Greyhounds and Flea Prevention

With spring arriving I thought this would be a goodeggs but is also effective against ear mites,
time to discuss fleas, prevention and treatment ifsacoptic mites and American dog ticks and even
you do get them on your greyhound.prevents heartworm disease.
As you may know, greyhounds are veryAs always, check with your veterinarian on the
sensitive to certain chemicals and drugs. One fleabest product to use for your greyhound.
prevention to avoid is the standard flea collar. TheOther ways to help control fleas is to make sure
standard flea collar is not safe or effective andyou vacuum your house daily and throw away
should NEVER be used on a greyhound, or anythe vacuum bag. Wash the dog bedding often and
other dog for that matter. The collars containuse a flea comb. Using the flea comb is very
harmful chemicals that penetrate through the skineffective and allows some special time with your
of the dogs neck and eventually paralyzes andpet.
kills the flea that bites the skin. Some of theThe best way to use a flea comb is to get set
chemicals in these collars can cause nausea,up with two bowls of water; one soapy and
convulsions, and even death.warm, the other clear and warm. Place your dog
Here is a list of some products that are safe toright next to the soapy water bowl. Now comb
use on the greyhound:through once going with the hair, not against it,
1. Program. This is a once-a-month fleaand you'll see fleas, if there are any, as the flea
reproduction inhibitor. It does not kill the flea butdirt will be in the comb. Dip the comb in the soapy
the flea eggs that have fed on a treated dog willwater. The dirt will fall off and the fleas will drown
not hatch.in the soap. Make sure the comb is flea free, rinse
2. Advantage. This is a topical insecticide that killsin clear water and make another pass over the
fleas on contact before they can lay eggs so itfur.
breaks the flea life cycle. This is a once-a-monthLastly, check the chemicals found in various flea
application.shampoos, flea dips and sprays before using as
3. Frontline. This is a topical insecticide that killsthese may be very harmful to the greyhound as
both fleas and ticks.well.
4. Revolution. This is a monthly topical insecticideHopefully everyone will have a flea-free season
that not only prevents and controls fleas and theirthis year!!!