Letters from readers:

Fleas and ticks causing problems

Hello,
I live in an area with a warm, humid climate and of course my dog constantly picks up fleas and ticks when he plays outside or when we go to the park. I know that there are plenty of remedies around for this problem, but I do worry about his health and how safe they all are - obviously a company that puts out these remedies is not going to say on the pack that their product is not adequately tested or that it can cause illness or death. What is the best way to keep him healthy as well as get rid of any fleas and ticks? Is it even possible to do both? - Daisy (Rockhampton)

Hello Daisy,
You have a very common problem and a very common worry. I think it is possible to keep your dog healthy plus keep the insects away, but how you do it will depend on the time you have available. I am a firm believer in brushing, flea combing, more brushing, and more flea combing. However, many people who try this say "I never found anything on my dog and I brushed him for a full five minutes", or something similar. Well, if your dog has only one or two fleas on him it may take up to an hour for you to actually comb over the area where the fleas or ticks are hiding so I would say at least half an hour night and morning.

I know that many people lead very busy lives and just don't have that kind of time to spare every day. For you, a spray is probably the best answer. But you don't have to go for the pesticides. There are quite a few natural alternative brands on the market that are safe for your dog but just remember that if it is not safe for humans then I certainly wouldn't put it near my dog. If the label says safe for dogs but don't get it on hands or near eyes or don't inhale it or any other 'don't' then stay right away from it!

Remember, too, that although a remedy may be natural, organic, and perfectly safe, just as with humans, a dog can be allergic to that specific product. You may have to try one or two before finding the perfect one for your dog.

And just a final thought: If infestation is quite high, the problem may not be with the dog but rather with the area. Rather than spray your dog, you probably will get better results if you spray your house, and spray the areas of your yard that the dog plays in, especially any outbuildings, kennel, cracks in pavings, grass and around vegetation. You may need to get a spray from the garden shop (again, alternative and natural) that will kill the insects and not your flowers and shrubs. Keep all grass in the area well cut and very short. Make sure there is no rubbish or junk in the area and spray well around outdoor furniture and along play area boundaries.

It can take a while before you regain control as there are sure to be insects and eggs hiding in places you have not thought of, in carpets, in indoor or outdoor cracks and crevices, even on indoor plants, but if you keep at it and keep using the flea comb then you will eventually have it beaten. Of course, you can not then say 'whew' and relax - you have to maintain that level of control constantly.

You can not of course control the public parks and your dog may pick up a flea or tick there occasionally, but if you comb after a walk then you should pick up any stray hitch-hikers! Good luck with the program. - Ed