Fleas, ticks and treatments: Dec 23

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.

I think this may have been compounded by the mild wet weather this autumn which may have made spot on treatments less effective.

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.

Good 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 much more environmentally friendly product because the spot on product then doesn’t enter the water system which can be problematic to wildlife.

Flea treating your home and vehicle

We’ve found RIP Fleas Extra to be a really effective 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.

Fleas, ticks and treatments: Dec 23

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.

What’s the best flea treatment for my dog?

What’s the best flea treatment?

The most effective flea treatment, in our many years of experience, is Advocate. It can cure dogs or cats of fleas and also prevent them catching them if they come into contact with them on another animal or in a particular environment.

Does it cover anything else?

Advocate is the most comprehensive product available and covers a range of other conditions. These are roundworm, hookworm, heartworm and ear mites in dogs. It also treats lungworm, whipworm, biting lice, sarcoptes and demodex.

How do I give my pet this treatment?

This is what is known as a ‘spot on’ treatment. It is a liquid in a pipet that you put on the back of your cat or dog’s neck once a month.  Try not to stroke or cuddle them in that area for about 24 hours or wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Where can I get my flea treatment?

All good flea treatments require a prescription. At Happy Hounds & Cooler Cats we insist on this if your dog is to mix with other dogs. So you will need to see your vet as no vet in the UK can prescribe medication without physically seeing the animal first. A prescription can be fulfilled by your vet OR you can often get cheaper deals online if you have the prescription. You can discuss how long a prescription your vet will give you and ask about the possibility of repeat prescriptions.  Each dose of advocate lasts 1 month, though some animals have a shorter cycle and may need treatment every 28 days or so.  Keep a close eye on your pets and see if they start scratching.

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