An advantage is that Program is considered extremely nontoxic to mammals because it interferes with the reproductive processes of the flea, which are not found in mammals. Program has been in use in other countries for 3-4 years, and appears to have a good safety record. The next entry into the flea control foray was Advantage. Advantage kills adult fleas on the host, by interfering with normal nerve transmissions, affecting a pathway that is more important in insects than mammals. As a result, Advantage should be toxic to fleas, with minimal toxicity to mammals.
Advantage is applied as a topical solution to either dogs or cats.
A small tube of liquid is applied to the skin between the shoulder blades. Natural movement of the animal causes the substance to be distributed all over the surface of the skin. Advantage has minimal absorption through the skin, further lessening the chances of toxicity in the animal. Advantage is reported to be safe for use on puppies and kittens, although no minimum age is given. Advantage is reported to control fleas for at least thirty days in dogs, although this may be reduced if the dog swims or is bathed frequently.