The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show spotlights the bond between people and dogs. But reaching the United States’ premier canine event also can be about another kind of love.

“For me, it would be very hard to do this without somebody who was as vested in it as I am,” said two-time Westminster-winning handler Bill McFadden, who’s half of a dogdom power couple. His wife, Taffe McFadden, handled the second-place winner in 2019, and she and Bono the Havanese are among past finalists set to appear Monday evening in a special tribute to Westminster’s 150th annual show.

Yes, the McFaddens — who met at a dog show in the late 1970s and married in 1985 — have faced and sometimes beaten each other at various shows. And no, there are no hard feelings.

“I think some of my best memories are watching Taffe win best in show,” Bill said Saturday while the couple readied for Westminster. “If one of us takes the big ribbon home, it’s awesome. Doesn’t matter which one.”

Breed competition gets underway

After starting with agility and other sports on Saturday, the storied show got down to its traditional business Monday. Dogs ranging from teeny Chihuahuas to towering Irish wolfhounds started competing in the multi-round, breed-by-breed competition that leads to the best in show award Tuesday night.

Among first-round winners advancing to semifinals later Monday were a Lhasa apso named JJ, who won the massive AKC National Championship show in December, and George, an American foxhound who was runner-up at the National Dog Show televised last Thanksgiving.

JJ is “a show dog all the time,” said breeder, handler and co-owner Susan Giles of Manakin Sabot, Virginia, who has had Lhasas for 53 years. JJ is everything the breed is supposed to be, though he departs from one norm for a breed that’s generally reserved with strangers: “He’ll talk to everybody,” she said.

George is a strapping, playful representative of one of the United States’ oldest but now rarest breeds.

“They’re such cool dogs — more people should know about them and have them,” said handler Tristen Miller of Mechanicsville, Maryland.

Like a number of professional handlers, she’s married to another dogdom devotee. Husband John Miller’s family business helps manage dog shows.

Juggling dog shows with full-time jobs

Such pairings make sense for people who might, like the McFaddens, travel the country to 150 to 200 dog shows a year and share their home with a varying cast of canines that need feeding, exercise, grooming and training.

“I can’t even imagine trying to date and explain to somebody, ‘Now, I’m going to be gone five days a week, and I’m going to have like 20 dogs with me,’” said Bill McFadden, who largely credits his wife “for any semblance of order that we have” at their home on five acres (two hectares) in Acampo, California.

The key is “being with someone you can actually coexist with — constantly,” said Bill McFadden (who’s aware of the 2005 romcom “Must Love Dogs” but doesn’t recall seeing it). Like many top handlers, they also have assistants, he notes.

Then there are couples such as Randy and Andrea Huelsemann, who juggle breeding and showing their own French bulldogs with their full-time jobs. He’s a 911 dispatcher, and she’s a dental hygienist.

“We do it for just the love of it, for something to do together,” Randy said while waiting to bring their dog Ollie into the ring Monday. (The Huelsemanns, of Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin, alternate handling their various dogs.)

“It’s a great hobby for the two of us,” allowing for travel together, Andrea added.

Show dogs with show-business ties

Not handling but no less enthusiastic were Lydia Hearst and Chris Hardwick, who cheered and whooped for their otterhound, Zoltar. He didn’t win his breed, but he probably got the most decibels.

“I die a lot in horror movies, so I can scream for a long time,” Hearst said with a laugh. She and her husband, who hosted AMC’s “Talking Dead,” are both actors and grew up with dogs — pets in his case, and show dogs in hers. Her mother, newspaper heir and longtime Frenchie owner Patricia Hearst Shaw, was on hand to see both Zoltar and her dog Sassy in Monday’s competition.

Wilbur the beagle had his own Hollywood connections. The dog, who appears in the new Netflix police drama “The Rip,” starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, was squired Monday by Charlotte Jones, 13, in a competition for junior handlers.

It was difficult to bring one of the family’s dogs to New York from Charlotte’s home near Honolulu, so her family connected through beagle circles with Wilbur’s owner, Mary Cummings, who has long trained dogs for both the show ring and show business.

Which does Wilbur prefer?

“Everything,” said Cummings, of Binghamton, New York. “He likes anything that involves food and getting attention.”

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“Scarlet” – Pitbull female Mix

Gorgeous, sweet, well-mannered lady. Scarlett is a little surprised to find herself in a shelter, but she’s being brave & hoping for the best, no fussing, and no barking, just sitting pretty. She came to us as a stray so we estimate her age to be 4 years old, and weight at 58.4 pounds. Available: 8/22/19.

