BACK		FLEAS!!!
	Fleas are a fact of life, why God made them I do not know, but I would like to be rid of them.  Over the years we have had many products to combat these small blood suckers, but I would be the first to say, most did not work and were too harsh.  Sometimes even deadly. I am asked almost daily if I do flea dips.  I think flea dips are no longer the best solution for flea problems.  They are obsolete, they don't work and they are not safe.  There are flea products that can be purchased at your local stores, they have the same ingredients in them as most dips, pyrethrins and permethrin.  Again, they are not safe and most do not work. They are cheap though, (you get what you pay for).  Food for thought. Do you save money when you buy something that doesn't work? Oh, let's not forget the office fee at the vets when they have that allergic reaction.  Saving money is nice.  Flea collars are also not the best solution.  They may work temporarily and only around the neck,   while the butt is getting chewed to smithereens. I see almost daily the harm fleas do to our pets.  They cause major skin problems, some pets are so allergic to the flea bite that they chew themselves bloody.  Major flea problems can cause a pet to become anemic, small pets are especially vulnerable. They are literally being sucked dry.  The small black speck that you see on your animal is flea dirt.  This is flea waste, (blood).  During bath time some pets look like they are covered in blood because the amount of flea dirt is so great.   Fleas are also the cause of tapeworms. Part of the worms life cycle must take place in the flea.  When a pet eats a flea they could get this worm. From a groomers standpoint getting an animal in your shop that is covered with fleas is frustrating. Not only are you trying to rid the pet of these pests, your chasing them around your shop all day trying to make sure they don't get on your other clients.   Shampoos and sprays are what I use in my shop to rid the pet of fleas, but they only work on the fleas that are currently on the pet.  Once they go home they will have fleas again. Don't despair.  There is hope.  It may cost you a little more, but they're   worth it. (our pets) My recommendations are Frontline+ and Advantage.  These products are patented and are not the same as the store bought products.  If you have a pet that is very sensitive to products I would recommend Advantage. It is also cheaper per application, but it doesn't work as long and doesn't work for ticks.  This is a good choice for cats because you have to reapply monthly no matter what product you choose. Might as well save a few bucks on those felines. Frontline+ kills ticks, fleas and eggs. If you don't have a flea problem this product could protect your dog for up to three months.  They recommend monthly applications if you have a flea problem or your pet is highly allergic to fleas. Both of these products work through the oil glands of the skin and are much safer.  You don't need to bath you pet before applying and it is water proof.   As a professional I am amazed at the quality of these products, they are far superior to what we had only a few short years ago. I can tell you from experience that these products work, but I cannot make you use them or remind you when it needs reapplied.  Once a year is not enough.  If your pet lives in the house fleas are a year long threat, they don't take winters off.   Check with your veterinarian or pet care professional and let's get some relieve for our pets. Thank you.