I am asking for help, Since I walk in the woods and have grassy front and back yards. How can I protect my nine week old puppy from the dreaded tick and flea situation. I check him several times a day, so far so good. Plus I have been searching this site, and I have seen some adverse reaction on name brands protection chemicals. I think he is too young and my vet appointment is three weeks from now. Can you teach me. Dan

You can start using spot products like Frontline or Advantage when they are 8 weeks old. The flea treatments that you get from the vet are not as dangerous as the ones that you can get in the pet stores (i.e. Hartz). Let's face it, none of them are completely safe - they are chemicals and most of us would rather not use anything, but it is also not healthy to let your dog get eaten alive with ticks and fleas. That leads to your dog biting and chewing, and that can lead to infections and skin problems. Many dogs are allergic to flea bites - that is the #1 most common skin allergy.

We have had to use Frontline for many years with our dogs due to So. California flea problems and allergies in our dogs. We haven't had any adverse reactions to them, but you have to weigh the pros and cons with each individual case. I would not use Comfortis though - it is the newest oral flea protection (doesn't protect against ticks). It is an insecticide that is in pill form - hasn't been out long enough to know how dogs are going to react with it in my opinion.

I've used "OFF" when going thru the woods on a hike, there are a number other biting insects out there besides fleas and ticks. it is my understanding that "Frontline" and others don't repel right away. I don't know about using a little DEET on a puppy but my adult dogs havn't shown any adverse reactions. I hose them down afterwards

Against my better judgement I used frontline on my dogs last summer, they ALL got hotspots in the exact place the frontline went - never again!!

I feed garlic in their food to help repel fleas etc. I also keep a spray bottle filled with water and a little mix of essential oils added (tea tree, eucalyptus, etc) and spray them when needed, like before we go out for a walk in long grass etc. and when at shows.

 Quote: Victoria Herbert

Against my better judgement I used frontline on my dogs last summer, they ALL got hotspots in the exact place the frontline went - never again!!

I feed garlic in their food to help repel fleas etc. I also keep a spray bottle filled with water and a little mix of essential oils added (tea tree, eucalyptus, etc) and spray them when needed, like before we go out for a walk in long grass etc. and when at shows.

In dogs, garlic and onions cause thiosulphate poisoning. It has been discussed here many times if you want to do a search under 'garlic'. I wouldn't use garlic as flea protection, even if it worked,as it would be poisoning the dog in the quantities you'd have to feed.

Lori, I like Frontline, But as I understand you need get a priscription from the vet. It will be two weeks or so before I see one. Dan

Good Dennis, I will use the Off, never came to mind thanks. I have heard of Deet. Will check it out. Dennis, Do you use any of the name brands of tick and flee solutions? Dan

Ehn... you can buy frontline anywhere. I buy it online or when it's on sale at the feedstore. Costco used to have all sizes for $35 a pack. No Rx required.

I have never had hotspot issues with frontline plus.

Victoria, I use Frontline on my other dogs, But I never notice any adverse reaction. But I was not looking Dan

Hey Melissa, I will look, But prior experience on line with a commercial that claim why make a trip to the vet and it comes trhu the mail, can not remember the name. they needed a fax RX from Vet. But, I will look around. Thanks Dan