Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 9/21/2008

Question
we have a one year old lab with a flea problem that has us totally stumped.  We have used the pills and medicines given by our vet and everything known to man over the counter and he still has fleas.  All of the meds say for dogs 60 lbs. and up.  This dog weighs around l00 lbs. and I was wondering if because of his weight the meds just aren't strong enough to do the job.  We have other labs and have never had a problem like this before.  He is a house pet so the fleas could become a real problem if they get started in the house.  Please help!!! Anything you can suggest will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for you help.
Eleanor

Answer
Eleanor -

Perhaps you are not using the correct amount of flea preventative.  If you are using a reputable flea preventative such as Frontline or Advantage then you should not have a big problem with fleas.  There is also the possibility that your pet is being reinfect in his sleeping area or in areas where he likes to lounge.  Vacuum that area frequently and that should help to rid your house of fleas.

Flea baths are not necessary - they only drown the flea as a regular bath would.  

You also want to make sure that you are using the actual product - not an adulterated product from another country.  Some people like to get products online to save money, but often online pharmacies are not reputable or ethical. The problems with fraudulent animal meds are the same as fraudulent human medications - there are "pharmacies" that will cut corners and sell a product that does not have the same ingredients as the product they are marketing.  Those problems are very prevalent with Frontline and Advantage; often people will order from online pharmacies to save money  and end up with a product that is ineffective and, even worse, may cause harm to their pet.

Contact the manufacturer of the flea preventative you are using; if there is a problem they are usually willing to help you determine why your pet still has fleas.

Good Luck -

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM