Is there anyway to get rid of fleas on dogs besides flea bathes, dips, collars, etc.?

Question

I have a Shitz Su (sp) dog. He is 15 years old now. For the last few years, every summer, he itches constantly.He has very sensitive skin. I know he gets fleas, as I have an outdoor-indoor cat. I can't seem to control them or his iyching. Everytime I shampoo him with flea shampoo (prescription from the vet) he itches more. If I use a hypo-allergenic shampoo its the same.He has pulled most of his hair out and has chewed himself raw. I've bombed the house, etc. Alot of times I know the fleas are gone but he still itches. I feel so bad for him.I've tried all kinds of medications on him. He starts to heal up some and then starts all over. Any help at all or suggestions would greatly be appreciated. Thank you.
Colleen
Also, everytime I take him in to be groomed, even in the winter months, he does the same thing, but it isn't as bad. I trhink he has very dry sensitive skin.

Answer 1

For the fleas on the dog, Frontline and Advantage are sold by vets. Bio Spot, which is otc, is what I use. It works very well. I've used it for over 10 years on all my dogs and on the rescues that I've had.
For fleas in the house, sprinkle Twenty Mule Team Borax on the capets after you vacuum. The borax in the product will kill the fleas and with continued use will kill the ones that hatch in the coming weeks.
For dry skin, look at the fat levels in the food that you are feeding. I feed a high fat food. Mine is 20%.
If you are doing annual vaccinations, look at what the University of Wisconsin has to say. They are not needed.
http://svmweb.vetmed.wisc.edu/articles/68/5/39
http://www.news.wisc.edu/releases/8413.html

Answer 2

All of that and you never mentioned a vet. Has he been checked by a vet? Flea collars and otc flea products do not work . As long as you cat is coming in and out (why do you let it out?) they will both have fleas. Using all those carcinogens will not help. The first thing you need to make the cat a totally indoor pet so it will stop bringinh home parasites and possibly diseases. Then you need to get both the cat and dog to a vet to be treated for their parasites. Also have the vet recommend what to use in your house to kill the fleas and eggs. Allergies are also food related. (more about that) A female flea will lay one egg an hour for her intire adult life. This is not something you can "cure with a collar"
Our pets need quality pet food. Read the ingredients list and learn what the stuff on there is and what it does (or does not do) to/for our pets. A quick pet food 101. If the pet food contains corn/corn products or by products it is a poor quality food. Do not pay attention to advertising, they all say there food is great. Corn is a filler that can trigger skin problems. (allergies, skin problems, itching and excessive shedding) By products is anything from an animal not fit for human consumption, including cancerous tissue. Quality foods have meat as the first ingredient. California Natural, Solid Gold, Innova and Merrick are a few of the best brands available. If you want to learn more check out: http://www.sagekeep.com/petfood.htm www.api4animals.org/facts?p=359&more=1 http://animalark.eapps.com/animal/PetFoods.nsf/$$PetFoodsByRating?OpenForm

Answer 3

There are these frontline or stronghold capsules. You drop the liquid on his back and it is absorbed by the skin and that sends fleas and other parasites away.

Answer 4

He might have psoriasis. The best natural cures for such are regular sea baths. If you live in Israel, the salt from the dead sea is the best. Many vacationers who have psoriasis get healed from that and many other skin ailments.

Boaz.

Answer 5

Dont listen to the dumb person that said Garlic! It damages the liver!!
FRONTLINE PLUS ONCE A MONTH EVERY MONTH!!!
All other products are crap!

Answer 6

put a Frontline or K9 Advantage treatment on him

Answer 7

put garlic in his food