Bob Martin FleaClear Spot On review

In just six weeks time, we'll be heading off for a fortnight in Tunisia - woohoo ! While we're off lazing around by the pool and soaking up the sun, the Madhouse dogs will be being looked after either by a pet-sitter or in kennels. Whichever solution we opt for, they invariably come back riddled with fleas which are then really difficult to get rid of. We usually end up treating them with Frontline, but I think fleas are a bit like headlice and start building up a resistance to the flea-treatments on the market because last time, it took a good few months and several different treatments before we finally managed to eradicate them.

When Bob Martin got in touch a couple of months ago to see if we'd try out their new FleaClear Spot On flea treatment, I was sure we'd be able to give them a thorough road-test but unfortunately (or fortunately for us!) we haven't had a single unwelcome doggie visitor in sight ever since ! From reading up on the FleaClear treatment, I've discovered that this is to be used as a preventative measure, not to get rid of an infestation, so I will definitely be treating both dogs with this just before we head off on holiday. It is designed to keep fleas away for up to eight weeks, so hopefully this year, they won't bring home any unwanted guests from their "holiday".

The pack contains one, two or three little pipettes each containing one treatment, and they are available for cats or dogs. Just like the Frontline that we usually use, the contents of the pipette need to be squirted between the dogs' shoulder blades (around the back of the neck) so that they can't lick it off. I always think there's a lot of excess packaging in flea treatments because, whatever the brand, the little pipettes come in a relatively big box. I don't know why but they all do it, so maybe they need all the packaging for marking the instructions and warnings !

Bob Martin point out that this is only one of three steps necessary to get rid of fleas (and I'll definitely be following this advice, following our nightmare struggle to wipe them out last year !). They explain :

"Pet owners need to be aware that using FleaClear is just one element of the three step flea control programme:

• Step 1:  Treat existing flea infestations on your cat/dog with one of our flea killing products, such as Bob Martin FleaClear you can also give your pet Bob Martin Flea Tablets to offer your pet some immediate relief.  The Tablets are effective within 15 minutes

 

• Step 2:  At the same time you need to treat the home: your pet’s bedding, carpets and soft furnishings regularly to kill adult fleas and prevent flea eggs and larvae from developing.  Try Bob Martin Home Flea Fogger Plus or Bob Martin Home Flea Spray.

• Step 3:  Prevention – Bob Martin FleaClear treats and prevents fleas and flea larvae for up to 4 weeks per application.  Use all year round for the best protection against fleas."
  
  

The handy thing about the Bob Martins treatments is that they're available in the supermarket so you don't have to make a special trip to the vet's (and - now that I know their flea tablets work in 15 minutes, I'll be sending Madhouse Daddy Mike off to the 24-hour Tesco if the dogs keep scratching all night long again !!). Despite claiming to be as effective and safe as the treatments bought at the vet's - in fact, FleaClear uses Fipronil, the same active ingredient as Frontline - they only cost a fraction of the price.

I'll come back and give you an update after the dogs have been in kennels ! Fingers crossed !

star rating : time will tell !

RRP : from £4.50 (cat) to £7 (extra large dog) for 1 pipette, from £7.65 (cat) to £11.90 (extra large dog) for 2 pipettes, from £10.80 (cat) to £16.80 (extra large dog) for 3 pipettes

for more information : http://www.bobmartin.co.uk/FleaAdvice.html

Disclosure : I received some FleaClear in order to write an honest review.

Other reviews you may be interested in :

 Charlie the rabbit's first blogging assignment ! Monster Pet Supplies review 

Pets Corner Symply dog food 

Bob Martin Natural Vitality Dog Treats review