Just got back from the woods

[doortego]

and Little Bit has her first flea. The only thing I have available here is some Advantage for Cats & Kittens that is at least a year old. Has anyone ever used the cat formula on their dog? If so, please let me know. Or if anyone knows of a reason that I should not do this, please let me know this as well. Posts from anyone that has knowledge in this area would be appreciated.

[abbie's mom]

Actually, if you don't have an infestation in your home, a good shampooing (left on for at least 7 minutes) should kill the flea(s). Then, comb out with flea clomb for any hanger-oners.

I wouldn't use the cat formula.

[doortego]

We've done the shampooing, conditioner, cowboy magic and I actually only found one flea so hopefully we aren't infested. I had taken her x pen and let her stay outside with us while we were camping & there was quite a bit of wildlife so don't know if that's where she got it or not. The squirrels were not frightened of us at all and would come right up to take things out of your hand, little fellers were cute but probably had fleas.

Any thing you are basing the not using the cat/kitten advantage on or just an uneasy feeling? Thanks,

[JeanieK]

I would call and ask the vet. I actually beleive that I read somewhere that you can use the cat stuff on dogs, but not the other way around. But I wouldn't risk it. As for it being over a year old, that doesn't matter as long as it was not opened, it will still be good.

Also Frontline is a better product than Advantage. There are a lot of complaints that Advantage is not effective.

[Bnot]

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59075

See that post. It said something about not using the cat flea med and dog flea med on eachother.

[doortego]

I do usually use the Frontline. I just haven't gone to get anymore and had the Advantage left over from a cat here. I probably will just call the vet tomorrow and then drive in if I need to. Its about 30 miles away and I just haven't done it.

I need to call the vet anyway because I still haven't done the spay/teeth removal thing. I've been scared but Little Bit is 4 lbs and 8 months old so I guess I've put it off as long as I can in good conscience. If I go ahead & make the appointment, I'll do it.

I really thought I could probably safely use just a few drops of it but would feel like a complete idiot if I hurt her trying to save a 30 minute trip.

Thanks for the responses. I guess I was just hoping someone would say, "I do it all the time and its fine."

[abbie's mom]

Originally Posted by JeanieK

Also Frontline is a better product than Advantage.

Yes, though I absolutely abhore putting chemicals in or on my fur friends, I did have to succumb this past summer, as my Mozart got fleas, and passed them to Abigail. Frontline is not 'systemic' - it is not absorbed into the body, but stays in the hair follicles, and might be the lesser of two (or more) evils.