dog owners- what flea preventative do you use?

[Sugaree]

Our dog was just diagnosed with an allergy to flea saliva. Funny thing is, we first noticed symptoms about 3 weeks ago when it was still VERY cold here. :shock:

Anyways, I have been googling around to try and decide if he should use Frontline, Promeris (our vet suggests this one) or another brand.

In your experience, what works best... and what is the best value for the money? Thanks!

[dilligaf]

we use garlic.
DD has a AKC cocker spaniel and about a month ago she used the seargents flea and tick drops on him after his bath. whithin hours he started having spasms bordering on seizures.. we did a little research and found despite no warnings being on the package animals have died from this product..

we washed him well and contacted seargents and they acknowledged the problem and offerred to pay all vet costs. thankfully after a good washing the symptoms subsided but suffice it to say we will no longer use anything on any of our animals that isnt 100% natural for flea and tick control..

that is why i suggest giving them garlic capsules once a week. will let you know how well it works as the flea and tick season begins..

[Mrs. S]

I have used Hartz Ultra Guard Flea and Tick drops. They are not as expensive as many others, and have worked well on a Great Pyrenees in Northern Wisconsin!

[LittleFish]

We switched to Sentry Natural Defense -- all natural, no chemicals. Nice, clovey smell the first couple of days. My dog is small -- a mini dachshund -- and not outside a lot, but he does roll in the grass, leaves, whatever is out there when he is out, and he doesn't have fleas.

For a picture:

http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Sentry-Natural-Defense-Flea-Tick-Squeeze-On-for-Dogs/207000.aspx

[1loner]

I use front line on both the dogs and both the cats. With a river right in the backyard and fields on two sides of me the fur kids spend a lot of time out where they can run into all manner of ticks. Not a single problem in 5 years now.

[Limner]

Frontline here, but I don't know how we're going to afford it this spring. Our Mastiff is allergic to fleas, and to insecticides with pyrethrins. She breaks out in hives and labored breathing....scary.

[RENMAN358]

Our pups have suffered doggie dander from fleas.
we have had success with frontline but equal
success with PYRETHRUM herb ,that we grew
in the garden. We sprinkle under the throw rugs
and dogs blankies.

[Martinhouse]

I've been thinking of trying a tea made from Tansy.

Carol

[Crabapple Plum]

I used boric acid througout my house, diatomacious earth poufed onto the skin of the cats and dogs, diatomacious earth around the yard. That was 10 years ago.

Since then we've gotten horses and rake horse poop around the yard. Horses are a natural flea repellent.

We don't have fleas anymore.

[Sugaree]

thanks for your replies... I will have to try some of the natural remedies... the flea treatments I'm looking at average about $12/dose... which is fine now but when hyperinflation kicks in that's not going to be an option! :mrgreen:

[Tesla'sMom]

I have a couple of those very fine toothed flea combs. As you can see, Tesla is black so it's hard to see creepy crawlers- so I comb him out. We don't have so many fleas around here until the rabbit population increases every few years. Our real problem is ticks- Tes has been treated for lyme disease and it was really hard on him.

I wish I could get guinea hens. I've heard they're wonderful for eating the bugs!

[Sugaree]

I have a couple of those very fine toothed flea combs. As you can see, Tesla is black so it's hard to see creepy crawlers- so I comb him out. We don't have so many fleas around here until the rabbit population increases every few years. Our real problem is ticks- Tes has been treated for lyme disease and it was really hard on him.

I wish I could get guinea hens. I've heard they're wonderful for eating the bugs!

Frank the Tank looks just like Tesla except he's a pit. Same black coat with the white markings. We got him last June and never had a flea problem until now.

DH and I were talking and we think he got a flea when he was playing with our neighbor's dog, they came to visit a few weeks back. Neighbor is nice but has WAY too many dogs & cats & they don't properly care for them, especially the cats who are allowed to roam anywhere they please. We noticed Frank's symptoms shortly after their visit.

