Do the non prescription flea treatments work?

[sahbear]

Hi, Puppy has had Advocate (I think) from the vets. It works. But I am looking for a cheaper alternative. Have you used any of the over the counter treatments and would recommend them?

Advocate also treats worms etc as well as fleas (but not ticks) so you might want to take that into account if you are just thinking of swooping to an over the counter flea treatment.

I use the prescription stuff from the vets so can't actually comment on your question.

Front line works for us.

It's worth paying more and getting the proper ones I'm afraid. Avoid Bob martin at all costs - reports it's made some sick!

Forgot to say - check vet.UK as you may be able to buy cheaper there

Depends on the brand, avoid the really cheap stuff like Bob Martin and Johnsons they are really weak and often in-effective, Bob Martin also often results in adverse reactions. Over the counter meds are generally not as strong as prescription but Advantage and Frontline are good effective over the brands (they used to be prescription grade) and you can get them pretty cheap online (much cheaper than the likes of pets at home). Like another poster said though if you are moving from one that covers fleas and worms to an over the counter treatment you will need to do them seperately so may need to work out which is more cost effective. Worming is normally 3 monthly by tablet and spot on for fleas is normally montly.

No. Only the prescription one works.

You can get advantage online much cheaper. I sometimes buy ectoline over the counter at asda pharmacy same ingredients as front line but half the price.

No, they don't. Advocate is the best, Frontline is awful. I give a garlic capsule twice a week as a natural flea repellent and use Advocate quarterly. None of my dogs have ever had fleas.