Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 9/14/2008

Question
We have a yellow male lab with fleas.  We have tried everything that the vet has given us, ( drops you put on the neck, Advantage) drops we purchased at a Pet Smart, Adams flea spray, Sevin dust, the pill the vet gave us) this is an indoor pet although we have 3 other labs that stay outside.  They have all been treated as well.  The poor dog is miserable and we are at a loss as to what to do to get rid of these fleas .  He weighs about 100lbs.  We have been wondering if the medicine we have used is strong enough for his size.  Please help!!!!  We have never had a problem like this before.  It's almost like the fleas are immune to the flea medicine !!!  Thanks in advance for your help.

Eleanor W.

Answer
Eleanor -

Are you treating your house in addition to treating your doggy?  Often, pets become reinfected when they sleep in bedding or their favorite area of the house that has not been treated for fleas.  

Both Advantage and Frontline are extremely effective against fleas when applied properly.  Make sure you are using adequate product for the size of your dog.  If he is not receiving enough Frontline or Advantage, you will continue to see fleas.  I do not recommend Hartz flea products, but Advantage and Frontline are very effective.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM