Dog Community

MiniPinMinellaMommy

Posted : 4/8/2010 11:54:03 AM

You guys totally rock. I'll be asking the Vet about Interceptor on their visit next Saturday!

Pat Person

Posted : 4/8/2010 12:49:21 PM

"I don't use chemicals at all for flea/tick control. I use food grade diatomaceous earth (DE). It comes in powdered form and I apply it to my dogs about every 5-7 days. " Really? You sprinkle it on the dogs and then rub it in, or what? One of my dogs has wicked bad flea allergies; let one flea bite her and it's off to the vet for antibiotics and antihistamines. I absolutely hate dosing her so much, but if you saw her skin while she's i the throes of an allergy attack, you'd know why I do it. Would you mind enlarging on this just a little?

Rott-n-GSDs

Posted : 4/8/2010 3:34:03 PM

DE has a texture almost like baby powder. I actually use a baby powder bottle and shake it all over my dogs' coats (outside... you aren't supposed to inhale it due to the microscopic sharp particles). After that, I just rub it in to get into the undercoat (all my dogs are double coated). To apply to the face/neck area, I simply shake it into my hand and then apply.

My dogs all love getting powdered and actually roll over so I can powder their tummies. :-)

Pat Person

Posted : 4/8/2010 4:29:42 PM

Thanks for the info. I'm going to try it. Do you get the stuff in a health food store or what?

Rott-n-GSDs

Posted : 4/8/2010 4:50:17 PM

I get mine online, at dirtworks.net.

calliecritturs

Posted : 4/9/2010 9:47:05 PM

When you have a dog with a flea allergy you gotta do it ALL -- sometimes in layers (like a spot on that's a contact killer like Frontline or Vectra) PLUS something like DE in your yard and maybe even also on the dog.

DE is a dessicant -- it doesn't kill *fast* on contact but it will kill. But it would likely be a darned good addition to whatever you do OUTSIDE your home in your yard.

Another *extra* -- have you ever tried making up a spray bottle with 8 oz water, 8 oz. alcohol and a couple of teaspoons of Avon Skin So Soft bath oil?? shake well and spray on legs/belly just before you go out -- and it will often dissuade fleas from jumping on during a walk.

Yep -- my first dog was allergic to fleas and man, it is a MESS. ONE bite and they are in agony for months. *sigh*

4/6/10 Best flea/HW prevention?