How does a flea tablet help? - briefly
The tablet provides a systemic insecticide that spreads through the animal’s blood, killing fleas upon contact when they feed. It also disrupts reproduction, preventing eggs from developing and reducing future infestations.
How does a flea tablet help? - in detail
Oral flea tablets contain systemic insecticides that are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and enter the bloodstream. After ingestion, the active compound is distributed via plasma to the skin, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands, where it becomes accessible to feeding parasites.
When a flea bites the treated animal, it ingests the insecticide along with blood. The chemical interferes with the flea’s nervous system, causing rapid paralysis and death. Because the agent is present in the host’s blood, each feeding event delivers a lethal dose, eliminating adult fleas and preventing further reproduction.
Key advantages of oral treatment include:
- Immediate systemic protection that does not depend on coat condition or bathing frequency.
- Uniform coverage across the entire body, eliminating gaps often seen with spot‑on products.
- Reduced risk of environmental contamination, as the drug remains within the host.
- Simplified dosing schedules, typically once a month, facilitating compliance.
Safety considerations require strict adherence to weight‑based dosing recommendations. Overdose can lead to neurotoxic signs in sensitive species; therefore, veterinary consultation is essential before initiating therapy. Resistance management involves rotating active ingredients according to professional guidelines to preserve efficacy.
Overall, oral flea medication provides a reliable, systemic method for controlling infestations by delivering a lethal dose directly to parasites during blood meals, thereby breaking the life cycle and protecting the host from associated diseases.