Frustrated! Flea Meds NOT working.?

[gracielove]

I agree with Teegy about the diatomaceous earth. It can be used indoors and out. It is an all natural product (a powder like substance) that can even be taken internally but works well for destroying hard shelled bugs in the home and outside. It can be purchased online at a bulk rate and is much less costly that way.

If he is only in the yard when he goes out it would help a lot to treat that area so he isn't bringing them inside after being out there.

[Teegy]

If it's a controlled environment such as your own garden, you can get nematodes for your backyard, they are microscopic worms that actively seek out insects, like those pesky fleas and kill them

[107barney]

I've used frontline for 14 years and haven't had a flea or tick. I have applied it after baths many times as long as the coat is dry it's not an issue. I know some people are against chemicals and most of those people that I've heard of end up with fleas and infestations. I could never stand to have a bug on my dog so it's frontline for us. Good luck!

[107barney]

Originally Posted by jp4m2

I'm sorry your having to deal with this problem it can be frustrating.....If there are fleas on the pup then there's fleas in the home, particularly where the pup lays. The most effective and the safest way to get rid of fleas in the home is constant vacuuming. You have to get all the baseboards and in cracks and crevices. This may take weeks of doing this so keep your vacuum idling.

I've never used the products you've mentioned but if it's anything like Frontline it can't be applied right after bathing the pup. The skin is to have the oils for the product to work properly. Having said that You have to be careful how many of these products your applying. Even though they don't seem to be working the pup was still exposed to the chemicals. This can be a problem if too many are applied in a short amount of time.

Some of these products are losing their effectiveness. People in my area have no luck with Frontline. It's possible we may be creating super fleas like we did with the over use of antibiotics. I hope you find something to get this under control...good luck.

These are some great tips to get rid of fleas in your home. I've never had fleas so couldn't comment on how difficult a problem it is or how to get rid of them so definitely take some of the advice of people who have been through it first hand. I can't imagine I would be able to deal with vacuuming fleas for weeks on end and would probably call an exterminator. In terms of prevention going forward, I do have experience with that and posted about my use of frontline.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by gracielove

I agree with Teegy about the diatomaceous earth. It can be used indoors and out. It is an all natural product (a powder like substance) that can even be taken internally but works well for destroying hard shelled bugs in the home and outside. It can be purchased online at a bulk rate and is much less costly that way.

If he is only in the yard when he goes out it would help a lot to treat that area so he isn't bringing them inside after being out there.

My concern with diatomaceous earth is that it should not be inhaled. It's all natural, but silica is not good if inhaled. My brother works in a business that requires all of the male employees to shave their beards so that their OSHA required masks fit tightly enough to protect them from breathing in the silica.

Something to think about when using this powder. I know the kind used is 'food grade,' but usually it isn't dusted on top of things.

Originally Posted by 107barney

I've used frontline for 14 years and haven't had a flea or tick. I have applied it after baths many times as long as the coat is dry it's not an issue. I know some people are against chemicals and most of those people that I've heard of end up with fleas and infestations. I could never stand to have a bug on my dog so it's frontline for us. Good luck!

Frontline is proving to be not 100% effective in some areas, like here in the Central Atlantic states. I don't know if the formula has changed, or if the fleas are growing immune to it. We have only seen one flea this year, but it is still early. August through October will be the true test.

Had 2 ticks this year, 1 on Teddy and 1 on me. Caught them both before they had a chance to bite. I didn't have my Frontline though.

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by Maximo

My concern with diatomaceous earth is that it should not be inhaled. It's all natural, but silica is not good if inhaled. My brother works in a business that requires all of the male employees to shave their beards so that their OSHA required masks fit tightly enough to protect them from breathing in the silica.

Something to think about when using this powder. I know the kind used is 'food grade,' but usually it isn't dusted on top of things.

Frontline is proving to be not 100% effective in some areas, like here in the Central Atlantic states. I don't know if the formula has changed, or if the fleas are growing immune to it. We have only seen one flea this year, but it is still early. August through October will be the true test.

Had 2 ticks this year, 1 on Teddy and 1 on me. Caught them both before they had a chance to bite. I didn't have my Frontline though.

Also, it's not said in her post that there are different types of diatomaceous earth. IMO this should have clearly been stated in the suggestion. You are very correct that it's dangerous when inhaled. Personally, I'd stick with vacuuming and frontline and not be sprinkling dust about my home and bedding.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Maximo

My concern with diatomaceous earth is that it should not be inhaled. It's all natural, but silica is not good if inhaled. My brother works in a business that requires all of the male employees to shave their beards so that their OSHA required masks fit tightly enough to protect them from breathing in the silica.

Something to think about when using this powder. I know the kind used is 'food grade,' but usually it isn't dusted on top of things.

Frontline is proving to be not 100% effective in some areas, like here in the Central Atlantic states. I don't know if the formula has changed, or if the fleas are growing immune to it. We have only seen one flea this year, but it is still early. August through October will be the true test.

Had 2 ticks this year, 1 on Teddy and 1 on me. Caught them both before they had a chance to bite. I didn't have my Frontline though.

It works here and we have tons of ticks. I don't have fleas so it must work there too. I hear claims from people here saying it doesn't work. If they are comfy using the more toxic permetherin then go for it but I can't and wont round an epileptic dog.

[107barney]

Let me add this - I would use sentinel for fleas if frontline didn't work. It can be used with frontline and with revolution. Some say you're "doubling up" on flea meds that way but both our vet and IMS told me it's not a big deal. I would rather double up than use permetherin.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by 107barney

It works here and we have tons of ticks. I don't have fleas so it must work there too. I hear claims from people here saying it doesn't work. If they are comfy using the more toxic permetherin then go for it but I can't and wont round an epileptic dog.

