Email from a listener with a four-year-old Portuguese water dog who’s had problems with topical flea solutions:
Love your show! My 4 year old portuguese water dog has always had an issue with topical flea solutions. We’ve tried Vectra, Frontline, Advantage etc. over the years. He gets very uncomfortable and itchy after the applications, bites his paws and has little red pustules that break out on his belly everywhere. Last year, we didn’t use any topical flea meds, had no skin issues! Instead I applied one drop daily of youngs living palo santo oil on the skin near his rump. Maybe I got lucky or maybe that oil worked! He goes to doggy daycare three times a week so he’s around other dogs all year long. What do you recommend for dogs who don’t seem to tolerate the topical flea remedies?
Steve B.
Sorry for the delay in answering — I have been swamped. Topicals are the only reliable way to go for full flea control. And I use and highly recommend the newest formulation with a great applicator – Vectra – only sold by vets and super effective. If your own vet does not carry it, you can go to the nearest Banfield clinic where they all have Vectra but it is called First Shield. I got in touch with the doctors there and they said:
“Tell him to ask for Vectra Dog and Puppy, instead of Vectra 3D. He shouldn’t see a reaction. I suspect if he has tried Vectra, he used Vectra 3D which he doesn’t need if fleas are his primary concern. He can use just a small amount the first day, just to see, and then if no reaction, he can put the rest on the next day.”
Hope that helps!
–Tracie Hotchner