WHICH FLEA/TICK/BUG REPELLANT IS BEST?????

In 30 years I have only ever found fleas once on one of my dogs.I have lived in the suburbs and rural areas.While I know that there are places where fleas are rampant and these chemicals may be waranted,I believe that they are WAY overused.It seems strange to me that we are so conscious what we put in ourselves and our pets in the way of foods but think nothing of randomly drenching them in pesticides for fear of cooties.If you've not had a problem in the past with fleas why not let time tell if Sandy will even need a repellant?

Tena

We use Frontline Plus and it seems to work pretty well.  We do have a tick problem and still seem to find them on the dogs occasionally but without protection we would have a bad problem for sure.  They aren't cheap but they do work.

I like in a very rural area, practically in a swamp, but I have never had a flea problem with my dogs *knock on wood.* However, I do keep Frontline spray on hand for when I pick up strays or if I know my dogs are going through the woods with me. I prefer the spray because I can use it on my cats too, and it lasts forever.

We've also used it on our dogs at our rescue kennel with success. So for us, it's more convenient to keep the spray on hand since it's cheaper and lasts a while.

 In the past, I've also used Frontline Plus, and it's worked fine. I've tried Advantix before as well, but I was sold on the mosquito protect. Of course, nothing really helps with mosquitos where I live.

I don't know if it's the "best" or not, but Max uses Frontline Plus.  His vet told me that it only has to be used monthly if ticks are a problem.  If you don't live near ticks (I don't) it can be used every 2 to 3 months. Not having to put it on him every month was a selling point with me.

Joyce

We have always used frontline, but we're going to try Advantix next time we order stuff. The major issues here are ticks and mosquitoes, not so much fleas. The ticks here are pretty bad though. Earlier in the Spring, my mom and sister would pick up half a dozen on walks, and they weren't in the woods.  

I think most people here care quite a lot about what they put on their pets.  And, certainly don't just randomly drench them as you suggested. 

I was not commenting on the people of this forum specifically,but dog and cat owners in general.These products[specifically long lasting pesticides that are applied to the back of a pets neck]are huge business.The comercials are even aired during prime time TV.It has become common place to use these products as prevention on animals that may never get fleas anyway.If your pet has a history of picking up fleas often the daily chemical exposure might be a fair tradeoff,but the OP's previous dog never had a flea problem.

Tena    

Many, MANY, dog (including my own) have horrible flea allegies. ONE bite from a flea sends my dog into a skin ripping frenzy - where he literally tears off his skin and chews away until the itch is gone. Since I have had him - he gets advantage monthy. My cats do as well - for me - the risk is much more of a what will happen to my dog if he does get fleas, and that is somthing I do NOT want to happen to him.

Fleas are a big problem where I live, and I'm always bringing home additional animals, and Casey is always going places - so flea prevention is the route we've taken - with no ill effects.

You can also use Avon Skin So Soft as a repellent - works like magic - the buggies hate it. We dilute ours, and it has to be applied daily.....

erica1989

Many, MANY, dog (including my own) have horrible flea allegies. ONE bite from a flea sends my dog into a skin ripping frenzy - where he literally tears off his skin and chews away until the itch is gone. Since I have had him - he gets advantage monthy. My cats do as well - for me - the risk is much more of a what will happen to my dog if he does get fleas, and that is somthing I do NOT want to happen to him.

Fleas are a big problem where I live, and I'm always bringing home additional animals, and Casey is always going places - so flea prevention is the route we've taken - with no ill effects.

You can also use Avon Skin So Soft as a repellent - works like magic - the buggies hate it. We dilute ours, and it has to be applied daily.....

 Erica does the skin so soft repel the mosquitos too?  We'll be using flea/tick prevention (most likely frontline since I've used that in the past for many years with my Mom's dog with great success - she too is allergic to flea bites, and fleas irritate me as well) but I'd be interested in trying skin so soft as a compliment to Frontline since we live in a badly infested tick area.  We also have a ton of mosquitoes and anything I can do *safely of course* to help minimize the buggies bothering the pup would be great!  How much do you dilute the skin so soft?

Skin So Soft repels mosquitos and other flying insects.  I use 1/3 part SSS to 2/3 part water.  People vary that depending on their preference.  Not so sure if it REALLY repels fleas and ticks though.  But, we have real flea issues in my neck of the woods.  I do use SSS, but I also protect my dogs with other products.

Frontline Plus has stopped working for us.  We just tried Comfortis for the dogs and Revolution for the cats.

As I previously stated,there are times when these treatments may be waranted.However,the OP's dog does not live in an infested area as evidenced by fact the previous pet never had fleas.There is no mention that Sandy has a flea bite allergy.Sandy's Mom has not mentioned bringing home additional animals.I keep spray on hand to use if I ever should need it as stray cats are attracted to my property like a magnet but I am not comfortable using a long lasting pesticide on my dog.If you search you will find people who's dogs and cats have suffered from the use of these products,hair loss,seizures,central nervous system damage and even death.These cases may be relatively rare compared to those dogs that never have a problem but if I have not ever had a real flea problem,why would I risk it?Judicious use of drugs, chemicals and vaccinations has resulted in long heathy lives for my animals over the years.Also,when the products stop working as CoBuHe mentioned it is usually because the fleas and ticks become resistant to them so newer more powerful pesticides must be found.

Tena 

4HAND

If you search you will find people who's dogs and cats have suffered from the use of these products,hair loss,seizures,central nervous system damage and even death

Which are all labeled side effects of improper use. Those drugs, like any other, have proper uses, and certain ways things NEED to be done.

I've had a flea problem with my cats - and I never want to go through that again. I've always used advantage, and will continue to do so. I have back up products in case that fails. My dog has severe allergies, and I DO NOT want fleas in my house again. If your dog never gets fleas, than that is great for you. Mine do, and I choose to medicate. My animals have no suffered hair loss, death, siezures, or any of those things mentioned - because I use the product correctly.

I use it for the ticks more than the fleas myself.  I worry about her catching whatever diseases the ticks carry.  She's very highly exposed to ticks due to her almost daily hiking in the woods.  I use Frontline Plus in addition to a natural spray that is a repellant. 

Erica it is not my intention to upset you or imply you should not use these products.In fact, I stated that these products are warranted in certain situations.I sympathize with those of you who must deal with flea infestations and understand why you use them.My advice was to the OP and anyone else who doesn't have a flea problem.I have to disagree with you about side effects only occuring when products are misused.There are humans and animals that are quite sensitive to chemical exposure just as there are hearty souls that are not bothered by them.I am not sure why you have made this personal.I am only presenting how I feel about a long lasting flea treatments,that they should be used when absolutely needed only.

Tena