|
The Puggy Page
Pictures
Meet the Pug
Buying Puppies
Setting Up House
Training and Care
General Care
Nutrition
Pug Problems 1
Pug Problems 2
Pug Clubs
Breeding 1
Breeding 2
|
Originally appeared as Ask the Vet by Dr. Shawn Ashley in Pug Talk Magazine (Pug Talk July/Aug/92) Depending on where you live fleas can be a constant year long battle. In Southern states fleas have evolved to be resistant to most known home remedies; however, once the population is under siege there are a few natural way to control these pests. In the northern regions there is a true flea season when the grass shows from under the snow, in which the owner can prepare for the short-lived battle and here is where many of these sure-fire remedies have proven effective --if there really was a problem. Back in the dark ages back in the woods motor oil was thought to control fleas --it does, but so much for a healthy haircoat, not to mention a happy healthy dog! (It's like Granny's lye soap; we now have kinder and gentler ways of getting clean.) There is no one product that will magically keep fleas off your pet, only keeping the pet's immediate environment free of these pests will keep them off. Fleas only spend five percent of their time on their host. The rest of the time they are hopping around, mating, and each female is happily laying up to two thousand eggs. This joyful cycle takes place every 21 days. Therefore, the environment must be treated and then retreated in 14 - 21 days to break this cycle. If the problem is big EPA approved chemicals (dursban, diazianon, and other organic phosphate compounds) will be the fastest and most effective. A new natural product of diatomatious earth (crushed seashells) has grown in popularity. It may be effective on the lawn, but it is not recommended inside on the carpets due to irritation. The lawn should be retreated in 14 - 21 days. If there is a problem inside the house, again organic phosphate or pyrethrins will render the most effective in the least amount of time. Whatever product is used be sure it contains an Insect Growth Regulator (ex.Precor), as this ingredient is effective on immature stages of the flea as well as the adults. Regardless how long the can says the product is effective, retreat in 14 - 21 days for nothing is effective on the pupal stage -- they are invisible! Out of concern of polluting the home with harsh chemicals many have tried boric acid (Borax, Borateem, RXFleas) compounds on their carpets. These compounds are caustic irritants to toddlers and pets and should be pounded deep into the carpet or allowed to let set, then vacuumed. Don't forget to throw the vacuum bay away after post house treatment cleaning or buy an extra flea collar and place it in the bag. Now for the pet; once again, if there is an immediate need to rid your pet of fleas pyrethrins and organic phosphate chemicals are the most effective products. They are safe if directions are followed. Always contact your veterinarian PRIOR to bathing, dipping, spraying, and collaring your pet as many products cannot be used with other products without additive and severe life threatening interactions. After bathing there are many maintenance alternatives. Proban is a tablet containing a cyanide derivative which kills the flea after it ingests the dog's blood. Prospot is a spotton that delivers an organic phosphate to the flea via the dog's bloodstream. Flea collars and dips work in this way as well. Defend is a newer product that is absorbed only into the dog's skin layer; therefore, the fleas do not have to bit the dog in order to pick up the insecticide. This may prove helpful in those dogs with flea bite dermatitis. There are many effective sprays that are safe to use daily on your pet. Some find sulphur powders effective. It is recommended to contact your veterinarian before spraying with a bargain supermarket brand. Natural products often given to pets include brewer's yeast or garlic tablets. It is the B vitamins in the yeast and tablets that repel some fleas ---the garlic repels everyone else! Avon Skin So Soft is a household product with 101 uses from oiling squeaky door knobs to insect repellant. Researchers believe that it is the pleasant woodland's fragrance that repels the fleas, flies, mosquitos, and gnats. Many fisherman use it as a spray-on mist for pest control. In summary, there are many methods to aid in the control of fleas, but not one single quick fix. The key is to treat the environment as well as the pet. Treating one without the other renders the battle lost. |