rhyllpointers

I too follow a check and treat regime for my dogs, rather than the usual one that vets suggest i.e. treat all year round, fleas or not!!! (just in case!!!) However, for the past 4 + years now (this is the 4th summer flea season) I have not had to use any chemical flea treatments on my dogs at all. I can only put that down to the use (4 years ago) of a tiny amount of Cod Liver Oil in their dinners??? (1 x capful between 6 - 8 large Pointer sized meals). I haven't any proof that this oil is acting as a flea deterrant (maybe fleas don't like the taste of the CLO in the dog's blood or its the odour they don't like - rather like garlic???) and I wonder if anyone else on this list uses CLO regularly and if they have also noticed zero fleas???? My dogs live in a clean environment, but it can be hot and dusty during the days and wet and humid overnight - ideal flea conditions?? My dogs also go to shows and obedience etc. so could be exposed to sources if re-infection when they go out?? I stress that I only use a tiny amount as CLO has a strong taste/odour which fussy dogs are not too keen on??? Please, I would love to hear from anyone who has experienced similar "natural flea control" when using CLO???? Cheers, Charlie

No offence, but finding one or two fleas on a dog every couple of days is one or two fleas too many. Having a dog with fleas just isn't acceptable IMO. If you're finding just one flea on your dog it means that there are probably 100's more in the environment and your dog is going to be constantly reinfected. A dog with fleas will always have tapeworm and may develop a dermatitis caused by an allergic reaction to the fleas' saliva. I have never found a totally effective 'natural' product that totally eradicates fleas and if I do find a flea I use Advantage. I don't have a flea problem here and haven't found any at all this year, but I have a zero tolerance policy and unfortunately the only flea treatment that works for my dogs involves using chemicals. If I could find a natural product that worked I would use it, but I haven't found one yet.