OR he could have gotten the flea from the vet's, we took him in for a rabies shot and that was right around the same time too. No idea how he could have gotten a flea when the ground was still frozen.

[Purity]

If you do go the chemical route (I used to show dogs and I've never found a natural remedy that really works--at least here in FL), I use Advantage.
Also, you can bathe the dog in Joy dishwashing liquid if he's not badly infested. Trouble is, one flea will lay eggs that hatch every ten days.
Be sure to wash the dog's bedding and vacuum carpets thoroughly, then throw away the vacuum cleaner bag or empty it's cup.

Also, a good website for several flea remedies is:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/

Their flea products are on sale and sometimes free shipping applies.

In any event, do a google search for a coupon code before you order. Might save $5. I always do that.
Some coupon codes that should work:

Code: 34404041 (expires 4/30/09) for $5 off. Enter code when checking out.

[Martinhouse]

Watch your dog well after using Joy on him. It can cause really nasty dermatitis that is more expensive to cure than using flea Frontline and others.

Carol

[ElGato]

I give my doggie apple cider vinegar. I put a tablespoon per 2 pints of water. It makes her blood taste bad to the fleas and ticks. I think garlic does too. Apple cider vinegar is great for many uses. It also controls pet dander and itchy skin when sprayed on the coat.

[LONER]

Frontline is the only thing I have ever found that really works.
If you are worried about the cost a year from now, why not buy it now? And save not only the money, but the worry too. I have used it past the expiration date and had no problems.

[Purity]

Watch your dog well after using Joy on him. It can cause really nasty dermatitis that is more expensive to cure than using flea Frontline and others.

Carol

My apologies. I forgot the dog has a flea bite dermatitis. I was trying to think of a money-saving remedy. Yes, if the dog's skin is still itchy/weeping, use something other than Joy.

The best shampoo for getting rid of fleas and helping the dermatitis would then be a coal-tar based shampoo--check the vet's office, pet store or online (such as at Drsfostersmith.com).

If the fleas are gone, an oatmeal shampoo should be very soothing. Again, at pet stores or vet's office or online.

[sopo]

I've always used Frontline spray and never had a bit of problems or fleas.

[Sugaree]

Thank you all! Frank is doing much better, we put the Promeris on him last night (stuff stinks to high heaven!) and his fur is growing back nicely.

Not sure if we will continue with Promeris but that's what the vet suggested and it costs about the same as Frontline. Going to check around the web for deals...

A friend of mine says Sevendust works as a great flea barrier, she treats her yard once a year and swears by it- might give that a try. Her neighbor has lots of cats with lots of fleas- she treats the edge of her yard and says the fleas don't come into her yard!

I think I might try the garlic and/or the vinegar as well.

[Stanb999]

Get Seven dust in the garden center at your favorite home store. A little pinch will keep them flea free for a week or two. Then just another pinch. It comes in a big bag for a cost of like 10 bucks.

[Mstini]

Our dog was just diagnosed with an allergy to flea saliva. Funny thing is, we first noticed symptoms about 3 weeks ago when it was still VERY cold here. :shock:

Anyways, I have been googling around to try and decide if he should use Frontline, Promeris (our vet suggests this one) or another brand.

In your experience, what works best... and what is the best value for the money? Thanks!

'Scuse, please. This is a real smart@$$ response--but if all else fails, you could move to the Arizona high desert. We don't seem to have fleas or ticks here--at least my pooch hasn't gotten any in about 6 yrs. since we moved here. http://img13.echo.cx/img13/8421/face081qz.gif

Before moving here, we used "Advantage" from the Vet.

[Tweety]

When I make our dogs their homemade food ---fresh garlic goes into the pot. At walmart get a bottle of crushed garlic and mix it into their food. Fleas gone. We live in the sands of New Mexico so fleas are around. I treat the yard for bugs also Dh used to get bitten and fester red with white center. Not any more. And that is the best way for doing it naturally. Hope that works