Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My room mate's dog gave my Husky fleas. We have given her flea medication, groomed her multiple times, extremely thoroughly, and given her a flea bath and she's still got them. We've steam cleaned and vacuumed, threw away the vacuum bag, washed blankets sheets and clothes, etc. She was abused and neglected really badly for 4 years and my room mate rescued her two days before I moved in and she just really took to me and decided she was my dog (it was fine with me because I love her ) but I also haven't had a dog since I was 5 and I don't know what else to do for her. I've gotten a few husky books and looked through the forum for grooming questions and flea questions but not too much luck quite yet. It seems like the fleas are around areas of her that were pretty matted, they're getting better with repeated grooming but I'm also realizing I don't have a proper comb/brush for that undercoat of fur she's got; any suggestions? I'm thinking that when I know what to get for her to groom her better the flea problem will continue to get under control until I can go and get some flea bombs and probably a flea dip too. My husband was wondering about shaving her in the areas that were matted down more (around the sides of her legs, her thigh or whatever it's called on the outside part) but I don't think it's a good idea to shave her, what is the consensus on this? Sorry if these are dumb questions but I love this dog and just wish I would have had more time to prepare to be caring for her so I knew all of this stuff. Thanks for the help!!!

>>My room mate's dog gave my Husky fleas. We have given her flea medication, groomed her multiple times, extremely thoroughly, and given her a flea bath and she's still got them. We've steam cleaned and vacuumed, threw away the vacuum bag, washed blankets sheets and clothes, etc. She was abused and neglected really badly for 4 years and my room mate rescued her two days before I moved in and she just really took to me and decided she was my dog (it was fine with me because I love her ) but I also haven't had a dog since I was 5 and I don't know what else to do for her. I've gotten a few husky books and looked through the forum for grooming questions and flea questions but not too much luck quite yet. It seems like the fleas are around areas of her that were pretty matted, they're getting better with repeated grooming but I'm also realizing I don't have a proper comb/brush for that undercoat of fur she's got; any suggestions? I'm thinking that when I know what to get for her to groom her better the flea problem will continue to get under control until I can go and get some flea bombs and probably a flea dip too. My husband was wondering about shaving her in the areas that were matted down more (around the sides of her legs, her thigh or whatever it's called on the outside part) but I don't think it's a good idea to shave her, what is the consensus on this? Sorry if these are dumb questions but I love this dog and just wish I would have had more time to prepare to be caring for her so I knew all of this stuff. Thanks for the help!!!

>>>>>>>>>>>>

I'd suggest you take her to a really good groomer to get all the mats taken care of. Then comb her daily with a good comb, and you can keep them clear.

Best bet is to get the flea control from your veterinarian. Advantage or Frontline--Advantage is wonderful against fleas.

Stop using flea products on the dog and in the house until you have taken a thorough list of what you have already used to your veterinarian for evaluation. Take empty packages, whatever you need to make sure he/she knows the ingredients. Many people have killed their dogs trying to kill fleas, and you can also make yourselves very ill. Advantage works, without that risk. It is far less toxic than that other stuff.
-----
Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Defintely take Kathy's advice about having professionals deal with this for the moment. It will get better, but initially the professionals have the tools and product we just don't have access to.

For maintenance the tools you have bought should help with the grooming once the mats are out. A husky coat is fairly easy to maintain overall. I have now recently purchased a coat rake called the "furminator" that many who have double coated breeds have recommended to me over the years. It really is a wonderful tool and well worth the price tag.

For flea control- use the stuff the vet perscribes. It's a bit expensive, but does work so it's well worth it in the end.
-----
Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Of all products used to the vet.
Get something that really works, Frontline Plus, go for the best product you can get from the vet.
You can buy it in 3-6 month doses from stores, and 12 months over the internet.
I asked around and got many opinions before I decided to stick with the Frontline plus. I know many examples who have tried anything else with failures, and still lots of fleas, or they come back in a week or 2. Frontline plus kills them in 24 hours and stops them from returning to the dog for 60 days, but reapply in 30 days.
Keep in mind both dogs need treated at the same time, and fleas are hard to stop in your carpets. Treat the house seriously.
I prefer to be proactive and prevent any problems, all animals are treated before they come into my house with something safe, and strong enough to prevent any living insects.
But the spray I have,to do so,is not available now, unfortunately.
Didnt your roomate think to check the other dog before bringing it into your home? Where did they get it, from a breeder or from the street?
Even the rescue I got our puppy from had it documented when the last frontline plus treatment was, and when the next one is due.

A word of advice about flea products you can find in most stores (ie. those grocery store, walmart, etc brands), they are useless, and dangerous.

My room mate found her on an ad on craigslist, when he went to get her he said the people were abusive to her and neglected her also other than these dang fleas she is now doing great, a loyal and intelligent part of our family! and the dog (and room mate) no longer live here! He gave his other dog away a few weeks ago and moved out about 2 or 3 days ago. Thanks for the advice. Do you know what kind of comb/brush would work well for her fur?? the metal comb i have doesn't seem to be getting her undercoat as well.

Dogs with undercoats.
Use an "undercoat rake", you can find them in most petstores. Ive been told that the furminator works good. I just use a single row undercoat rake, it works good.

>>My room mate found her on an ad on craigslist, when he went to get her he said the people were abusive to her and neglected her also other than these dang fleas she is now doing great, a loyal and intelligent part of our family! and the dog (and room mate) no longer live here! He gave his other dog away a few weeks ago and moved out about 2 or 3 days ago. Thanks for the advice. Do you know what kind of comb/brush would work well for her fur?? the metal comb i have doesn't seem to be getting her undercoat as well.

_______

A Chris Christensen long-tooth comb works great. Let me see if I can come up with a link...

http://www.chrissystems.com/combs.htm

There! Look at Buttercomb #005
-----
Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47