What is the best thing for fleas?…I think  my  dog has some, he is all itchy scratchy and I think I see a couple bites on his belly. 

Dear LP,

there are a few  things that  should be  done  to determine  if  fleas  are the problem. ”  To fleas, taking a ride  on a dog  can be compared to travel in  business  class.  They  get a ride,  a  meal  and a comfort.  If you find them, convincing them to  leave may be a challenge .”  

On a more serious  note,

1. take a flea comb  and do a very  thorough check especial  around the neck, tail and on the abdomen. Take a few  samples  from other  areas  too.  Comb  deep to ensure that  you will not  miss any “secret travelers.”  Repeat  this several  times during the day and  in the evening to increase the accuracy of your  
2. If  you find  fleas, go to point 5  or read  on  to get  a complete picture.
3. If you have not found  fleas,  there may be  many  other reasons  to itching and scratching. The body usually  eliminates toxins, impurities from the body, it signals  inbalances in  other organs  like digestion, liver function, the immune system.  Sometimes  it  signals the “body’s disagreement” with medication,  vaccines or the type of diet.   I believe that you dog was  vaccinated fairly  recently.  The negative effects  of vaccination  may persist months and if  symptoms  appear, they should be  addressed.
4. Scratching or licking may also be a sign muscle  pain,  tightness or discomfort  in the area.  Dogs often try to get  a relief by this, however, they traumatize  their the skin which causes  rashes and irritation.  
5. If you  find  fleas,  I  do not   recommend  using  any chemical or pharmaceutical products on  long term basis. However,  if the infestation  is  severe, (more then 1 – 2 fleas ) you may need to use Advantage once or twice,   1 month  apart.  
6. Steam clean or thoroughly vacuum  rugs ,  carpets,  washing the bedding and  repeat  this as often  as  you can. 
7. For years  I have tried to find the best natural  ways  of  preventing  fleas. There are numerous  recommendations  about different essential  oils,  garlic preparations and other natural  products.   In my experience, they do not  seem to  work well.  
8. Raw and natural  food  being the  only  good  prevention.  Fleas  appear to prefer  pets fed  on  high  carb diet, in other words.  they  are sugar.  Naturally  fed  pets are healthier and generally  much more  resistant  to parasites. 
9. There is no 100%  effective method, however good  health, low  stress,  minimal vaccination, good food and   frequent   combing and  house  cleaning  are the key. 
10. My dog  Skai  spent years at my practice, meeting hundreds  of animals  and had fleas  only once. about  5 years ago. 
11. If  you find  no  fleas or lice,  we can set up  an  appointment to talk about further treatment