Scarlett is spayed, up to date on shots, de-wormed and she is available NOW

162418 / R233462

“Spice” – Tortoiseshell female DSH

Spice is spayed, micro-chipped, up to date on shots, good w/kids, other kitties & dogs and she is avail able NOW.

Spice is a gorgeous, friendly, sweet girl who has been at the shelter for a while. She just hasn’t had any luck. She came to us originally as a stray. She was adopted, but sadly returned because she sometimes didn’t use her litter box when she was anxious or stressed. She is 5 years old & weighs 6.7 lbs.

155238 / R234350

Here is Crinkle 

DOB 4/28/16

DSH Calico Female 

Meet Crinkle! Crinkle is a delightful calico female looking for her forever home! Although she may be a little shy at first, she is a love bug at heart! Once you make friends with Crinkle, she’ll knock your socks off! Crinkle loves belly rubs! When she’s not getting belly rubs, you can almost always find her laying in the sunniest spot she can find! 

Come meet Crinkle today! 

All of our cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all vaccinations. 

Our two main requirements for adopting a cat are: 

—Must be indoors only, cannot go outside

—Declawing is NOT allowed

Orion

DOB: 12/20/18

Labrador Retriever Mix Male

Orion is a young, loving, family-friendly dog. He is good-natured and intelligent and will learn quickly what is expected of him. He tries very hard to please and will benefit from some basic training. He will also enjoy daily walks and plenty of playtime with his family. Orion will be okay with children and probably will get along with other dogs.

Orion will thrive with an adopter that is a good pack leader and will include him in family activities.

Living Free, is a donor-supported, nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary. Located at 54250 Keen

Camp Road in Mountain Center off Highway 74, 15 Minutes from Idyllwild. For more information, call: 951-321-9982 or visit living-free.org/adopt.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Pet of the Week – October 24

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“Rampage” – Pitbull male Mix (Senior)

Very handsome boy brought here by previous owner because they can’t take care of him anymore. He is 9 years old – no weight yet on his card. They told us he loves car rides and that he has been known to jump a fence. He doesn’t chew on household items or get into the garbage and he’s afraid of fireworks. Rampage is sure hoping to catch someone’s eye for a 2^nd chance. He would love a nice home with a yard, and a soft bed would be ok too. Available: 8/15/19

Rampage is up to date on shots, de-wormed, good w/kids & other dogs and he will be neutered prior to his adoption.

162261 / R233413

“Luna” – Bengal female Mix

Such a cute, friendly and sweet little lady. Luna is very ready to love and be loved. She came to us as a stray, so we estimate her age to be 5 years old & weight at 10.3 pounds. She’s being such a good girl while here, hoping that she’ll be one of the lucky ones.

Luna is spayed, micro-chipped, litter-box trained, up to date on shots, de-wormed and she is available NOW.

164825 / R234588

Orion

DOB: 12/20/18

Male Labrador Retriever Mix

Orion is a young, loving, family-friendly dog. He is good-natured and intelligent and will learn quickly what is expected of him. He tries very hard to please and will benefit from some basic training. He will also enjoy daily walks and plenty of playtime with his family. Orion will be okay with children and probably will get along with other dogs.

Orion will thrive with an adopter that is a good pack leader and will include him in family activities.

Living Free, is a donor-supported, nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary. Located at 54250 Keen

Camp Road in Mountain Center off Highway 74, 15 Minutes from Idyllwild. For more information, call: 951-321-9982 or visit living-free.org/adopt.

Here is Aurora

DOB: 4/6/14

DLH Grey & White Male

Meet Aurora!

Aurora is one handsome long haired boy! Aurora is independent but does enjoy being loved on when he is in the mood. While at the cattery, you can find him playing, enjoying a treat or two, and soaking up the sun in his favorite cattio!

Come say hi to Aurora today! All of our cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all vaccinations.

Our two requirements for adopting a cat are:
—Must be indoors only, cannot go outside
—Declawing is NOT allowed

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Pet of the Week – October 17

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Murphy

Poodle Mix – Male

DOB:  2/27/11

Murphy is one of our loving senior dogs looking for a great home.  He will be a wonderful companion for a family or perhaps a senior individual or couple. Murphy is like a laid back, easy going, teddy bear.   He is compatible with other dogs, enjoys riding in a golf cart and going to the park to play. 

He will probably love to go on short, daily walks. 

Consider adopting or fostering this elder statesman.  He is very friendly and will light up your life.

