ArcaMax

"We consider Tampa the flea capital of the world," he said. "It's not unusual to see dogs with 1,000 fleas. Pets there, and in other places where fleas are abundant, can even die from flea infestations. I feel for the pain of frustrated pet owners. And I can assure you that used properly, the new technology works, and works well."

This doesn't mean older flea preventives are no longer good choices.

"We're always excited by new products with proven effectiveness, but there are many other effective veterinary-recommended products to kill fleas, even those out for several years," Dryden says.

Unfortunately, too many pet owners don't even ask for or ignore veterinary advice about purchasing flea and tick products, Paul notes.

"Veterinary professionals know which products to suggest based on geography, lifestyle of the pets and the mix of pets in a household. The problem is many people -- either for convenience or to save money -- go to big box stores or purchase (preventatives) randomly online."

Dryden adds, "The simple truth is that many of the over-the-counter products just don't work dependably." As a result, pet owners either wind up back at their veterinarian's office and end up spending even more money, and perhaps require an exterminator. Worst of all, when owners choose unreliable products, pets can become subject to diseases and discomfort caused by fleas.

"Getting veterinary input in the first place is really the only way to go," Paul says.

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