Anyone tried "non toxic" flea deterrants?

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Sorry tried to write this out and all I got was blank space!! Think the site is a bit blippy tonight, anyway here goes, on the offchance that someone can read it!

Has anyone tried "non toxic" i.e. non-chemical, flea repellants? I've been aware of problems with the Pour On ones, esp the Bob Martin ones I think? Dogs have been poorly/died even The last time I used a proprietory brand flea collar my little terrier went ballistic, until I took it off, then he was OK, so decided not to use them.

Have been using Diatomaceous Earth, and Neem, but still managed to find a flea crawling across Terrier's tummy at a friends house this afternoon (blushes); so am now researching non-toxic flea remedies.

Have looked at the ultrasonic thingeys which are supposed to deter the fleas, its a little medallion thing you attach to the collar, some good reviews (hopefully genuine).

Also the use of Amber beads came up, there IS "science" to this, it apparently works by charging the coat with an electro-magnetic coating or summat which then deters the fleas from staying on the dog (mmm I'm a bit cynical BUT there was another "cynic" review who'd bought it for their dog and hey presto it worked). These are a little pricey, but hey if it works..........

Anyone else got any non-chemical stuff they use? I really really don't want to poison doglets with nasty chemicals, I wouldn't put them on myself so why should I put it on them. Or thoughts/wisdom????

 

[s4sugar]

Electronic nit zapper (cheaper than the pet version)will kill fleas with no residue but another effective remover is suffocation. Any shampoo foamed up & left on for ten minutes will kill the blighters. Fleas breed on surfaces not animals so steam is best for indoor use.
No such thing as a non chemical repellent - even if natural they are chemicals.
Neem can cause bad reactions as can any essential oil used at an effective strength on a dog.

 

[SusieT]

Non chemical methods are not very successful hence why modern flea treatments were discovered- get a prescription strength one from your vet, avoid pet shop products. As above poster says - all 'natural' chemicals are also chemicals - eg sulphur lakes etc! Not always less toxic

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I think the main problem with the Bob Martin flea products is that they are permethrin based and were marketed for both dogs and cats (it is toxic to cats) if I remember rightly. far better to go to vets and get something tried and tested for the right species in the right dosage imo. There's a lot of resistance to frontline but you can get e.g. Advantage from online sites such as Hyperdrug-I've been using it for years on dogs and cats with no ill effects, and no fleas.

 

[alfiesowner]

Have never tried them and never would, personally. The in laws tried some non chemical methods for a while and the poor pup ended up crawling in them, and that's a family pet who goes out in the fields once a day so hardly in a high risk area. Ours is at a high risk of developing fleas/mites and is severely allergic, so we're prescribed high strength advocate flea treatment. I would say go to the vets and get the proper dosage etc of a flea treatment. Highly different to Bob Martin.
I personally think worming & flea treatment is like vaccines, not to be skimped or cut corners on.

 

[Micky]

My sister used to use Billy No Mates on hers..I think that is a non toxic flea product? She had great success, neither cats nor gsd got fleas and the cats practically lived outside.. Maybe try that? Check you've deflead your house too though..