Hi,

I wondered if anyone else in the Kent/East Sussex area have been having problems with 'Super' Fleas or something, as my Labrador and I know of 4 other dogs in the area that have developed a rash and what looks like 'White head' spots & scabs on their bellies.
I currently use frontline which doesn't seem to work and 2 of the other dogs have been tried on both Frontline (Various flavours) and other pet shop products & shampoo

I spent a week in Cornwall last week and my dogs belly cleared up, But now I've been back for 4 days and she's started scratching again.

My house is clear from fleas, and none of us have actually managed to find fleas on the dogs / in our homes, which makes me think that this isn't a flea problem (The dogs have not come in contact with each other so it's not something that has been spread between them)

They all get walked in local fields and bedgebury Forrest.

Lastly I have heard that a clove of garlic fed to them can combat fleas is this correct and has anyone tried it ?

Thanks, Tim

Hi Tim,

Sounds more like an allergic reaction than fleas to me.  Just wanted to mention that we've had a problem round my way recently with crop spraying causing some dogs severe reactions so as you say you walk in fields, could this be a possibility?

As for the garlic, I swear by it to keep the fleas away - don't use anything else on my dogs!  I understand too much can be toxic though so don't overdo it.

Are you sure it is Fleas ? :)

I give a capsule of odourless garlic a day to each of my Labs and in 18 years have never had fleas on any of my girls

Lucy
xx

I have heard from several breeders that garlic capsules are the only thing they use,I have started giving my 2 the capsules daily and will wait and see what happens after the current Frontline wears off. It also helps to boost immunity which is why I take them myself.

Rhona

Thanks for your comments, I will try the Garlic. Also my lab is in season I presume giving garlic is still ok, only asking because it thins the blood doesn't it ?
Thanks

Hi,
My dog had something similar & the vet has diagnosed her as having berry bugs- otherwise known as harvest mites. The symptoms are v similar to what you have described- whiteheads that turn crusty. She says that lots of dogs that arent usually bothered by them are this year due to the hot weather.
Sharon

Hi,

What size of garlic capsule do you give?

Thanks

Sorry Scarlet I posted above you, but it came after you, if you read my post it will explain, cheers, Dawn

Hi, I actually squirt a bit pf garlic paste on their dinner...works a treat and no frontline or anything needed! About a teaspoon full for the Newfie and a tiny 'ickle bit for the Yorkies...one word of caution, as it's related to the Onion and onions CAN be toxic to dogs, I would start off with a little bit...but myself, and everybody else I know, has never ever had a problem with it...but obviously I needed to warn you just in case!! All the best, Dawn x  (it's also usefull to stop the doggies eating their own poop)

I tried the garlic paste and my dogs refused to eat their dinners until I removed it I started with the capsules last night and the fleas seem very dopey this morning. Mind you, I sprayed the house yesterday, so that may have had something to do with it. Excuse me, I need to go and scratch ;)