|
ProgramŽ is available as an oral medication in both
dogs and cats, and as an injectable medication in the
cat. In the dog, it is administered as a pill
on a monthly basis. In the cat, it is available
in a liquid form taken with food on a monthly basis,
or as an injection given once every 6 months.
The active ingredient in ProgramŽ acts to "sterilize"
the adult flea, preventing it from having any offspring.
The flea must actually bite the dog or cat, in order
to intake the ProgramŽ into its system.
It is then sterile as long as exposed to ProgramŽ.
Adult fleas can live for 2-3 weeks, and during this
time one pair can produce thousands of offspring.
If the flea is initially exposed to ProgramŽ, and then
is not exposed, it will then regain the ability to become
fertile again. ProgramŽ does not kill the
adult flea.
ProgramŽ works well in areas that are isolated
or confined away from outside introduction of fleas
(such as an upper floor apartment in which neighboring
apartments are flea free, isolated locations where new
fleas aren't constantly being introduced by outside
animals, etc). Once fleas have been eradicated
from these areas, the occasional flea being reintroduced
will go un-noticed with ProgramŽ.
The drawbacks with ProgramŽ are noticed in areas
where many fleas are constantly being re-introduced
into the pet's environment (either by the pet attracting
them while out for a walk, other animals entering the
pet's environment and leaving behind flea eggs, or heavily
infested apartment buildings where fleas can come in
through the walls of adjacent apartments). In
these situations, fleas may still be noticed on the
pet, because of their constant supply source.
ProgramŽ will sterilize them upon exposure, but
a constant heavy influx of new un-exposed fleas can
be overwhelming.
Another drawback occurs if the pet has an allergy
to the flea. Because the flea allergic pet is allergic
to the saliva of the flea, ProgramŽ does not prevent
the flea from biting the pet. Actually in order
for the flea to intake the ProgramŽ, it must bite the
pet, and while doing so, exposes the pet to its saliva.
Thus, if your pet is flea allergic, ProgramŽ may not
be the solution to flea control for your situation.
Check with your veterinarian for recommendations on
what's best for your pet.
|
