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The great flea med debate I'm one of those who does not like giving my dogs topical flea meds. I don't like the idea of putting pesticide on their skin and having it absorbed into their system. Our girls haven't had topical flea meds for four years or more. That being said, I am moving to an apartment complex where I cannot control the outdoor environment. I plan to take Riley on walks in public areas including around a lake. Does anyone know if there have been any advances or new ideas for flea prevention in the last few years? I haven't been on this forum in ages and feel behind the times ;) |
If it were only fleas we had to worry about, I would never use anything. Our problem is ticks. They are really bad in our area and carry scary diseases. Teddy has had several very bad tick bites, but thankfully, never picked up any disease. I hate putting pesticide on them too. There are "natural" alternatives that include essential oils, but those require diligent study because they can be harmful if done incorrectly. |
My personal preference is not to put any pesticides on my furbutts. When we are walking in unknown areas or in woodsy and wet areas, I spray a light mist of lemon juice (from organic lemons)/water on them before going out. We have never had fleas (knock on wood) and ticks are something I check for on a daily basis but don't treat them with any chemicals. I believe in the many uses of essential oils and have been incorporating them into our lifestyle. But you do need to do your research on them as far as using for pet purposes. Lavender oil is one I have used on the dogs (diluted) and never had issues.. Only true Organic pure essential oils, though, so check it out.] Again, do your research first :) Some oils are toxic to cats. Here is a couple good links for info on natural alternatives: Natural, Non-toxic Flea Control: Safe products and solutions | Eartheasy.com 5 Solutions for Natural Flea Control | Care2 Healthy Living http://www.joys-of-lavender.com/flea-control.html |
We normally do not have a problem with either flea or ticks but this past fall is was bad. I had to do something. Didn't want to buy the expensive stuff and hear about Pet Armor from Wal Mart. I used it and it did an OK job. But a few months later I noticed that three of the four has skin tags/ a little bump around the same areas where I applied the medicine. Not sure what it could be or if it is something unrelated. Will ask my vet about it during their next checkups. Come to find out that they didn't even have fleas...just fall allergies. Now if I could find something to control the Exteam itching, that would be great. |
Since no one's mentioned it, try Comfortis. It's a pill form of flea preventative. I was interested in it when it came out a few years ago but I never tried it until recently. The smallest dosage is for dogs 5-10 lbs, but Harley is 4-4.5 pounds. I cut it into two pieces and gave them to her on separate days. She's done fine with it (I gave it to her about a week or after giving her the Sentinel). There are other users on this board who have used Comfortis and like it as well. |
I like advantix topical the best. We have both fleas and also ticks that carry lymes disease. I also live in a beach community, so usually we don't get enough real cold weather to kill everything. I keep it on year round. I used frontline before and one of mine actually contracted lymes disease while on frontline. I have tried some of the natural products but I personally didn't find them very effective. |
I use flea/tick meds on Delilah, but only when she needs it. I normally stop using it during winter and start putting it back on her in the spring. It's not the fleas... it's the ticks. I live on three acres and we have tons of them!!! |
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