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New Kind Of Treatment Offers Pets Protection From Ticks And Fleas

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- If just thinking about fleas makes you want to scratch the back of your neck, you are not alone.

They are the bane of every pet owner, and a real pest for any homeowner who has had to deal with an infestation.

A female flea can lay 5,000 eggs over the course of a year, so keeping even one flea off your pet is important.

Until now, the way to preventatively treat your dog or cat for fleas has been a collar or a topical that is applied to the back of your pet's neck.

Now, there are chewable flea and tick treatments.

Veterinarian Dr. Mike Hutchinson with Animal General Hospital in Cranberry says his favorite is NexGard.

He says, "When I get out the NexGard they run over like they are getting a treat and they're happy and they're sitting there waiting for their treat."

NexGard is a monthly treatment and Dr. Hutchinson says it doesn't accumulate in the liver if you follow the prescribed instructions.

However, he cautions against another chewable treatment called Bravecto, which claims to provide three months of protection.

Dr. Hutchinson says Bravecto may accumulate in the liver, causing potential damage.

He says, "We're not sure yet and I want to see more data before I make a decision for my clients."

If fleas end up in your home, treating your pet isn't the only thing you'll have to do.

Dr. Chad Gore with Ehrlich Pest Control says you have to treat your home as well.

Gore says there are products you can buy to kill flea infestations.

He says you should aim low when spraying those products, spraying carpeting, cracks and crevices and then vacuum frequently.

However, he warns against using foggers because he says, "people tend to think more is better and they can create an explosive hazard."

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