flea topic, again

I'm looking to see what alternative methods you all use for fleas. I can't use topical on Duke. Both the Frontline and €dvantix have burned him. We are switching to Sentinel for heartworm and the vet said this may also help with fleas, but I need some other alternatives to protect them. I use a lavendar spray on them when we go for walks and to the dog park for tics and a product called "Flea the Scene" as well. I was going to try the "Shoo! Tag"s as a friend recommended them or Brewers yeast but I wanted to get your thoughts, too. This is the best place for pug advice!

Someone I know gives their pugs garlic oil but I am not sure that is a good idea.

Honestly, I don't use anything on our pugs and we've never (knock wood!) had a problem with fleas. The only time we will use Frontline is if we get a new foster pug who might have them. There is a good article here on natural flea control methods:

http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/KnowledgeBase/knowledgebasedetail.aspx?articleid=53&Keywords=

Someone (Lisa C, maybe?) uses diatomaceous earth, but I don't know how that works. Whatever combination of stuff you decide on, would it make sense to have some Capstar on hand in case you do get a breakout? It's an oral med that kills any live fleas within a half hour. I don't think it has any preventative action, however.

GingerSnap wrote:Someone (Lisa C, maybe?) uses diatomaceous earth, but I don't know how that works.

Usually the DE is sprinkled in the yard, and can even be sprinkled and then vacuumed from the carpet in a flea-infested house. It sucks out all the moisture from the fleas, leaving their dead little exoskeletons behind.

I don't know of any topical on-the-dog uses for DE, though.

I have been using a product called Shampoochie for the last 3 years. It is made locally made but you can get it online. It is natural and has some teatree oil in it. I have only had a couple of fleas since then and I really don't know why except for that shampoo. We don't spray the yard - I don't think it would do any good, we have too many critters. I am worried about this year because we haven't had enough cold weather to help at all so am wondering if we will do as well this year.

www.greenstonesoap.com/pets_new.html

I have been giving an oral medication called Comfortis. Fleas can be horrible in the south. I ave used Sentinel as it stops the reproduction of fleas, but it does not kill them? Comfortis is good or a month