bowwowmeow recommended the springtime line of products to me a while back, and i've been really happy. use the bug off garlic and no bugs for us. don't know about using it once you have a flea infestation tho, my kidz were already flea-free when we started. btw, we use the longevity as well...all their products are really good, imho.

 

Thanks for the feedback. They are having a special buy 2 get 2 free. I haven't seen any fleas on her but by the way she is "chewing" at the top part of her tail I'm just assuming it's fleas. I don't know what else it could be. I've started back giving her the Lipiderm everyday as that has always helped her skin and coat.

Thanks again and I will give it a try. How did your kids react to the taste of it? She gets Berry Balance 3 times a week plus the lipiderm in her food everyday ...

 

I'm the Springtime Inc. cheerleader!

I use the Bug Off Garlic during the summer months. It has been 100% effective for ticks but if you've got a flea infestation it's not going to help. I have battled fleas with an all natural approach and used diatamaceous earth and NEEM oil spray and shampoo. I also used Nematodes for my yard.

 

Originally Posted By: GSDgirlALI haven't seen any fleas on her but by the way she is "chewing" at the top part of her tail I'm just assuming it's fleas.

Are you sure she doesn't have a "hot spot"?

 

It's doubtful that it's fleas, especially if you've used all those flea products. Normally fleas are pretty obvious and if you separate the hair you'll at least see flea droppings on her, if not actual fleas.

If you haven't seen fleas, I'd doubt that it is fleas. It is possibly a hot spot, dry skin, or possibly an allergy that is causing her itching.

 

And if it IS fleas, they typicaly itch ALL OVER, not just in one spot.

 

I checked her over again last night and did not see anything on her with the exception of little tiny bites on her belly. Did not see any hot spots or fleas for that matter. The only other thing I can think of is that she has a very low allergy to oatmeal and barley which is in the Nutro Venison that she is eating - maybe that is causing her to react this way?? I am changing her food to NB as soon as this bag is over. I'm actually mixing the two right now hoping that might give her some relief. Do you think having such a low allergy would cause her to react this way?

 

One more thing, I forgot to add .... I just had her at the Vet and she did an exam on her and didn't find anything. She has also been digging in her ears. And, I clean them regularly.

 

Digging at the ears may indicate a yeast infection in the ear. Both general ear scratching and frequent yeast infections in the ear are common signs of allergies. As is the chewing and scratching at the base of her tail. Since you know the food she's eating has a couple ingredients she has a minor allergy too, I'd suspect that is probably what's causing the itchies.

 

Oops--sorry! I read the subject header and did not read the post carefully.

Yes, this could be a food allergy! Are you putting her on grain free? I would start with that. It could also be an environmental allergy.

 

Yes, putting her on grain free. We are going back to Natural Balance Venison and Sweet Potato. She has always done well on NB but hasn't been on this diet in about 8-9 months. I almost hate to make her finish the rest of the nutro now, she has about 2 weeks worth left.

 

If you suspect an allergy etc from a food, I would just change the food - yes, she'll probably have some diarrhea but this usually only lasts a couple days - OTOH if you know that she is very sensitive to changes in her diet, then stay with the slow transition & consider antihistamines ...

 

She has never had diarrhea when I do a cold turkey switch but it has been a very long time since I've done that. I believe I've only done that once.

 

well if you ever have a dog (or cat) that will eat one food for a few meals & then absolutely refuse to acknowledge that

in his bowl as food

to the realm of cold turkey switches!