October 17, 2008, Newsletter Issue #258: Flea Products: What Works and What Doesn't

Tip of the Week

If you haven't had to deal with a flea infestation or flea control, you may only know about products like flea sprays, flea powders, flea collars and flea dips. Here is a rundown on what is effective and what really does no good.

Flea powders and flea sprays and topical remedies for your home and sometimes the dog itself. These products are not really very effective and many of the “old school” products contain pesticides and poisons that may make your dog sick. Products like Frontline spray work better, are safer for your dog, and cost about the same (they may in fact cost less because they are so much more effective in the long run).

Flea dips are offered only for dogs because they are not considered safe for cats. Flea dip is a good choice for big dogs, because larger dogs are harder to treat with spot or spray flea control. When you are ready to “dip” your dog, you will need to treat his or her entire body from nose to tail, about every three weeks throughout the spring and summer (prime flea season). Bear in mind that flea dip is a pretty stinky process so it may not be a good option for indoor dogs. Small dogs should be effectively treated with Frontline or Advantage.

Flea collars are cost effective and solid proactive flea control option. If you're pet already has an active flea infestation in his or her coat, it is really too late for flea collars. Additionally flea collars can smell funny and are not great for dogs that are around small kids who love to grab onto collars and promptly suck on their fingers.

*To eliminate fleas and ticks the natural way, give a dog each day 1 heaping tablespoon of brewer´s yeast per 50 pounds of dog and 1 clove of garlic.

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