This is making me itch just writing it!
There have been some problems with fleas lately and there are a few reports about certain products not working especially Advocate which we know a lot of people use.
So, you may need to adjust your treatment regime and go looking for those little critters quite regularly. If your dog is treated correctly and regularly then even if they come into fleas from a cat or another dog, or from rolling around in the forest, then the fleas will be repelled and unable to live on them.
What you can do
Quality: Please use a prescription product: speak to your vet
Timings: Make sure you’re using it as directed. When it says every 4 weeks, then it has to be at least every 4 weeks. Some dogs have a shorter cycle.
Vet: Speak to your vet if you are using a product and your dog still gets fleas. Some products don’t seem to work on all dogs.
Your home: If you do find fleas then you will also need to treat your home and vehicle. This can be an ongoing issue and the lifecycle can be up to a month. Again speak to your vet.
Comb: Use a flea comb regularly to check for fleas.
Getting wet: If your dog is getting wet a lot through, swimming / out in the very heavy rain / is regularly bathed etc, then it can wash off and may need doing more frequently.
Switch it up: If your dog has been on the same flea treatment for a long time then switching product can help as dogs can become immune to a product. Speak to your vet. Over the counter products are generally not good enough, though a flea collar can be used as well as other products.
Alternatives
Bravecto: There is another product, Bravecto which is a prescription chewable tablet that a dog takes quarterly and is an alternative to the spot on products. It doesn’t cover worming (so that needs to be done every quarter – drontal is the usual product for this and they can both be give at the same time ) or lung worm, but is a more environmentally friendly product.
Owner’s commitment
It is each owner’s responsibility to ensure the efficacy of the treatment they are using and to check their dog regularly for fleas and ticks and then to let us know of any problems. Unfortunately dogs cannot attend daycare or group walks, boarding etc until they are flea free. If you do have a flea issue, please let us know immediately and speak to your vet, especially if your product isn’t working.
Thanks as always for your cooperation.