Fleas and ticks

[carolyn fornell]

Ticks have come early to Pa. Glory had one a couple of weeks ago that I did not discover by grooming. I have been using Frontline but it doesn't seem to be doing the trick. We also had an episode of fleas in the fall- I have never had fleas! Plus I have had lime disease twice and I am ever vigilant about  the dogs and cats. I am hearing that Advantix K-9 is now better. Any help?

[Dixie Moore]

Hi Carolyn,

I've only ever seen a couple of ticks, but I can say that Frontline has been ineffective for me for fleas. I started using Advantix, and it works very well. I have also started giving a supplement called Bug Off Garlic, which is basically brewers yeast with garlic. I used to use it very successfully for fleas, and when I stopped, they attacked full force.

 

I buy all of my Advantix from www.canpharm.com. I have bought it there for a couple of years. It takes about two weeks to get it, so you have to make sure not to run out. 

 

My mom told me that the reason we have so few ticks is because fire ants have all but eradicated them in this area. It's nice to know that fire ants are good for something!

 

Dixie

[Merrill Kirkpatrick]

I have my dogs on Sentinel heart worm medicine.  It also prevents flea eggs from spreading or hatching.  I have never had a problem yet (I am knocking on wood)!

[Charmaine Mire]

I have the same problem, although I use Advantix. Our trainer/shelter folks say that Frontline seems to help more with ticks and Advantix more with fleas, but I don't have personal experience with this. She did suggest spraying Adams' Flea and tick spray topically before taking our dog out to the park, etc. I don't know if this is practical for you. We haven't tried it yet.

[Christine & Shelby]

Carolyn,

I have Shelby on Vectra 3D.  It is similar to Frontline and Advantix - but is available from my Vet - turns out it is a bit cheaper too.  I have been pleased with it.  I haven't see a flea or tick on Shelby since I've had her.... she is also on Sentinel Heartworm Medicine - which would take care of any flea eggs.   Not a lot of fleas in my area of TX either, but we do have a park here where the ticks are pretty bad - I just avoid that park during tick season.

Good luck!