly pill for dogs Availability: Veterinarian Web Site: http://www.sentinelpet.com
When I was checking what to use for flea and tick prevention I checked out the studies on http://www.fda.gov under veterinary medicine.
Permethrin, the active ingredient in Bio-Spot and Defend ExSpot has been linked to liver damage in dogs. I don't use these products.
Permethrin should not be confused with Pyrethrins which are the active ingredients in most flea sprays.
I currently use Interceptor monthly and Frontline during the major tick season. I have yet to see a flea in the 5 years I've had Chey so I no longer use Program or Sentinel.