What are flea drops called? - briefly
Flea drops are commonly called spot‑on flea treatments, applied directly to the animal’s skin. They are also referred to as topical flea medications.
What are flea drops called? - in detail
Flea treatment applied in liquid form is commonly referred to as a flea spot‑on or flea topical. These products contain active ingredients such as imidacloprid, fipronil, or selamectin, which spread across the animal’s skin after a single application. The formulation is designed to disperse through the sebaceous glands, providing protection for weeks.
Key characteristics of spot‑on treatments:
- Mode of action – neurotoxic or insecticidal agents interrupt flea life cycles, killing adults and preventing egg development.
- Duration of efficacy – typically 4 weeks, though some newer formulas extend protection to 12 weeks.
- Application site – a small amount applied directly to the mid‑neck region, where the animal cannot lick it off.
- Safety profile – approved for dogs, cats, or both; dosage varies by species and weight.
Alternative liquid options include flea sprays and flea shampoos, but only the spot‑on category delivers systemic coverage after a single dose. Veterinary guidelines recommend confirming the product’s active ingredient, species compatibility, and weight range before administration.