I haven't seen a flea season like this since I was 12 and our three black labs were infested so badly that every member of my family sported a multitude of bright pink splotches about their ankles.
Back then the plethora of flea drugs we take for granted today didn't exist.
Now fleas are back with a vengeance.
Is it resistance to these new products? Independent dermatologists and drug manufacturers say no. Then what's the deal?
It could be because fleas are perhaps stimulated by the recently warmer weather (climate change?), pet owners are more complacent about regular application of the drugs, and increased pet-keeping in the United States means a greater number of pets can serve as a better reservoir for fleas.
Here's a seven-step protocol for your household's ankle-itch freedom:
• Use an approved veterinary product and buy it from your vet. Diverted products (Advantage and Frontline sold at non-veterinary outlets) bearing the same brand name have been found to contain low or no quantities of the labeled drugs.
• Make sure you're using these products appropriately. That means monthly use with no bathing 48 hours before or after application.
• Ask your vet about more frequent dosing. It may be appropriate for your household.
• Medicate every animal in your household -- especially ones who go outdoors.
• Treat your premises. Hire a fumigator for indoors and out and/or apply liberal amounts of Borax powder to your home's cracks and crevices. Bombs and premise sprays can be effective but ask your vet first to make sure they're appropriate for your pets.
• Stay away from supermarket brands and flea collars. They don't work as well as the vet-only products (and can often be toxic for pets). Flea shampoos can also wash away the topical products in your arsenal. I recommend you use these only when directed by your vet.
• Consider using one of the new generation of oral flea treatments: Capstar and Comfortis are my favorites.
