Fleas

This is one subject that I could probably write on every day and still have information to share. It is one of the most frustrating parts of pet ownership. We all want to find a cheaper way to treat these little pests but unfortunately the "cheap" products do not always work and can be dangerous for your pet. Fleas generally thrive around the rump area, right above the tail. If this is the main place your pet is itching then I would say you need to treat for fleas, even if you don't see them. The constant itching can lead to other problems that will mean an unexpected vet bill. One of the products you get from your vet will work very well depending on if you  have fleas and ticks or just fleas. Most of the newer products do not get absorbed into the blood stream, they actually stay in the skin layer either in the hair follicle or in the fatty tissue of the skin. Most of the products you get in department stores are the kind that gets absorbed and may be toxic to some animals, especially cats.
If you have a heavy load of fleas and you apply a dose of flea preventative it is going to take awhile to get the fleas under control. Each flea can lay thousands of eggs, these eggs will stay in the area, carpet, in base boards, bedding etc, until there is a warm body around. They are heat seekers per say. Your dogs normal body temp is between 100 and 102 F so they are warmer than you. Hence fleas will usually go to them first. It can take up to 3 months or more of treating your pet to get the flea infestation in their environment under control. If you put the product on and next week you are still "seeing" fleas, they are not the same fleas these are new ones that have hatched out and found food. There are products to use to treat the bedding area, outside area etc that will aid in getting them under control.  Once you  have them under control continue to use your product per the directions to prevent fleas from setting up housekeeping again. Certain products say to appy once every 3 month for fleas, just read the label. If your area has alot of fleas your vet may instruct you to use them once a month for prevention.
There is no product on the market that forms a bubble around your pet and prevents fleas or ticks from getting on them. The products are designed to "repel" them quickly once they have gotten on or to kill them quickly once they try to get a blood meal. This is one of those areas where keeping them on a preventative will be alot cheaper than waiting to treat an infestation.
More information tomorrow.... any questions ?