Hi Everyone,
I am thinking of trying flea preventative drops on my show dog.  I have a long haired terrier and wondered if the drops you put on the back of the neck effect their coat?
Thanks to all.

I used to use these drops on my cat (I had a different vet to what I have now) and asked my current vet about using them on my dog (border terrier - not show).  My vet said if the animals don't have a flea problem then why use them at all (it was up to me to decide).  Neither of my pets seem to have a flea problem so I don't use anything now, I just check them regularly.  I have heard that on rare occasions animals can react to these drops but perhaps go back and ask your vet.

CG

Thanks CG I will ask my vet to see what he thinks.  You know what its like when you go to the vets (hopefully occasionally), you remember the immediate thing you took your pet for and forget everything else.  I have used Advantage for years on my cat, but this is the first time I have had the pleasure of a show dog.  It occurred to me that being as the drops affect the whole of the animals skin, could the hair growth and condition also be effected.  My little terrier is long haired and I would hate to ruin her coat.  She hasn't got fleas at the moment but I bet it would be a nightmare to treat her once infected under all that fur :(

I always flapped about fleas and had always used the drops on my cats (hadn't had a dog for some time) but to be honest my current cat is long haired and doesn't seem to have any fleas.  Neither does my dog.  I think you're right to be wary about chemicals affecting your dog's coat but check with your vet.  Many don't charge just for a question - or phone and ask, then they can't send you a bill :D  Flea infestations aren't actually a major problem.  Just take the animal outside, comb all the fleas out and drown them and treat the house with that (very expensive) spray that the vet will sell you.  A word of caution (from experience) don't buy any flea stuff from the supermarkets - it's a complete waste of money.  Good luck showing your wee dog!

CG

Easy in some breeds CG, imposible in others! Flea infestation can be a major problem! I found in the past that with a short coated breed such as my Dalmatian I would see a flea in second of it arriving. In a heavy coat such as a Labrador's it can get quite bad before you even know. And if it is a Black Lab I bet you will be scratching before you see a flea on your dog, and that is if you EVER see the fleas against the black coat!

Regards, John

We routinely use flea drops on all of ours, the show dogs, pets and brood bitches.  I have found it to be essential in both dogs who are around lots of other dogs (eg at shows) and dogs who get lots of countryside excercise.  I use Stronghold, which is also effective on worms, mites etc, and Mike uses Frontline.  Neither have any adverse effect on coats at all.
bye
Gwen

I was advised by my vet to give my dogs daily garlic capsules, apparently even if a stray flea does get onto the dog the garlic in the blood is not very attractive to the flea and therefore the flea can't live on the dog, more importantly it can't breed. I tried frontline when I first got my dogs but discovered that I am allergic to it and so had to look into alternative and so far I have had the dogs of 8 months and haven't had any problems with them.

Hope this is helpful.

Love
Joanne xx 

Thanks CG, John, Gwen and Joanne for your insight into this much feared condition .... I am scratching already:(  My dog is black and long haired so as you say John, I may well be infested before finding them on her.  I like the idea of giving her garlic as a natural deterrent too.  Gwen, you have put my mind at rest about flea drops affecting her coat.  I have used Frontline and Advantage on my cat and other dog before with no ill effects, but I never had a long haired dog before. 
Thanks for your help, its much appreciated :)
Christine

A friend of mine swore by Garlic but it's something I've never used. My problems are worse than most because my dogs spend so much of their time in close contact with sheep and cattle, wildlife of all kinds including foxes, deer, squirrels and birds to name just a few.

Two nights ago I was sitting quietly watching TV and scratching Anna's ears when a Flea hopped off of her onto my arm, did a song and dance routine and returned to the relative safety of her coat! She was "Frontlined" again in moments!

I hate dogs! ;)

John

lol at John.  I have a very long coated breed and frontline her about 1 - 2 times a year (only because I also have cats), but I can honestly say I have never seen a flea on her or the cats.  I frontlined her yesterday and she seems a bit down today, but I have never noticed that it affects her coat in any way.

Fiona

I treat every 3 months, and have not seen a flea for years, which I put down to using the treatment!  I also have a cat (who gets treated too).  I routinely give garlic capsules as well, and use a Tea Tree and Lavender spray, mixed with water, in the grooming room, which are natural deterrents!
bye
Gwen