Spot-On Products: How Do They Work?
In the ongoing battle against fleas that seek to turn our beloved companions into itchy hosts, proactive defence is our best approach. Among the various options of preventative measures, topical spot-on treatments stand out as a convenient and potent shield. This guide will show the straightforward yet crucial steps to effectively use these spot-on solutions, ensuring your furry family members remain comfortably flea-free.
While the precise mechanics can vary depending on the brand’s unique formulation, the general principle of spot-on flea treatments involves a clever delivery system. Once applied to a designated area, the liquid formula is absorbed into the skin’s layers. Here, the active ingredient typically operates in one of two ways: either it spreads across the body directly beneath the skin’s surface, for example using the oil glands, providing a superficial body-wide protection that is ready to neutralise any fleas upon contact. Or the product is absorbed into your pet’s bloodstream, turning them into an inhospitable environment that eliminates fleas upon their first (and last) bite.
The First Step: Consult the Medication Data Sheet
Before you open the product to use, consider the medication data leaflet your essential briefing document. This contains vital information confirming you have the correct treatment for your specific pet type and their weight category. It is essential to use the correct dose for your pet – under-dosing leaves them without their full protection, which means you could still see flea problems despite using the product. Over-dosing does not give your pet any more protection, but could lead to an increased chance of side effects happening. Alongside the dose, the datasheet also details potential side effects and provides clear instructions on how to respond should your pet experience any of these adverse reactions.
A critical point to remember: feline and canine spot-on formulations are distinct entities. Never administer a cat-specific treatment to a dog, or vice versa. The data sheet and packaging will clearly identify the intended recipient.
Treating Your Pet: The Step-by-Step Application
While the specifics might have a slight brand-specific flair, the core steps for applying a spot-on flea treatment remain consistent:
- Removal from Packaging: Spot-on treatments often come in individually sealed blister packs, especially in multi-dose purchases. If your pet possesses an uncanny ability to detect the impending application based on a packet rustle, consider discreetly opening the packaging in a separate room to avoid triggering their evasive manoeuvres!
- Opening the Pipette: Each company provides a pre-measured vessel for the treatment, with varying opening mechanisms. Some feature a simple twist-off cap, while others require a snap of the tip, or a flipped cap puncture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the pipette for use, taking care not to squeeze or spill the pipette whilst you are doing it!
- Holding your pet: A steady pet is key to a precise and effective application. Smaller companions like cats, small dogs, rabbits, and ferrets can often be comfortably cradled in your lap. For larger canine breeds, aim for a seated or lying down position in a location where you can maintain gentle control, preventing any sudden escapes.
- Apply to the correct area: Spot-on treatments are designed to be applied to an area on your pet’s back that is beyond their licking reach – typically at the very base of the neck or between the shoulder blades. For larger dogs, as the treatment is generally a bigger volume of liquid you might need to split the amount to be applied intermittently along the spine in several small bursts towards the tail base to ensure optimal spread across the body and prevent it just dripping off the coat. This will be clearly indicated in the data sheet if needed. For smaller animals, you may also find the entire contents of the pipette might be too much for a single spot without causing runoff, so applying in two locations (base of the neck and between the shoulder blades) is often recommended.
- Apply directly to the Skin’s Surface: The treatment’s efficacy (how well it works) hinges on direct contact with your pet’s skin, not the overlying fur. Gently part the fur in the chosen spot until you can clearly see the skin. Lightly wetting your fingers can help to slick the fur back and provide a clearer application area.
- Apply the product: Carefully squeeze the contents of the pipette directly onto the exposed skin. This allows the treatment to be absorbed and begin its protective work.
- Release Your Pet and Follow Good Hygiene Procedures for You: While the urge to rub the treatment in might be strong, it’s actually unnecessary. Once applied you can release your pet and the product will start to be absorbed. You may find your pet wants to rub and run around immediately after application – this is normal! And is generally due to a cold feeling over the area of application as the carrier ingredients, the ones that help the active ingredient be absorbed, evaporate away. Immediately after application wash your hands thoroughly. Allow the application site to dry completely before touching the area again. In
multi-pet households, exercise caution to prevent mutual grooming before the area has dried, as ingesting the treatment can lead to temporary side effects like excessive drooling.
Water Exposure: Bathing and Swimming After Treatment
For the spot-on treatment to establish its full protective barrier, it’s crucial to allow sufficient absorption and spread time before any water-based activities. Generally, waiting at least 48 hours after application before bathing your pet or allowing them to submerge themselves in water will ensure the treatment remains effective.
Keeping the Protection Active: Application Frequency
The duration of protection offered by a spot-on flea treatment depends on the specific brand and its concentration. Typically, a single application provides protection for around four weeks (occasionally
some are longer – this will be stated clearly on the pack), after which your pet will once again be vulnerable to flea infestations. To keep your pets fully protected keep a note of when the product is due to be used again and ensure to reapply on the specified date. This prevents a break, or reduction in protection happening which can leave your pet vulnerable to picking up fleas. If your pet is already battling a problematic flea infestation, resist the urge to reapply treatment before the full four-week interval has passed. Premature reapplication can lead to an overdose and potentially harm your pet. Getting on top of flea issues that are already present can take anything up to 3 months of diligent product use to clear, this is normal and is not a sign that things are not working! Spot-on flea treatments offer a swift and simple approach to safeguarding your cherished companions from the persistent nuisance of fleas, allowing both you and your pet to enjoy a more comfortable, itch-free life.