Can anyone recommend an effective way to rid my dog of fleas? It's the first time I have had to deal with this problem and I don't know what to use. I've already tried 4fleas last week but I picked a few off him today. He doesn't mix with other dogs so I don't know where he's picked them up from.
                         Gill

Most fleas found on dogs are actually cat fleas! ;) They can also pick them up from hedgehogs and rabbits ...

I find Frontline spray to be the best at dealing with fleas - none of the petshop remedies are really any good (petshop-bought wormers aren't much cop either), so get proper stuff from your vet.

Just out of interest, why doesn't he mix with other dogs?

Thanks for that, Jeangenie, I'll be making an appointment tomorrow. When I said he doesn't mix with other dogs, I meant that none of my friends or family own dogs, so the only time he see's other dogs is when we're out for walks, but he's not actually touching them to have caught fleas from them. I don't let him off the lead when I see other dogs as he tends to race up to them and whether it's a dog or a bitch, he will insist on mounting them!!

Hi, I generally put a little squirt of Garlic paste into my Dogs dinners every day. My dogs have NEVER had fleas, even though I own 2 cats as well! They have a lot of hair to hide in too as they are Newfies! I think the smell/taste of the Garlic discourages fleas from settling for some reason(probably the same way that the continentals don't get bitten to death by Mozzies, the way that we do) The only word if caution I must give you is that Garlic belongs to the same 'family' as Onions, and onions can have a nasty effect on doggies! However I have never had a problem with that either. All the best, Dawn :D

I find Frontline spot on or Advantix to be the best at dealing with fleas.  You can get both from your vet.  You should always buy flea, tick and wormer treatments from your vet, because there is a big difference in effectiveness between the ones you can buy in a pet shop and those the vet sells.  (As you're finding out!)

You should also worm your dog, because fleas carry the tapeworm and transfer the larvae when they bite.  Again, get the wormer from your vet - Drontal + is the most effective wormer on the market.

Get Frontline from your vet, it will kill from egg to flea and is one of the only effective flea killers.  Also get a house spray from your vet.  A lot of these over the counter flea controls are really not much good, always go to your vet.

How often should you use Frontline?  My pup was done by the vet at 12 weeks and is now 20 wks old.  Is it a monthly treatment or six monthly (I can't remember what the vet told me :-(  Senility starting already!)

Hi Kate B it is a monthly treatment, they usually sell them in packs of three or six, which is why you are probably confused.  But don't worry, if you have forgotten, I have 5 dogs and 2 cats, and loads of open fields around me with all sorts of little critters in them and I ALWAYS forget to do them, on average I probably remember every 3 months, but Frontline is so good, I have never seen a flea yet!!!  Highly recommend it.

Thanks for that Lyssa.  I must call in at the vets tomorrow and buy some - and then remember to write it down!

the spray will last fro up to 3 months the spot on is advised monthly bit will last up to two months.

Personally if the dog is actually carrying fleas I woudl redoo them sooner, but do them at the longer intervals as a preventative thereafter.

I have done mine every three motnsh with frontline spray for years.

Initially it is important to use a household spray that sterilises fleas and stops the larval fleas hatching, a proiduct like Aclaim will protect your house for 6 months.

I have found that I no longer need to use the household spray wityh giving regular 3 monthly preventative doses of Frontline Spray.

If you have found fleas dont forget to do the carpets etc. Although some of the modern flea treatments will eradicate these too over a period of time. I prefer to go round with the steam cleaner and 'zap' them al :D

Thanks bluebell, that's my next job. All his bedding has been boiled too!!

Fleas can be a bigger problem this time of year than people generally expect.  Flea eggs can lie dormant for very long periods of time (many months.)  Many homes with animals (including those that visit the garden) have dormant flea eggs hiding in their nooks and crannies.  These eggs are stimulated into hatching by vibrations and heat which is why they can become a problem when the central heating comes on for the first time since the summer!!  I therefore recommend the use of a powerful household spray to help break the flea life cycle as well as a good 'ol blast of frontline directly onto the pet!
Sarah

Tell me about it Rozzer! Guess what I found on flynn's belly last night? Yep, a little sitting tennant! Off to the vets for Frontline as I appear to be all out and some Drontal while I'm at it.