[JAMIET]

We recently became the owners of an abandoned puppy. We've had her now for 4 mons, and when she came to us , she had fleas. Now my 1 yr old cat is itching right along with her. I've had Frontline and Advantage flea meds for them, and sprayed my furniture, carpets with home sprays, given flea baths, and washed everything that can go in the washing machine... Still can't get rid of them. I'm in an apartment so neither animal stays outdoors for long. I'm going crazy trying to keep up with this. Any suggestions on any products that work better than others? I'm a clean freak and this is nasty man! Help!

[labman]

Are you treating the house with a product that kills flea eggs too? If not, more will hatch out in 2 weeks or less. Make sure the vet is giving you the right strength of the Advantage and Frontline. Cats may require a stronger dose, but make sure you are following the directions exactly. Most people report good luck with them.

[kt1205]

We used bio spot it worked. You have to break the cycle though. And be careful what you use on your pets. I don't know what it was but the vet gave us something for a small dog we once had and it ended up with liver damage it could have been from the medicene but we aren't sure but she eventually died

[MOWERMAN2468]

Talk to the apartment manager about treating the yard for fleas. This could be your problem. I've seen times when you go to someone's house with dogs, and not with dogs, that you walk across the yard and you would have fleas on your legs. Go to town in some light colored pants. Come home and walk through your yard. Check your pants legs, if you see fleas you as well as your pets are bringing the fleas inside your apartment.

[JAMIET]

I have been buying products that "claim" to kill eggs , larvae, etc. I've tried several different brands. I have made sure the vet gave us the right strength does of Frontline and Advantage, but we're still fighting the battle. I'll talk with the Apt mgr about possibly treating the lawn areas, albeit a huge complex... hopefully they'll cooperate. I've even used my carpet shampooer a few times on my carpets and cleaned the upholstery. No wonder I've always owned an indoor cat until now.. this is tiring work! : )

[labman]

Once cleared out, it is easy to keep fleas at bay. I take a few minutes the first of each month to squirt an ampoule of Revolution on each of my dogs, and that is mostly it.

You don't have to get the manager to do the whole complex, just what I would expect is a small area you walk your dogs. For just walking, you can use pavement if it isn't too hot. Enough walking on pavement and you can skip trimming toe nails. Holly is over a year old, and I haven't done anything to hers. She does spend much of the time out in the fenced back yard. Perhaps she realizes digging holes wears her nails down so I don't have to cut them.

[J_9]

When you vacuum it is necessary to change the bag every time. Vacuum daily and change the bag daily, make sure to take the bag outside to the trash and not leave it in the house.

Just because the eggs are vacuumed up they can still hatch and get out. This happened to my mom and this was the advice the vet gave her and it has helped tremendously.

[RubyPitbull]

J_9 is absolutely correct about getting rid of the vacuum bags. VERY important in the procedure of getting rid of fleas. Did your vet sell you Siphotrol Plus II Premise Spray. Most vets carry and sell that product. I have found it to be highly effective in getting rid of fleas. One of my rescues hadn't been treated prior to being placed with me and OH MAN, what a trial! Just remove the animals from the room that you are spraying. Wait a couple of hours, then vacuum up. It may take a couple of treatments to be rid of them. Between that and the flea treatments on the animals, it should clear it up. If your vet doesn't sell that product here is a link I found. You may want to do your own search for price comparisons. Siphotrol Plus II Premise Spray / Fast-Acting Formula 16oz. (454g)