What to do about the fleas?

Question

My dog has had fleas I have been trying to get rid of for some time now. I have used one dose of advantage and two doses of frontline, and it does not seem to be getting any better. I have also tried a flea shampoo, which worked briefly but not long-term. She has been to the vet because of her excessive rear-end l*****g and was given an anti-inflammatory shot due to her being allergic to flea bites.

Anywho, I have heard that sprays, powders, etc for the carpets and furniture are dangerous for pets, especially for one that likes to l**k the carpet and couch like mine does. I believe this is where the fleas are staying, since once I put a dose of frontline on her, the fleas seem to be gone for a couple weeks, but are back in full force soon after. I have recently gotten a kitten who is now also infested, though I put a dose of frontline on her the day after I got her.

Suggestions?

Answer 1

Use Frontline or ProMeris as directed (and atleast two days before or after bathing the animal).  Get an exterminator to come to your home to get rid of the fleas in the environment.  Store-bought flea sprays don't work as well as exterminator products.

Answer 2

i am having the same problem. i've used both frontline and advantage for years and they always worked fine. this year is another story. boric acid is supposed to be one of the best ways to treat your home. you can get the powder at home depot and you sprinkle it on carpets and furniture, let it sit for 24 hours and then vacuum. you and your pet will need to stay away overnight though. wash all bedding too and treat your dog for fleas b4 returning home. any residue left after vacuuming should not be harmful to your dog.  

now i tried this recently and it definately helped to lessen the problem but it didn't solve it. i just think the weather this year has made the flea problem 100x worse and we may just have to wait out the flea season to get real relief.

hope this helps cause believe that i know your pain.

Answer 3

Since I have had this problem and know how hard it is to get rid of them, I can tell you the only way to rid yourself of them. It sounds like you have done the right things, but you also have to treat your yard. You can get some good ones at Home Depot, or Lowes. Spray as much of your yard as you can. Use the frontline, and get flea bombs for every room in your house. When you set them off, make sure all family members and all pets are out of the house. If by chance you have a fish tank, cover it well. This will work if you do all of these things. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

You are "dead" right about not using poisons around pets or children. The reason for reinfection is in your question. The fleas are residing in your furniture and carpets. The following method has been used by me successfully for years: In the evening, before you go to bed, use a cake pan, or similar container, and add a couple drops of dish soap. Then fill 1/2 full with water. Place the pan in the middle of the room with the infected furniture. Use a clamp light with a shade around it on the leg of a kitchen chair, and position it directly over the pan, about 8" above it. Turn off all other lights in the room, and go to bed. In the morning, examine the pan. It will have fleas in the bottom. The soap breaks the tension on the surface of the water. When fleas see the light, they jump toward it, and fall into the pan of water, and drown. Just pour the water (and fleas) down the drain. Re-set the trap each night until fleas are no longer caught. (Flea eggs hatch in 2 weeks, so keep the trap active at least 3 weeks.) You may have to trap in other rooms also. Good luck.

P.S. This will work in the yard also. Just don't set it up on nights when rain is expected.