Here are CoCo and Joey! 

Age: Coco is 4yrs old & Joey is 2yrs old

Meet Coco and Joey! Coco and Joey are brand new to the cattery and are looking for their forever home! Coco is a sweet female English Spot, who enjoys exploring and loves head rubs! Joey is a mellow male English Spot, who enjoys relaxation and treats! 

Hop on by and meet Coco and Joey today! 

(Coco and Joey are a bonded pair and must be adopted together)

Living Free, is a donor-supported, nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary.  Located at 54250 Keen Camp Road in Mountain Center off Highway 74, 15 Minutes from Idyllwild.  For more information, call:  951-321-9982 or visit living-free.org/adopt.

Gordita

Pitbull female

Adorable, precious, beautiful girl.  Gordita came to us as a stray with a micro-chip.  Her owners of record didn’t respond to our efforts to reach them.  So now, she’s in the market for a new home.  She’s 6-7 years old, and weighs 82.3 pounds.  She’s a bit overwhelmed being here at the shelter, but she’s very willing to trust & be friends.  She would be a good companion dog.  She carries her food dish around with her, very cute.

Gordita is spayed, micro-chipped, up to date on shots, de-wormed, good w/her kennel mate (dog she came in with) and she is available 8/17/19.

125676 / Hs232687

Domino

Black & White female DSH Young

Gorgeous, sweet, well-mannered young lady.  Domino is being just the best little girl while here…no fussing…just sitting pretty and hoping for the best.  She came to us as a stray so we estimate her age to be 10 months old and weight at 4.1 pounds. 

Is there room in your heart for Domino?

Domino is spayed, LITTER-BOX TRAINED, up to date on shots, de-wormed and she is available NOW.

164145 / R234204

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Search: Pet of the Week – September 26

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Some dog lovers show their puppy love with fancy dog food, a particular spot on the sofa or toys and outfits.

And then some buy their dog a house. Not a doghouse mind you, a whole HOUSE.

Meet Whitney, a 31-year-old mortgage industry professional who lives in Falls Church, Va. Similar to many millennials; she is focused on her career, so for now, her 3-year-old dog, Lucy Goose, is her baby. And as with any good parent, it’s important to Whitney that her baby be happy in their family home. “When my dog is happy, I’m happy,” she confides.

Whitney became a first-time homebuyer nine years ago when she was only 22 years old. She purchased a one-bedroom condo because it was cheaper than renting in the high-priced, Washington, D.C.-area Where she was living. With her family’s help, she bought a $165,000 condo using a 10 percent gift down payment ($16,500) and private mortgage insurance. Her monthly mortgage payment was $2,100 (yes, that was cheaper than the average rent!), and she lived there for more than six years.

One month before she sold her condo, Whitney adopted Lucy Goose from a shelter. Although only a puppy, it was obvious the Labrador/Great Dane mix wouldn’t stay small for long. The single month Whitney and her energetic new puppy lived together in her tiny condo was challenging.

Whitney knew she needed a larger place but wasn’t sure exactly how much room she required. So she rented a townhouse – without a yard – in Arlington, Va., for $3,100 while she assessed the situation. It soon became apparent that a townhouse wouldn’t work either, so she started house hunting.

This time, Whitney knew exactly what she wanted: a dog-friendly house with enough room to grow her family. She searched for a house with the following must-haves:

* Big, fenced-in backyard for Lucy to run and play

* A doggy door so Whitney wouldn’t have to worry if she worked late and Lucy needed to go outside

* Nearby walking trails

* Proximity to dog-friendly establishments, i.e., restaurants, dog parks, etc.

* Room for another furry baby and any future unfurry babies

It took Whitney one year to find a house that checked all her boxes. The house has four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. It sits on a quarter acre, and has a large fenced-in yard and a doggy door for Lucy, who has since grown to be a 90-pound, gentle giant. The house also has a nature trail behind it.

But her dream house came at a steep price: $600,000.

Fortunately, investing in homeownership early in life paid off for Whitney. She had $40,000 in equity from the sale of her condo and chose to make a low down payment of 5 percent ($30,000), using most of that equity. She was able to take out a high-balance conventional loan using private mortgage insurance to avoid having to put down 20 percent ($120,000). Her monthly mortgage payment is $3,800 – only $700 more than she was paying for the townhouse.

They moved in last summer.

And what does Lucy Goose think of her new house? “She is constantly happy,” gushes Whitney. “She loves going in and out of her doggy door, and I’ve caught her sunbathing on the deck. I sacrifice a lot for Lucy, but she is my baby.”

Speaking of babies, Whitney is now engaged, and while she and, her fiancé Eric has no immediate plans to start having children after they’re married, it’s nice to know they’ll have room to grow their family.

Then they can all sit, stay, and be happy in their forever home.

For more homebuyer resources, visit readynest.com.

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Search: Pets-Come-First

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Ramona Humane Society

“Rascal” – Pitbull male Mix (Senior)

What a cute guy.  Rascal came to us as a stray, so we estimate his age to be seven years old & he weight at 57.6 pounds.  He is loaded with personality & character and doesn’t seem to be shy at all – just a great dog. He’s been a long term resident.

Rascal is good w/other dogs, up to date on shots, de-wormed and he’ll be neutered before his adoption.

159387 / R231933

“Pin Pin” – Black & White female DSH

Pin pin is a gorgeous, sweet, and well-mannered young lady.  She is just the best girl while here…no fussing, just sitting pretty and hoping for the best.  She came to us as a stray, so we estimate her age to be one year old and weight at 6.7 pounds.  

Pin Pin is spayed, good w/other cats, LITTER-BOX TRAINED, up to date on shots, de-wormed and she is available NOW.

161628 / R233272

Here is Brenna! Terrier Mix Female

DOB:  7/16/15

Brenna is a very friendly, sociable little dog that loves everybody.  She enjoys getting out for walks and exploring at the park. She has been a good mother to her puppy and is now looking for a home of her own.  She will be a wonderful dog for a family with children.

Brenna will be a loyal, affectionate companion that will thrive with an adopter or family that will include her in their daily lives.

Living Free, is a donor-supported, nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary. We are located at 54250 Keen Camp Road in Mountain Center off Highway 74, 15 Minutes from Idyllwild.  For more information, call: 951-321-9982 or visit living-free.org/adopt.

Here is Croissant! DSH White/ Black Tabby Male

DOB: 4/5/19

Meet Croissant! Croissant is one sweet kitty who loves to play and explore! He enjoys back-scratches and occasional belly rubs! While at the cattery, Croissant can be found playing with his kitty friends, climbing cat towers, and chasing toy mice. 

Fall in love with Croissant today! 

All of our cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped and up to date on all vaccinations. 

Our two requirements for adopting a cat are: 

—Must be indoors only, cannot go outside 

—Declawing is NOT allowed.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Pet of the Week – September 20

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Whether or not dogs dream isn’t known with scientific certainty, but it sure is difficult to imagine that they don’t. We’ve all watched our dogs demonstrate behaviors in their sleep that resemble what they do in a fully awake state. Paddling legs, whining, growling, wagging tails, chewing jowls, and twitching noses inspire us to wonder what our dogs are dreaming about. 

What we know about dogs and dreams

While our knowledge on this topic is very limited, the following known information helps us believe that dogs do indeed experience dreams. According to MIT News, Matthew Wilson, a professor of neuroscience at MIT, and Kenway Louie, a graduate student in 2001,  have studied the relationships between memory, sleep and dreams. They found that when rats were trained to run along a circular track for food rewards, their brains created a distinctive firing pattern of neurons (brain cells). The researchers repeated the brain monitoring while the rats were sleeping. Low and behold, they observed the same signature brain activity pattern associated with running whether the rats were awake or asleep. In fact, the memories played at approximately the same speed during sleep as when the rats were awake. 

Can we apply this to dogs?

Can we take what is known about dreaming in rats and humans and apply the information to dogs? Wilson believes that we can.”My guess is — unless there is something special about rats and humans — that cats and dogs are doing exactly the same thing,” he said, according to USA Today’s website.

It is known that the hippocampus, the portion of the brain that collects and stores memories, is wired much the same way in all mammals. According to healthday.com, Professor Wilson says, “If you compared a hippocampus in a rat to a dog; in a cat to a human, they contain all of the same pieces.” He believes that as dogs sleep, images of past events replay in their minds, much the same way people recall experiences while dreaming.

In people it is known that most dreams occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, according to the National Institutes of Health. Dogs also experience periods of REM sleep. Psychology Today’s website says that during REM their breathing becomes more irregular and shallow. There may be muscle twitching during REM and, when one looks closely, rapid eye movements behind closed eyelids can often be observed. It is during REM sleep that behaviors thought to be associated with dreaming (legs paddling, twitching, vocalizing, etc.) are most commonly observed.

