Flea Preventatives - what do you use?

[bop109]

I live in Texas and use Advantage for Ollie. So far it has been great and seems to last for over a month. I only use it in the warm-hot months.

 

[Super Boo]

Boo gets Sentinal and Frontline because we wash her pretty often. She is out in the grass and bushes and we have ticks. I don't want to have to put anything on out cats (indoor) from Boo bringing home fleas & ticks.

 

[diego's heart]

Another natural remedy I've not seen before:

Lemon Tonic
"Use a lemon skin tonic - lemon is an effective skin toner and a parasite repellent because it contains d-limonene, among other substances. Thinly slice a whole lemon, including the peel. Add to a pint of near-boiling water and steep overnight. Sponge onto your pet's skin and coat and let air dry. Can be used daily."

I copied this from our holistic vet's website @ http://www.mercyvet.com/flea2.htm - great article about natural, comprehensive flea prevention including environment.

Regarding fresh garlic, unfortunately Diego's system can't handle. Last summer he developed colitis when I started adding a minced clove every 2 days. Poor boy became lethargic, didn't eat or drink even :(. This season I'll try the lemon tonic, powdered garlic and brewer's yeast but *after* meeting with the holistic vet so I don't upset his system again. Alisha Mobley praises Apple Cider Vinegar 1-2 tsp on top of food, 2 to 3 days/week and a good spritz before going on outings in high risk environments !

~ Lisa

 

[Krookeddave]

First, we used Advantage, didn't work. Then we used Frontline plus until we found out that Madison has Demodex. The frontline was ok but still found an occasional flea or two. Our vet put her on Ivomec for her Demodex and told us to stop using frontline and her heartworm preventative for the duration of her Ivomec treatment. We still see the occasional fleas but not bad. We live in south Louisiana where there are many bugs, especially mosquitoes. Madison is also in the water some and our vet said that the frontline was more waterproof than the advantage. So, we are not sure what to do.

 

[alygator]

We used Advantage for a long time. Now we use Advantix and the both of our dogs are doing good with it. Dexter our little guy has had problems with the dosage being to strong, but we fixed that and they both do great with it.

 

[Loke]

We use Advantage on Corgan, the sheltie. Loke doesn't get fleas. Corgan can't have a single flea on him because if he does he breaks out and it's an itchfest! Advantage is the first one that doesn't give him a bad patch where it is applied so it's a keeper!!

Lenna

 

[dukie's mom]

I didn't think boxers got fleas. I've seen the odd one on them, but never any to stay. I will look better from now on, but hopefully our luck will hold.

 

[Kylie_L]

I use frontline .....but i would eventually not like to use it anymore..its to messy...how much garlic powder do i use and how often?

 

[AntJan]

Kylie L -
About the garlic, we started giving Nikki garlic powder 3 months ago when I started this post. I just give her a very light sprinkle with her breakfast. But in the cold months, I'll definitely lessen the amount. I know some who give fresh garlic -- 1 clove about 3 times a week. I use garlic powder because it's just easier for me.

Remember: Use fresh garlic or garlic powder -- not garlic salt.

 

[LAYLAMOMMY24]

I have always used sentinel on all my dogs it is so easy. It protects against heart works 3 other types of worms and fleas. It does not protect against ticks but I have only had one on Layla and it was very easy to find being as her hair is so short..