[harley_quinn]

My pug is an inside dog that get's walked regularly, I found a flea on her today and want to know options for flea control. Is Frontline good? I've heard some scary things. Would anybody recommend diatomaceous earth? Are there any adverse affects to this method? I want something that is safe for my pug and my home.

Thanks.

[Marc]

I've used frontline and advantix with no problems and like both. I've used cheaper brands like Hartz and had to rush to the emergency vet. I've heard that diatomacious earth is hard to use and some people mistakingly use the pool grade stuff which is lethal to dogs. I've also had friends use freshly brewed (and cooled) tea as a natural flea killer.

When using any flea treatment, natural or commercial/chemical, keep two things in mind: Only use any flea treatment on a healthy dog unless otherwise directed by a vet, and watch your dog carefully for adverse effects if that's the first time it's used on him.

[harley_quinn]

Thanks about the D. earth warning. I'll look into tea, I want to stay away from harsh chemicals because I'm afraid she'll lap it up. I've read tea tree oil works too but I still need to do some research on that. Thanks a lot for the input.

[CorkyMax]

Here is a link to a thread I did in here a while back: Natural Flea Control

[Lunareclipse]

Use food grade diatomacious earth. That's what I use. Sweet Pea is severely allergic to Frontline and I try to use as many natural things as I can with Luna because some chemicals triggers seizures. I use it mainly in the yard. It is too dusty for inside the house.

[cherylmartin]

I've always used either Frontline (until it stopped working) or K9 Advantix. Fortunately, noone was ever allergic to it.

[angiesample]

Revolution is the best stuff ever! Flea and heartworm plus many other parasites all in one!!

[harley_quinn]

I've never heard of Revolution, I'll look it up thanks.

[PowerNubby]

Be aware.. Revolution doesn't stop ticks!! I had revolution on my dogs and cats and they all came home with ticks almost every day.
I use frontline and while I would prefer not using a flea treatment, it is the only one that works. I tried the natural route, but once you have fleas, they are near impossible to get rid of.

If you are going to try the natural route do it realisticly . Check your dog regularly and read a lot about the proper way do to it.

With the chemical stuff like frontline, your dog wont "lap it up" because its a small amount you put on the back of his neck where his tongue can't reach. Some animals have a skin reaction and the chemical stings a little (like if you put peroxide on an open wound) and some (rare cases) have a more serious nerve system reaction..

I have only had one small issue with frontline and have been using it for many many years. One of my cats had a skin reaction when we put it on her. She is a kitten with generally sensative skin to lots of things, but as she got older she is now able to handle the frontline.

I looked into alternative treatments but found nothing that worked. I did find something that kinda worked (kind meaning it would work for a short time and i had to reapply regularly) and that was Cedar. Bugs in general do no like the cedar smell.. so a small amount of cedar oil on their skin and spraying it across your yard will help.. but not cure the problem.

I do not know anyone who went the natural route who had no fleas, just people who have managed them

[harley_quinn]

Thanks, yeah I need something to stop ticks too. I guess I will give Frontline a try, my dog is outside too much to risk her getting infested. She's an inside dog, but I take her on walks and she likes to explore the grass.

[Marc]

Some people have had bad experiences with all treatments. I've had good success with Frontline.

With any new treatment - natural, chemical, vet prescribed or over the counter - always carefully watch your dog for the first couple days for behavior changes, skin irritation, etc.