View Full Version : Getting rid of fleas?
ohLizzz
05-28-2009, 03:39 PM
I believe that my pupppy Rocket has fleas since he is always scratching and nibbling himself and also because I've started getting flea bites! If I want to buy Frontline Plus for my 8month old shih/chi do I need a prescription? Also, does Pet Food Express sell the real deal or is it a bootleg version? AND I want to know how to rid fleas in my house? Any products I can use or anything?
I would suggest talking to your vet. He can tell you exactly what you need to do and can prescribe you something that's appropriate for him.
Over the counter flea medications tend to be misused and can result in injury of some sort to the dog. Not that you would, but this is why they're called "accidents" :D
FredsMom
05-28-2009, 06:58 PM
Like Madison said, go to the vet. Get a prescription for it. Different weights need different doses and you dont always know what you are gonna get when you go with OTC.
For the home? You can get a flea bomb but you need to not be there when it happens (nor can your animals) I believe. And I dont know if its just a few hours or if its something like 24 hours. And you have to do it, wait three days and do it again to kill any eggs that hatched. Take your belongings to a dry cleaner also.
Someone may have less extreme advice though, but thats what my friend had to do
kaitlin
05-28-2009, 10:33 PM
ik there is a flea and tick upholtsry spray made by zodiac.. its an aresol spray and you pretty much SOAK your house with it.. carpets furniture curtains ect... we sell it at the pet store i work in, and we've had positive feedback.. i think you have to stay out of the house or sprayed area for like 3 hours or something.. it says on the bottle.. also just be careful not to overdose the pup with flea meds.. ik some ppl come in and want to buy all the things than can.. flea collars, sprays, shampoos, ect to insure they are killed.. its important to realize that they are pestisides!! they can be harmful to animals and humans alike if there is an overdose..
And never use a flea collar in conjunction with flea medications.
Khloe Poo
06-08-2009, 11:49 PM
I have a 10 wk old toy poodle and i used advantix on her but it didn't work. I took her to Banfield *animal hospital in petsmart* and they said it's probably because I put it on too soon after a bath (within 24 hrs). She said there is nothing I can do except to try again in a few days. Meanwhile, my poor Khloe is miserable. Is there anything else you guys suggest?
BTW, I've also swept, mopped, and sprayed home flea and tick cleaner on the floors and left for an hour to let it take effect. They say she's too young for flea shampoo so I don't want to use that. I also read someplace that I should use dawn but I don't want to do that because I'm afraid it's going to be too harsh for her skin. Heck, dawn is too harsh for my skin so I wash dishes with Ivory. LOL!
FredsMom
06-09-2009, 12:24 PM
Heck, dawn is too harsh for my skin so I wash dishes with Ivory. LOL!
Too Funny.
Yes, you have to wait at least 48-72 hours (I believe) before and after a bath when it comes to flea meds. Meaning you can't put it on for that long after a bath and can't bath for that long after the meds are on. I know its tempting because that stuff is NARSTY but it just needs time to fully absorb.
She may just have to ride it our for a few days. Double check with the vet that its ok to give her another dose, or a partial does, and give it to her when time allows. If you have to wait the full month? Then perhaps give her an oatmeal bath. Its a safe way to reduce the itching. Because she has fleas, though, and because she is so young, watch her when she goes potty. Is she straining too much? Is there anything strange coming out? Flea eggs can give your dog worms if ingested. Not the end of the world by any means and very very common, but something you would need to watch for and take care of (was it tapeworm that comes from flea eggs?). Basically the worms chill out in their little intestines and absorb the nutrition shes getting from her food.
Im not saying to rush her to the vet. Just keep an eye on her and her stool. Make sure she's gaining weight appropriately and if you are questioning anything just call the vet. Let them know she had fleas, that you had to wait a few days before giving her meds and the fleas infested the house and you want to be safe when it comes to worms. She either won't have them or it'll be a very simple solution like a dewormer which is inexpensive.
But yea, for the time being, while you wait to hear about the next course of action, I would suggest an oatmeal bath. It won't cure fleas, but it will help sooth her skin (and naturally condition her coat!)