Advantage is not a heartworm preventive, but remains our favorite product for flea control.  This is a once-a-month liquid that is applied topically down the middle of the back.  Without any more work from you, it will work its way through the rest of the hair coat, and in most cases, kill any fleas on your pet within 24 hours.  It continues to work for up to a full month.  Frequent swimming and bathing (especially with medicated shampoos) will reduce the duration of effectiveness.  A new product for dogs from the makers of Advantage also offers tick and mosquito protection.  For more information on this, click on Advantix.

This product works so well that in most cases, we have not had to consult with clients about fogging their homes.  Working so quickly, it actually kills the flea before it has a chance to bite, which is a big plus for pets that have flea allergies.  In the rare case that this drug does not seem to work, we often find that application technique is at fault.  The most important factors, in our experience, are:  your pet should not be bathed within 48 hours before or after application; you must be sure to part the hair and apply the liquid at skin level, not on surface of haircoat; you should not attempt to "share" doses between two or more small dogs; and you should resist the urge to bathe your pet frequently once the Advantage has been applied.

Advantage is sold in packages of 4 applications at prices of $34 to $37 per package in dogs, and $36 per package for cats.