There is some room to use natural remedies to prevent fleas since they aren't that dangerous short-term and are visable. On the other hand, that isn't the case with heartworms. There is no way to be certain that pups arent being bitten and there is no spray or shampoo that will stop it 100% of the time. I know there are sites on the web that would try to downplay the risk of heartworms, but it is subjective. I would rather prevent heartworms and risk damage from long term use of milbemycin than I would leave Ellie open to heartworms and have to put her through imidicide therapy.

Ok, guys....I have been using Frontline spray (and stop from Nov - March or April), which I recently found out DOESN'T kill eggs or larvae (which I'm fine with that...adults, eggs, and larvae all die just by coming into contact, and since she doesn't have fleas, any adults would die before they could lay eggs anyway...I mean, she'd have to LAY on eggs to kill them, lol :p). Because it doesn't kill eggs and larvae it doesn't have the (s)-methoprene in it like the Frontline Plus does....which means less meds right? Also, I found out today (by calling Merial) that the spray isn't like the drops, in that where you spray and get damp is where is protected...apparently it absorbs into the skin and stays put...whereas with the drops it absorbs into the skin and oil glands and then is redistributed over the whole body. So, is that bad or good? It kind of makes me feel better that it isn't systemic AT ALL (not even by traveling through oil glands), but I may not have thought of everything. :confused: So basically you get them damp all over, it dries within 15-20 min, and they're protected for 1 month. AND she specifically told me on the phone that as soon as it's completely dry, they can be bathed with any pet labeled shampoo...they've done extensive bathing research she said :p Any thoughts?? Since Bella as a liver issue, I like her to have as little chemicals/meds as possible but also be as protected as is possible by doing that....

so the chemicals from the frontline plus gets absorbed into the skin and stays active for one month.
i looked up the ingredients and they are pesticides that affect the nervous system; is that safe?
Fipronil - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Methoprene - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yes, both Frontline Plus and Frontline spray are absorbed into the skin and stay active for 1 month.
Yes, they are pesticides, as are ALL effective flea meds. There are of course some holistic ways that you could go, but it's my understanding that they have to be reapplied every time you go outside, and I'm just not sure how effective they are.
According to Merial, all Frontline products are safe to use on pregnant and lactating females, which is not the case for other flea meds (k9 Advantix, for one...)
It's a tough call. You could always not use anything until you see a flea...I know some YT'ers do that.

2 Yorkies, one a 3 pounder, and a Silky, and after two years, no problems and almost no fleas or ticks.........

Occasionally, a tick will still latch on and bite, but then dries up...

so far, so good, switched FROM Frontline + and Advantix as tick activity was increasing with these products.......

Don't use this product
 

I also have a mini dashhound and it was terrible!!! She could not even get up to chase the cat! She kept shaking her head and her right back leg was shaking so bad. Hardly had any sleep and took her to the vets first thing on monday morning. 2 shots, 3 dawn baths later didn't help and neither did Vectra! I think this had everything to do with your pet passing away. 13 years old and in good health still had alot of miles to go. My baby is hopefully okay now but I have been reading alot on liver damage from this product. I don't think I will ever trust anyone on "a great new product" until the Vet takes it himself.

I agree
 

if the vet tries it on himself first and is okay after a couple of years, I'll trust it :cool:
I hope your baby is okay. awww, poor little baby couldn't even chase the kitty :(