It happens at least twice each week: “Check skin” or “check ears” turns out to be a flea control issue. When I ask about the
current flea control protocol, the answer is, “Well, I just use the stuff from (hardware store, pet store, discount superstore) because
it’s cheaper than Advantage or Frontline.” The harsh reality is that flea allergy in a pet is expressed as itchiness or an ear infection
because there has been enough flea saliva deposited in the skin by biting fleas to put the immune system on alert. The flea’s saliva
then continues to stimulate the immune system for three weeks. Most of the “cheap” flea control products consist of concentrated
pyrethrins or pyrethroids and are basically a big single dose of flea spray. Many of them fail to work throughout the entire period of
time recommended between doses, and early application can result in toxicity to your pet. Quality control has also been an issue for
some of these products.
Let’s take a look at the “real cost” of using “cheap flea control” for a typical 25 lb dog with an ear and skin infection:
Product or Service: Cost
"Cheap" Flea control (per dose) $ 2
Physical Exam $ 55
Ear Cytology (Look at goo under microscope) $ 43
Skin Cytology (More goo under microscope) $ 38
Ear Flush (remove as much goo as possible) $ 48
Temaril-P for 2 weeks $ 25
Oral antibiotic (for middle ear and skin) – 2 weeks $ 75
Ear Wash and Topical Drops $ 40
Therapeutic Shampoo $ 25
Dermal Support Vitamin formula or EFA’s $ 25
ProBiotic $ 25
Total $ 401
Compared to:
Advantage 21-55 lbs, 6 pk, per dose $ 10
Or Compared to:
Frontline 23-44 lbs, 6 pk, per dose $ 13
When you account for the added expense of follow up appointments and medication, increased sensitivity to fleas with each episode
of flea allergy, and time lost taking care of the ears and medicating the pet, “the good stuff” is much less expensive!
current flea control protocol, the answer is, “Well, I just use the stuff from (hardware store, pet store, discount superstore) because
it’s cheaper than Advantage or Frontline.” The harsh reality is that flea allergy in a pet is expressed as itchiness or an ear infection
because there has been enough flea saliva deposited in the skin by biting fleas to put the immune system on alert. The flea’s saliva
then continues to stimulate the immune system for three weeks. Most of the “cheap” flea control products consist of concentrated
pyrethrins or pyrethroids and are basically a big single dose of flea spray. Many of them fail to work throughout the entire period of
time recommended between doses, and early application can result in toxicity to your pet. Quality control has also been an issue for
some of these products.
Let’s take a look at the “real cost” of using “cheap flea control” for a typical 25 lb dog with an ear and skin infection:
Product or Service: Cost
"Cheap" Flea control (per dose) $ 2
Physical Exam $ 55
Ear Cytology (Look at goo under microscope) $ 43
Skin Cytology (More goo under microscope) $ 38
Ear Flush (remove as much goo as possible) $ 48
Temaril-P for 2 weeks $ 25
Oral antibiotic (for middle ear and skin) – 2 weeks $ 75
Ear Wash and Topical Drops $ 40
Therapeutic Shampoo $ 25
Dermal Support Vitamin formula or EFA’s $ 25
ProBiotic $ 25
Total $ 401
Compared to:
Advantage 21-55 lbs, 6 pk, per dose $ 10
Or Compared to:
Frontline 23-44 lbs, 6 pk, per dose $ 13
When you account for the added expense of follow up appointments and medication, increased sensitivity to fleas with each episode
of flea allergy, and time lost taking care of the ears and medicating the pet, “the good stuff” is much less expensive!
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The Real Cost of “Cheap Flea Control”