DELTA COUNTY -- Ticks are heaviest around late April and early May. And now we're crossing over into flea season. Some people suggest flea bombs.
“You just push a button,” explains Pampered Pets owner, Michele Johnston, “and it just disperses the flea spray into the air which will kill all the fleas in the vicinity. But you need to wash all the bedding in hot water."
And baths only kill fleas that are on the dog at the time they're bathed. What about alternative methods?
“Well, first of all,” said Dr. Sue Laskaska of Bay Veterinary Clinic. “There have been controlled studies done that have shown absolutely no effect of yeast and garlic medications. The same thing with ultrasonic flea collars; they really have not been able to be proven scientifically to be effective."
So what does work? Spot-on treatments, say Dr. Laskaska.
After bathing your dog, make sure they're completely dry for about 24 hours. Then put the spot-on treatment on their shoulder blades about one inch apart. From there, don't let the dogs get wet for 24 hours. But after that, the treatment should be good for about a month.
Brands like Frontline are waterproof and gentle on pets. They can cost around $40-$50 for a three-month supply. And the doctor warns of products manufactured outside the U.S.
“Anytime you use a product," Dr. Laskaska said, "that's made in a country where the consumer protection laws aren't as stringent as they are in the U.S., you potentially run the risk of having a product that isn't as safe."
And flea dips aren't safe either. The doctor said dogs that are repeatedly dipped have a higher chance of developing bladder cancer.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC