Do Zap! or Bam! need a prescription?
No, Zap! is nitenpyram, and Bam! is lufenuron which are available over the counter.
How long does Zap! last?
Zap! takes effect almost immediately in your pets and is most effective for 24 hours, although it can continue killing fleas for up to 48 hours. Bam! is given monthly.
The pets brought fleas now living in the carpets in my house. Will these products get rid of them?
Yes! Under average conditions, the flea life cycle is about three weeks from egg to adult. Give Bam! immediately and then monthly thereafter, and Zap! daily to all pets for five days, then every other day for 14 days. Afterwards, keep some on hand in case your pet picks up any more fleas outside or any dormant ones hatch inside.
Are there any side effects?
Fleas do not go gently into that good night, the little bastards compulsively bite for a few minutes while dying which can lead to some intense itching and grooming shortly after giving the first dose. How bad depends on the flea population on your pet. Thankfully, after an hour or two most of them are dead and your pet will get the best flea-free uninterrupted sleep they’ve had since the fleas moved on them.
Side effects from the medication itself are uncommon, but can include: lethargy or hyperactivity, excessive panting, itching, vomiting, loss of appetite, nervousness, diarrhea, seizures, and trembling. Other side effects that pets may exhibit include pupil dilation, increased heart rate, vocalization, fever, and salivation.
In rare cases, cats and dogs may also experience an allergic reaction to the treatment that is characterized by hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the lips or tongue, and shock. Seek veterinary care immediately.
How do I get my cat to take these medications?
Zap! Nitenpyram has a bitter smell and taste, and not all cats are as easy to fool as dogs with pill pockets or hidden in foods. The 11.4mg capsules are very small size 5, and there are cat pill poppers available. However, some find it easier to open the capsule and mix the powder in wet cat food, or in something strong-smelling like tuna with oil. Bam! lufenuron is best mixed with a fatty soft meal, and tuna oil works for it as well.