On Wednesday tickling my springer's tummy I discovered a creepy crawlie under his armpit. Thinking nothing of it until I saw a few more then he was straight into the bath. Being late at night we could only use his tea tree shampoo until we could get something else. We were however able to spray the house with Bob Martins house spray and his bedding. After doing some research I confirmed it was fleas and learnt the best ways to deal with them (Thanks a lot to you guys) The last few days have been interesting picking them off and washing poor Max every night.
I just wanted to say that some people criticised the pet shop brands of treatment favouring vet supplied products. Unfortunately I have to disagree with this. Until about two/three weeks ago we used Shaw's Parapet shampoo but recently due to availability we tried a different kind - tea tree. It may be a complete coincendence that he has since had fleas (He hasn't even been anywhere new or in contact with another animal) but treating him and our house the last few days has been fine without resorting to more expensive brands (A carrier bag full from Pets at Home). We are virtually flea free and are still treating for the anticipation of unhatched eggs etc. I'm today buying a steam cleaner! to do the job throughly, and the flea collar in the hoover I have heard from a number of people is v affective. I did not know that worms and fleas problems were so closely related so he is also being wormed today, although he was due for treatment in the next few weeks anyway. Thanks for you help.

YOu are making a very wise choice with the steam cleaner they fantastic. Also great for general cleaning as well as they little %$£&*@~
:-D

Some of the pet store brands for prevention on the dog can actually be quite dangerous. Pet store stuff for treating the infestation - no problem.

We use Programme from the vets - it sterilizes the fleas so they can't reproduce, so even if the dog does get the odd flea here and there nothing can come of it.

Wendy

I have to say that I found that Frontline from the vets works out so much cheaper than anything from the pet shop. I haven't seen a live flea since I started using it with my present dog after he collapsed as a pup after treating with pup flea powder - he's allergic to Pyrethrum and Permethrin. We had to use something as the garden was infested with cat fleas.

Wendy, Can you give me any further details on the dangers of pet store brands? That would definately put me off buying them again if they were harmful. I wouldn't have thought that they would sell them and i have been very careful about following the instructions

Can any suggest a product or a way to get two dead fleas out of his ear?!? Max is v sensitive when it comes to touching his ears and can get a bit tetchy. Seems like a v minor reason to visit the vet but do not want any infections

I don't have the studies - nor do I have a brand in front of me to tell you what ingredient it is, but there are some ingredients in pet store brands that are, not so much dangerous, but can make dogs sick. A lot of dogs can react badly, vomiting, diarrheah etc. I have heard enough bad stories 1st or 2nd hand over the past several years to not even think about going down that route. Flea treatment from the vets honestly isnt' that much more expensive.

As for getting the fleas out of his ear, probably best done by a professional:( If he's very sensetive you're best to go ahead to the vets (better safe than sorry), and also discuss with your vet what is reasonable and economical way of treating.

Just a thought of cost-effectiveness. You have probably spent as much or more on the 'cleanup' from him getting fleas as you would have if you'd used a prevention from the vet. Seems cheaper at the time, but in the long run can take forever. Also, 3 weeks down the road you may still have new ones from ones that have hatched and stuff. I feel it's better to get rid of them before the problem happens, but this is just my own personal choice.

hth

Wendy