Flea Season

We're upon the dreaded flea and tick season and already our phones are ringing off the wall with questions due to our greyhounds' sensitivity to chemicals.

The two most asked about newer products are " Program" and " Advantage." Program is a once a month flea inhibitor taken orally in pill form. From what we understand about this product, it prevents the flea eggs from hatching so the cycle is broken. Unfortunately, you may still need to use a pyrethrin spray with this product because the fleas can still get on your dog and live - they just won't reproduce. A drawback to this product is that the flea must actually bite the dog for it to work. If your greyhound is allergic to flea bites, he/she may experience flea dermatitis, so please be aware of that potential problem. We have heard nothing negative at this point regarding it not being greyhound safe. We had a number of adoptees use Program last summer and they did fine. Also in checking with other groups around the country we have heard nothing adverse.

The second product is Advantage which is a product that you place on the back of the neck and above the tail. This product kills the fleas and continues killing them. It is supposed to be very effective and again we have heard nothing negative. Advantage and Program can be obtained only through your veterinarian.

If you decide a spray is enough for you, make sure it is pyrethrin based and as natural as possible. Following is a list of a few of the products you can get at your vet clinic or pet store.

  • Vet ChemOvitrol Spray with pyrethrin (water based is preferred)
  • Bio-Groom Flea and Tick Pyrethrin Spray
  • Adams water-based flea and tick mist with pyrethrin
  • Avo-Derm Flea and Tick Spray with pyrethrin
  • Avon's Skin-So-Soft (for short term prevention)
  • Horsepower (Formula 22001) with pyrethrin

The Bio-Flea Halt Flea Products for your home and yard are excellent and natural. Follow instructions on the label.

NEVER dip or submerge your greyhound. If you want to try a flea dip, use a pyrethrin dip and dilute it (as per instructions for kittens or pups) and sponge it on.

With any of the above products you should use caution and always monitor your dog closely during the first 24 hours. If redness, rash, feeling hot to the touch, or watery eyes occur, or if your dog becomes lethargic and is not eating, or anything at all out of the ordinary begins to happen, wash the product off immediately (except Program, which is taken orally) and contact your veterinarian immediately!!!

DO NOT USE X-SPOT, BLOCKADE OR ANY HARTZ MOUNTAIN PRODUCTS or anything that doesn't have a pyrethrin base. If you find a product we haven't listed and you have questions, contact REGAP before using it.