What we want to believe about dog dreams

When we observe our dogs as they sleep, it’s just about impossible to imagine that they are not dreaming. Just like the rats studied by Wilson and Louie, it is tempting to believe that our four-legged best buddies are reenacting their recent experiences; playing at the dog park, sniffing in the woods, chewing on a treasured bone, and chasing squirrels. 

The National Institutes of Health says that Sigmund Freud theorized that dreaming was a “safety valve” for our unconscious desires. Perhaps he is correct, and, when our dogs sleep, they dream about catching the neighbor’s pesky cat, continuous belly rubs in conjunction with unlimited dog treats, and stealing the Thanksgiving turkey from the dining room table.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian — they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

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Search: Do Dogs Dream?

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(Pet of the week)

“Josie” – Pitbull female Mix

Here is an adorable girl.  Josie is so cute, and she doesn’t even know it.  She came to us as a stray, so we estimate her age to be three years old & weight at 42.2 pounds.  Oh my, how sweet she is, wants to lick your hand.  

Josie is spayed, good w/other dogs, de-wormed, up to date on shots & she is available NOW

159771 / Hs231775

“Pizza” – Grey/white DSH male Mix (young)

Pizza is just precious, as you can see.  All he wants is a loving home.  He came to us as a stray, so we estimate his age to be nine months old and weight at just 8.2 pounds.  Everyone falls in love with him.  Is there room in your home and heart for little Pizza?

Pizza is neutered, good w/other kitties, litter-box trained, up to date on shots, de-wormed and he’s available NOW!

160420 / R232606

Here is JellyBean!

DOB: 1/1/17 Description: DSH Orange/ White Tabby Male 

Meet JellyBean; he is as sweet as can be! JellyBean is a very social and curious boy! While at the Cattery, you can find him playing with his feline friends, climbing cat trees, and soaking up the sun! He loves attention and is always looking for something new and fun to do! 

Say hi to JellyBean today! 

All of our cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all vaccinations. 

Our two requirements for adopting a cat are: 

—Must be indoors only, cannot go outside

— Declawing is NOT allowed 

Here is Barnaby

DOB:  8/23/11 Chihuahua Mix Male

Barnaby is one proud pup that struts out on a walk and thinks he is bigger than he is.  He is happiest when he can roll around on the grass and scratch his back. He also absolutely loves belly rubs and being with people. Barnaby will probably be cool with older children. He does get along with his kennel mates but can be a little bossy at times 

Barnaby will be best in a home that will provide leadership along with daily walks and an abundance of love.

Living Free, is a donor-supported, nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary. We are located at 54250 Keen Camp Road in Mountain Center off Highway 74, 15 Minutes from Idyllwild.  For more information, call: 951-321-9982 or visit

living-free.org/adopt.

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Search: Pet of the week

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Pet of the Week

Travis/Terrier Mix

Travis is such a cutie, standing out from the crowd with his adorable scruffy fur.  His sweet face will draw you in and beg you to give him a good home. Travis came in as a stray, is about five years old and weighs 20 pounds, and loves to make cute giggle noises when he gets excited during playtime. Travis is up to date on his vaccines, de-wormed, neutered, and is available now. 

161024/R232900

Comet/Domestic Short Hair

Comet, our sweet little angel, is waiting to meet her forever family.  Comet came in as a timid, scared kitty because her owner was no longer able to care for her.  Comet has been an indoor cat who prefers some quiet time with the ones she loves. She loves to cuddle up and purr when you hold her, but you can tell this little girl is stressed out in a shelter environment.  Comet is about three years old and weighs six pounds, is up to date on her vaccines, de-wormed, and will be spayed before her adoption. Comet is available now. 

161408/R233147

Living Free, is a donor-supported, nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary. We are located at 54250 Keen Camp Road in Mountain Center off Highway 74, 15 Minutes from Idyllwild.  For more information, call: 951-321-9982 or visit living-free.org/adopt.

Barnaby

Male

Chihuahua Mix

DOB:  8/23/11

Barnaby is one proud pup that struts out on a walk and thinks he is bigger than he is.  He is happiest when he can roll around on the grass and scratch his back. He also absolutely loves belly rubs and being with people. Barnaby will probably be cool with older children. He does get along with his kennel mates but can be a little bossy at times 

Barnaby will be best in a home that will provide leadership along with daily walks and an abundance of love.

