Fleas!

[schnzrluv]

When I was scratching Chloe's belly this morning a flea went running by! I've had her on Sentinal since she was a puppy, and this is the first time I've had any trouble. I understand that sentinal will keep the eggs from hatching but will not keep fleas off. My question is should I be using something topical along with the sentinal? My groomer claims that this year fleas have been really bad.


TIA! Lindsey

[IceyBlueSibes]

Is this the product you are using?

http://www.medi-vet.com/Sentinel.aspx

You can use topical medications, but you will also have to use cleaners or powders to get rid of them in your home. Fleas actually breed in the carpet and not just on your dog, so you'll have to get rid of those boogers as well! One product that I have found to work well is Adam's Flea and Tick Spray, which can be found at Pet Supermarket, PetSmart, etc. I wouldn't recommend the shampoo, as my boxer/GSD mix had a reaction to it. His skin became very red and he was very itchy, but the spray never seemed to bother him.

Maybe next time, I could suggest Advantage, Advantix, Frontline, etc. instead of the Sentinel, as these products also deters fleas and I believe kill them off when they bite. But, this is a personal opinion of mine, and you are entitled to use whichever you please. Maybe you could ask your groomer for any topical flea products. But I would definetly spray or bomb for the fleas in your home first.

[schnzrluv]

Thanks so much for the advise. I will call my vet and see about picking up some advantage. Should I be worried about taking her off sentinal and using just a topical? I know sentinal also protects against worms.

I only found a few fleas on Chloe, and haven't seen any in the house but I am going to pick up some stuff from the groomers and spray the carpet and everywhere she has been. I plan on bombing the house next week.

Once again thanks so much!!

[Sugar42517]

Fleas are the worst! You want to stop them as quickly as possible. Try using Frontline. I swear by it!

http://petterritory.com/product_info...roducts_id=652

[IceyBlueSibes]

You're very welcome! Advantage acts pretty much the same as Sentinel. It is applied between the shoulders. Topical sprays are just temporary, and I would suggest using one like advantage. Advantage also protects against worms. I think it would be your best bet, but still discuss it with your veterinarian!

Where there are only a few, there are more! They're sneaky little boogers.

I know sometimes fleas can make a dog so miserable. The rottie I used to have would get so sensitive to fleas, so it was a must that we keep the flea meds on her.