Year-Long Flea Treatments? We Asked A Vet

A relatively new anti-flea injection is available in New Zealand. It’s vet-administered and works year-round. If you’re among the many pet owners wondering how to treat fleas on dogs (besides the usual course of action of applying anti-flea treatments every couple of months), you might be keen to learn more about this method.

PD interviewed Dr. Feargus McConnell to find out about treatment option. * As the veterinarian behind Petdirect’s online pharmacy, Dr McConnell works to make pet medication more accessible, ensuring pets get the treatments they need easily and affordably.

Hi Dr Feargus. What are some of the biggest challenges pet owners face when it comes to keeping fleas under control?

By the time you see fleas it’s already too late! If you see one flea, more are hiding, plus their eggs and larvae will be nesting in your carpets, furniture, and bedding. Fleas don’t like cold temperatures so pet parents may become complacent in how they treat fleas over winter. Then, once it starts to warm up, hibernating fleas and eggs wake up. The population explodes and they go looking for a host.

Parts of New Zealand have had a warm summer with rain, so this has been perfect conditions for fleas.

Read more on the ‘why’ behind flea treatment in NZ – here.

Are fleas getting smarter? Have you noticed any resistance to the usual treatments over time?

Fleas aren’t getting smarter but they are getting tougher. They’ve been exposed to the same chemicals for decades and have slowly built up resistance. In some areas fleas are completely resistant to certain brands and only vet-recommended treatments will work.

Can you walk us through how a 12-month flea injection for dogs works? How does it keep fleas away for an entire year? 

Long-acting oral, injectable and spot-on parasite treatments are absorbed into the bloodstream. They bind to proteins and are distributed into fat and skin tissues. They’re slowly released back into blood circulation over time, so when fleas bite, they ingest the drug and die. Some treatments also accumulate in skin oils, exposing fleas through contact.

How does this injection stack up against the more common flea treatments, like monthly spot-ons or chewable tablets?

There are lots of good, vet-quality spot-ons and chews available in the market that are suitable for lots of pets. Not everyone needs the injection to treat fleas. Nor is it suitable or safe for them, so they should use a different, quality product. Supermarket products are convenient, but they don’t always offer the same level of effectiveness or quality. It’s worth speaking to your vet about the best option for your pet.

What’s actually in this flea injection for dogs that makes it so effective for 12 months?

The manufacturer could provide more information. It contains  Fluralaner, the same active ingredient as other long-acting oral and spot-on treatments and is designed to release the medication gradually.

Can it be used on cats?

No, the long-acting flea injection is only approved for dogs, so cats need a spot-on treatment.

Is this a good treatment for all dogs? Or are there certain breeds, ages, or health conditions where you’d recommend something else?

It’s best to talk with your vet clinic about parasite protection that’s suitable for your pet. Do not give Fluralaner to epileptic dogs, or dogs that have had side-effects to Fluralaner previously. You also should not give it to dogs with neurologic disease.

Are there any side effects pet owners should be aware of before choosing a flea injection for dogs?

Yes, all medication carries a risk of side effects. It’s important to be aware of the possible risk and to decide if the benefits outweigh the risk. Vets and vet nurses can help you decide which product is right for your pet.

The product label states the following possible effects: vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, inappetence, itching and very rarely, neurological signs including tremors, ataxia and seizures. The product label also says the injection can also cause a soft swelling or firm nodule at the site of injection.

How fast does it start working – will pet owners see a difference right away?

It can take a few days for the injection to start working. A single injection will control flea and tick infestations on the dog within two days of treatment. If there are lots of fleas, eggs and larvae in the environment, then these will continue to jump on the dog but should die within 24 hours. If you’re dealing with an infestation, it’s vital to also treat all pets in the house, vacuum the house daily, and hot wash all bedding.

Does the flea injection for dogs also help with other parasites?

The product label claims it is effective against fleas and ticks, but it does not make a claim to treat mites. 

Is there anything else pet owners should know when it comes to keeping fleas under control?

Climate change is causing some parts of NZ to be warmer and wetter than in previous years. If it’s a warm and wet autumn, we might be in for a bad flea season. 

Consistency is the key to preventing a flea infestation. Whether it’s an oral chew, spot-on liquid, or flea injection for dogs, consider year-round treatment in areas that are known to have flea problems in warmer months. 

When it comes to how to treat fleas, there are lots of quality brands available. Each come with pros and cons, so talk to your vet clinic about what is suitable for your pet. Fleas also spread tapeworm, so by preventing fleas you’re also protecting your pet from that.

Insurance for the unexpected

Routine pet care like the flea injection for dogs is vital for healthy, happy pets, and so is emergency care when they need it. Pet insurance is there for the unexpected – like when your pet gets injured or ill (depending on the level of cover you select).

PD Insurance offers a choice of three month-to-month pet insurance policies with flexible payment plans. You’d be surprised how quickly fees for testing and treatment can run into the thousands. Having pet insurance means you won’t need to decide between you budget and giving your pet the best medical care.

Take 2 minutes to get a free quote now!

* Dr McConnell’s statement:
“I have not received any financial compensation from any manufacturer for this interview, nor is this a sponsored article. I have never been paid to promote any product mentioned in this article. My insights are based solely on my professional expertise as a veterinarian and my commitment to providing accurate information to pet owners.”