I’ve been having a terrible time with fleas this year. I’ve been trying the whole diatomaceous earth program. I sprinkle it on my dog’s food. I shake it onto the floor, sweep it into all the corners, cracks and crevices, and then after a few hours I vacuum thoroughly. I’ve sprinkled and vacuumed the furniture and the dog beds. I’ve mopped the floors with a vinegar solution. The dog has been washed, combed, brushed and sprayed with an herbal mix. Nothing seems to be working.

I gave in and bought flea drops, twice, even though the idea of poisoning the dog to kill the fleas does not appeal to me.  Today I bought a special flea and tick shampoo. Fresh scented.

I didn’t have my glasses with me.

She just had her bath and many fleas jumped off into the tub. I took my time to completely cover her from the neck back and down. I massaged it in well, taking my time to let it work, and to give my pup a luxurious massage to make up for the hated bath. I worked shampoo into her legs and tail, and then rinsed her very thoroughly.  After I dried her off as best I could, and then I sat down at the computer and read the label.

Here are the cautionary statements from the back of the bottle:

First Aid: If Swallowed: Call a Poison Control Center or doctor immediately for treatment advice. Have a person sip a glass of water if able to swallow. Do not induce vomiting unless told to do so by the Poison Control Center or doctor. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

If on skin or clothing: Take off contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes.

If in eyes: Hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15-20 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present, after the first 5 minutes then continue rinsing eye.

If inhaled: Move person to fresh air. If person is not breathing call 911 or an ambulance, then give artificial respiration, preferably by mouth-to-mouth if possible.

Have the product container or label with you when calling Poison Control Center or doctor or going for treatment. For emergency information, call 800-645-5154.

 

Wait what?

Of course it got on my skin – I was bathing her! Now I’m supposed to stand in the shower for 20 minutes? What about my dog, she’s going to be licking herself dry?. And yeah, I could smell it –  you mean I could have stopped breathing? What is this stuff? Oh – and it can cause eye irritation too.

Fortunately all the windows and doors in the house are open so we had plenty of ventilation. Hopefully this will get me ahead of the fleas so I don’t  have to expose her and myself to this chemical stew again. My lavender soap smells so much nicer.