Frontline has not been 100% effective against fleas for my dogs in Virginia, but I still use it. I tried another topical on Teddy, Advantage, but had to wash it off right away because he had a skin reaction to it.

If I am not mistaken, vets in Florida do not bother recommending Frontline because it is not effective against the fleas (jokingly referred to as the state bird) there. Unless Florida vets are just anti-Frontline for some reason.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Frontline has not been 100% effective against fleas for my dogs in Virginia, but I still use it. I tried another topical on Teddy, Advantage, but had to wash it off right away because he had a skin reaction to it.

If I am not mistaken, vets in Florida do not bother recommending Frontline because it is not effective against the fleas (jokingly referred to as the state bird) there. Unless Florida vets are just anti-Frontline for some reason.

I have no idea. There are favorite products vets carry and use across the board. I'm assuming if a vet sells the product in an area, they must think it is working. If it isn't, and fleas are a concern I would be using sentinel and not advantix.

[Cat2861]

Hi Heather....My daughter has a 5 lb yorkie who is 3 years old now and he has been on Revolution/Stronghold (for puppies/kittens-Mauve box) since he was 3 months old. She had him in Virginia and now in Florida (where the fleas are bad). He has never had a flea or tick or a reaction from it. I had two miniature dachshunds that I used Frontline Plus on them and they never had a flea or tick on them. My dachshunds have since past and I now have a 2.3 lb yorkie puppy and I haven't started him on Revolution/Stronghold yet. I just recently ordered my daughters flea medicine and I ordered a box for my Remy. I will be starting him on it soon (giving him more time to gain weight). My vet gave me one tablet of Comfortis and told me to give it to Remy when he reached 2 lbs. However, I feel more comfortable using Revolution because I know it works plus I don't think Remy will eat it. Below are the benefits of Revolution/Stronghold.

Benefits:
. Protects your pet from heartworms and fleas
. Fights both internal and surface parasitic infections
. Treats Sarcoptic mange in dogs
. Treats and controls ear mites
. Controls American Dog Tick infestation
. Treats and controls roundworms and hookworms in cats
. Only administered once a month
. Safe and easy to use

**** I also order the flea medicines from Pet Supplies Net. They are in Australia. I have been ordering from them for over 10 years now because they have very very good prices. A 3 pack (tubes) of Revolution is only $26.95 and I believe shipping is $3.99. It takes about 7 to 10 days to receive it. When my dachshunds were here I would always order the 6 pack of Frontline Plus for $47***

I hope this helps.

[bellajayne]

Thank you for all of the suggestions...at this point I need to wait a few weeks to put any type of topical on him. I have been consistent with vacuuming and changing bedding but still find an occasional flea on him. I am bathing him every couple of days with an oatmeal flea shampoo. Thankfully I have not seen a tick on him and I'm told the deer ticks are bad around here this year.


It is frustrating! I pride myself in keeping a clean house and it feels like this is something I would be battling if that were not the case....


My husband LOVES Guinness and otherwise this is the type of thing that would drive him crazy but he knows I have taken preventative measures that just don't seem to work. My 17 year old son seems to be getting the brunt of it...apparently he is sweet to fleas and his ankles are really bit up Guinness sleeps with us and neither my husband or myself seem to have bites.?


I think I will continue to do as I am, though it can be a pain I prefer to try to avoid any more chemicals...I worry about any reaction from Guinness as he is only 4-5lbs.


Again, thank you for all your helpful suggestions!

[chestermama]

Flea busters is the only way to go for your house

[gracielove]

Originally Posted by Maximo

My concern with diatomaceous earth is that it should not be inhaled. It's all natural, but silica is not good if inhaled. My brother works in a business that requires all of the male employees to shave their beards so that their OSHA required masks fit tightly enough to protect them from breathing in the silica.

Something to think about when using this powder. I know the kind used is 'food grade,' but usually it isn't dusted on top of things.

Frontline is proving to be not 100% effective in some areas, like here in the Central Atlantic states. I don't know if the formula has changed, or if the fleas are growing immune to it. We have only seen one flea this year, but it is still early. August through October will be the true test.

Had 2 ticks this year, 1 on Teddy and 1 on me. Caught them both before they had a chance to bite. I didn't have my Frontline though.

There are two different types of diatomaceous earth. One type is used in swimming pool equipment and can be toxic. The kind that is used for the treatment of various types of parasites is totally organic and can even be taken internally.
Any type of powder can be inhaled and caution should be used especially by people with respiratory problems. People who mine or work with DE on a regular basis (or any airborne materials) do need to have extra protection for their respiratory systems. Using organic DE around the house to eliminate fleas or ticks are exposing themselves to much less danger than using a commercial flea powder but if anyone in the home has respiratory problems they should leave the room while it is being applied.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by gracielove

There are two different types of diatomaceous earth. One type is used in swimming pool equipment and can be toxic. The kind that is used for the treatment of various types of parasites is totally organic and can even be taken internally.
Any type of powder can be inhaled and caution should be used especially by people with respiratory problems. People who mine or work with DE on a regular basis (or any airborne materials) do need to have extra protection for their respiratory systems. Using organic DE around the house to eliminate fleas or ticks are exposing themselves to much less danger than using a commercial flea powder but if anyone in the home has respiratory problems they should leave the room while it is being applied.

I did indicate in my post that the DE to be used is 'food grade.' It isn't just people/pets with respiratory problems who should be concerned about inhaling it. DE is silica, even the food grade variety. There are people sprinkling this on their pets and carpets daily thinking it is safe because it is natural.