Question about flea/tick treatment options in Florida - Page 1

Hi Everyone,

I have a question about flea/tick treatment options.  I used to live in Michigan and gave all my dogs Frontline every month (I know every 3 months for fleas but every month for ticks).  When I moved to Florida, I kept them on Frontline every month.  I also treat them for heart worm year around and have for many years.  Recently I found out that my female has somehow ingested flea larvae (wonderful find in the poop) but none of my dogs are showing signs of fleas (no flea poop or fleas).  My Michigan vet and my mother's Florida vet says that they use Comfortis in Florida since the darn fleas take spa baths in the Frontline and it doesn't take care of them, many in fact have returned their purchases of Frontline to get the Comfortis.  My vet (my mother's vet doesn't like GSDs, long story) says that they use Frontline Plus for the tick control and just hope it takes care of the fleas since Comfortis doesn't take care of ticks.

Now my female is scratching all the time (allergies seem to be super bad this year) and is on steroids to treat the systemic itchies (benadry 75mg q 12 hrs for all my dogs).  I have them both on Frontline Plus currently and heart worm.

What have those of you who are familiar with Florida fleas and ticks used?  I appreciate the suggestions, my dogs are driving me nutts with all their scratching (poor babies, and I didn't have far to go in the nutty area anyway lol).

Thank you

Mindhunt
 

At one time, we were all using Frontline Plus. But, as you found out, apparently those little suckers have developed resistance to it. Right now, I use Comfortis and Interceptor (for heartworms). I have been lucky and not have had a problem with ticks, either down south or up here in North Central Fl. Some of my other dog people have used the Frontline in combo with the Comfortis, only if there's a tick problem, and for a limited time. They also treated the house and dog "stuff". There is a new product out now that combines Comfortis with a heartworm preventative. According to my vet, it's working very well, but it also doesn't wwork on the ticks...
You might want to try using Vetricyn on the dogs - my boy is also very allergic to fleas and will chew an instant hole in himself. This stuff worked wonders-took the irritation away and helped heal the skin really fast. I also use it on the horse...little pricy but worth it...

THANKS FLYGRL!

I'm in the same area of FL as Flygirl, and have been using Frontline Plus for a long time without any signs of it not working. Of course if there appears to be any resistance, I'll change. I use Ivermectin liquid for heartworm for the non-Collies. 

If you are having problems, then there are other options. I was talking to my friend at the vet office the other day and was surprised by all of the new products that are out there. Talk to your vet about it for sure.

Some people are using DE (Diatomaceous Earth) with success. You could trying using this in addition to your flea treatment.

Were in Michigan and we have had Awesome luck with Nematodes. We only had to use them 1 time in 2007 and haven't had a tick on the property or the dog's and I since. Haven't used any topical since too!!! We will be buying some more this year. They are all natural and do not harm the pets or humans but do hunt down and eat up those nasty ticks... I HIGHLY recommend these little guy's!!!! Oh, and they have them for all states, just make sure to tell them your location. For our winter months they hibernate and they do breed.
Kel