Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

Sprays and foams should not be used on puppies under 2 months of age,
unless the manufacturer’s label says it is safe to do so. Always use these chemicals
exactly as directed, because some can be toxic if the dog licks or chews
them off the hair.
Insecticide flea dips applied to the coat and allowed to dry are extremely
effective in getting rid of fleas. Dips penetrate the hair coat and have the most
immediate killing action and the longest residual activity. They also have the
greatest potential for toxicity. Before using a dip, read the instructions carefully.
Use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If your dog
shows signs of toxicity, bathe or rinse her right away. Excess drooling, weakness,
or instability in walking are all signs of mild toxicity. For information on
how to use a flea dip, see Insecticide Dips, page 132.
Flea collars aid in flea control but do not eradicate all fleas. Most collars
contain dichlorvos, which turns onto a vapor that surrounds the dog. If the
dog sleeps outdoors, the collar will not be as effective. Flea collars lose their
potency over time and must be changed every two months, or as recommended
by the manufacturer. Dog flea collars should never be used on cats.
Dogs can become sensitive to the chemicals in flea collars and develop
contact dermatitis. This can be prevented to some extent by airing the collar
for 24 hours when you first take it out of the package and applying it loosely.
The collar should fit so that you can get at least two fingers between it and the
dog’s neck.
Using a dichlorvos flea collar along with a dichlorvos-containing
dewormer could result in the dog absorbing a toxic concentration of dichlorvos.
Remove the collar one week before deworming and replace it one week
after deworming. Also, do not allow the dog to eat or chew on her collar, as it
can be toxic. Initial signs of toxicity may include excess drooling, ataxic gait,
and diarrhea.
A SUGGESTED FLEA-CONTROL PROGRAM
THE SKIN AND COAT • 121
Start your dog on a monthly flea-prevention protocol (if possible, before the
fleas attack), using a product such as Program or Sentinel, Advantage,
Advantix, or Frontline Plus. Prevention is the key to success.
If fleas have already become established, it is essential to kill them on the
dog and prevent them from coming back. One way to do this is to shampoo or
dip the dog to immediately eliminate the fleas. Thoroughly vacuum the environment
and wash all dog bedding. Twenty-four to 48 hours later, apply
Frontline or Advantage to kill new fleas hatching from eggs on the premises.
Some veterinarians combine Frontline or Advantage with Program or
Sentinel for more rapid results, and to minimize development of resistance.
Because all of these products prevent fleas from reproducing, they eventually
rid the environment of fleas.