[nagdu] alternatives to topical flea/tick meds

[Tracy Carcione]

It's my understanding that the oral meds only get the flea after it has
bitten the dog, and that dogs with bigtime flea allergies can react to
even one or two flea bites.  So I thought I had to use a topical anyway,
even with an oral, to keep the fleas from jumping on and biting.  Is that
not so?  How is it working out, for people just using the pill?
Tracy

> Jeanette,
>     Topical medications seem to be ineffective in Florida due to the
> mutation of fleas that have created an immunity to them. For this reason,
> our vet recommends a oral product called Confortis. You may want to check
> it
> out!
>
> Peace!
> Marion
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jeanette Beal" <bealjk at gmail.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, April 05, 2010 8:55 AM
> Subject: [nagdu] alternatives to topical flea/tick meds
>
>
>> Hi -
>> I have an 80+ lbs black lab who has pretty intense allergies. His skin
>> is
>> generally one giant hot spot from now until October/November. Aside from
>> regular maintenance and preventatives he's doing ok; my only fear is
>> flea/tick medication. I generally stop giving him Frontline in
>> October/November when it gets cold here (MA) and start it up again in
>> April/May. So as it's time to buy a new round of medication I am left
>> feeling a little nervous about my usual topical medication.
>>
>> Drum generally has hot spots on his armpits/crotch/back. These are both
>> seasonal outdoor and food allergies. He also gets rashes at the site of
>> application when I'm using Frontline/Plus on him.  This year I'd like to
>> avoid causing more aggravation and irritation but also want to refrain
>> from
>> earning an infestation of fleas and ticks. I've researched Program but
>> it
>> claims to have no effect on adult fleas - thus my home could be covered
>> in
>> fleas even if they can't reproduce on Drummer. I've looked up the option
>> of
>> doing garlic tabs and program but I don't know if they really work.
>>
>> Ideas? Experiences? Ways to reduce the inflammation/itchiness at the
>> site
>> of
>> application? Crunchy hippie alternatives?
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> Jeanette Beal
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