Romee

DOB 6/14/18

Description: DSH Solid Black Female

Meet Romee! Romee is a beautiful gem in hiding! Not only does she enjoy the attention, but she is also the perfect greeter! While at the cattery, Romee loves to nap in her favorite Kitty Casa and enjoys her crunchies! This mellow sweetie is patiently waiting for her forever home!

All of our cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all vaccinations.

Our two main requirements for adopting a cat are: 

—must be indoors only, cannot go outside 

— declawing is NOT allowed 

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Pet of the Week

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Fleas are the most common external parasite of pets in North America. Fleas are small wingless insects that use their specialized mouth to pierce the skin and siphon blood from their host. When a flea bites, it injects a small amount of saliva into the skin to prevent the blood from coagulating. Some animals become sensitized to flea saliva and animals that are allergic can have severe itching and scratching from a single bite. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common disease among dogs.

Current flea control products are primarily either oral or topical systemic treatments. Most of the products may be used for prevention as well as to treat existing flea problems. One group of products control fleas by interrupting their development by killing or stopping the maturation of flea larvae and eggs. These drugs are called Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs). One common oral product used is lufenuron which is found in the Program® line of products which are administered orally in tablet or liquid form. Methoprene and pyriproxifen are also IGRs that are available as sprays or collars. The FDA shares regulation of these products with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Because even the same products from other countries have not been approved by these agencies, it is illegal to purchase or import these products for use in the United States.

Currently the most popular flea control products kill adult fleas (adulticide), are applied topically and work rapidly. Popular topical products utilize fipronil which is the key ingredient in Frontline® Top Spot and imidacloprid which is in Advantage®. The most popular product on the market, Frontline Plus®, utilizes both an adulticide and an IGR. An oral adulticide that is also available is nitenpyram which is in Capstar® and begins to kill fleas in 30 minutes. Frontline Plus also kills ticks which makes it the most popular product where ongoing tick protection is required.

Consult with your veterinarian to determine which flea and tick control products are best for you. The choice of flea control will depend on your climate, environment, your pet’s activities, and potential for exposure. However, with consistent use, it is almost always possible to control your flea problem. Using these products throughout the year typically will eliminate the need for regular insecticidal use. The following provide additional summary information on selected popular products.

Program from Novartis®

Program is available as a once a month pill or oral liquid suspension to be given with a full meal. Adult fleas that ingest Program’s key ingredient, lufenuron, produce sterile eggs. Program does not kill adult fleas so pets remain susceptible to fleas hatching and maturing pupa already present in the environment. Therefore, some time may pass before the all fleas are killed in an environment. In order to stop the life cycle, every animal in the environment must receive lufenuron. Pets should also be sprayed with an adulticide during the first week or two of starting Program.

Advantage from Bayer®

Advantage is applied topically on both dogs and cats and seems to be very well-tolerated by sensitive cats. Advantage kills fleas within 24 hours and 100% protection can be maintained for cats for 21 days and 90% protection can be maintained for dogs for 28 days. Advantage is susceptible to washing off so dogs that are active outdoors and dogs that swim or must be bathed frequently should be re-treated frequently. Up to weekly re-treatment is allowed. The imidacloprid in Advantage does not effect ticks, but K-9Advantix, with permethrin does. K9 Advantix is only labeled for once a month K9 Advantix is ONLY FOR USE WITH DOGS and MUST NOT BE ADMINISTERED TO CATS.

Frontline Spray, Frontline Plus And Frontline Top Spot from Merial®

Frontline Spray, Frontline Plus, and Frontline Top Spot comprise the market leading Frontline flea control product line. The fipronil in Frontline products is a broad spectrum insecticide available as a spray or topical. Fipronil works by binding chemically to the pet’s hair and is absorbed through the follicle by the sebaceous glands. As a spray, fipronil kills fleas at 95% for over 80 days after application on dogs and for 1 month with biweekly bathing. Frontline is labeled for puppies and kittens as young as 8 weeks (10 weeks for Top Spot) and it is not washed off by bathing. Frontline is also affective against ticks. Some cats may show minor adverse reactions with high volume use of the alcohol based spray product which should be applied no more than once a month. Frontline Plus also contains the IGR, S-methoprene which inhibits the growth of immature fleas.

Capstar from Novartis®

Capstar is an oral tablet for dogs and cats that may be administered as young as 4 weeks of age. It offers extremely rapid and complete killing of adult fleas and is safe enough that the tablets may be used whenever fleas are seen on your pet as often as once per day. Capstar may be used in combination with an IGR to kill fleas immediately to compliment the long-term control of an IGR such as Program.

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com.

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