Capstar Anyone?

[MRipple]

Here in Florida, this year the fleas are VERY BAD! 9 out of 10 dogs come in with at least a few fleas on them. I need opinions! Do you all use Capstar on the very bad cases? Do you require a flea bath at extra cost? I do have another area I can put the flea dogs in until bath because I don't want to put them with the other dogs. If you use Capstar (and some do, I know) do you have them sign a waiver or notice (in case of allergic reaction or something)? Right now I just require a flea bath/soak in a Neem shampoo. It kills 90% of them on the normal dogs, but I am afraid of fleas everywhere from those that come in loaded. Or do you turn them away? (I'd hate to do that!)

Opinions everyone! Thanks!

[luvpups]

I would not personally give the dog capsar, the owner should give it to their dog.

[arlaede]

I do keep Capstar on hand, it's one way to help prevent the shop from having a flea problem. If something comes in that is totally infested I ask the owner upon drop off (inspect dogs before going to groom them!) I explain that it used to only be available through a veterinarian and that it is now available over the counter. If a dog came in with serious problems - seizures, ancient dog, and so on, no I probably wouldn't suggest it. I think the key here is get the owners permission first.

[ferretlov]

We are in florida as well,what we do is offer it to the clients we sell them for 7.00. I also require a flea bath if fleas are found.I only "give " it to dogs I have in daycare and they have signed the hold harmless agreement.

[TheyCallMeMom]

I dont use flea dips.. all my pets with fleas get capstar and I have the owners written signed informed consent in doing so

[luvpups]

Where can you buy it over the counter? I have to get it at my vet.

[merrypuppins]

luvpups....

Where can you buy it over the counter? I have to get it at my vet.

PetEdge sells it.........

[bulldogmom]

Capstar is not a cure-all, it will kill anything that is alive on the dog... but not the eggs/pupa/larvae, so cleaning the area the dog is staying in your salon is essential. It is important to administer a Capstar about 30 minutes before the bath so that it takes effect. Then, immediately bathe so that the bath can wash the flea eggs/pupa/larvae and the newly dead adult fleas down the drain. For the HUGE importance of educating the client, let them know the Capstar will keep fleas off for 24 hours, but as soon as the next day the fleas will jump right back on (so the result is about the same as a flea bath, minus the hazards and hassle). Sell them the Capstar + monthly flea preventative to maximize results. I work at a vet and we use/sell a TON of Capstars, but our primary vet/owner thinks that most people are disillusioned, thinking they are a magic pill, and don't understand the importance of breaking the fleas' life cycle and cleaning the environment to really resolve the issue.

[dachshundmom]

Capstar

Where can you buy it over the counter? I have to get it at my vet.

www.discountpetdrugs.com is where I get mine from

[caninecrazy]

I sell capstar and I now require dogs with fleas to buy one and take one to come into my shop and I also give flea baths. I have owner sign waiver. I also purchased the flea brochures from Barkleigh that I give out to drill home the importance of breaking the flea cycle. Fleas are so prevalent here in florida, I feel like a broken record somedays, trying to educate clients on the importance of treating WHOLE problem and not just the dog.

[MRipple]

Thank you! Thank you!

Phew! Thank you for your responses everyone! I would like to give Capstar to those coming in with a ton of fleas. I do give flea baths as well. I will give my opinion that I LOVE the Natural Animal Herbal Shampoo is AWESOME on fleas. They literally drop right off DEAD. I got a sample at a show and love it. It is entirely natural as well.

For those that use waivers with the Capstar. Would you mind sharing? I would like to see some wordage. Thank you!

[SwissNChow]

You should have a "Flea Funeral Package" and charge well for it. Use capstar, give the special flea bath, and send them home with a "steps you must do at home" handout. I'd also tell them all the things that fleas do to the pet, and to the humans in the home. Really, they are not just an annoyance. In this day and age with the variety of flea prevention products available, there really isn't any excuse for 9 out of 10 dogs to be coming in with fleas. Offer the education they are so obviously lacking, but make sure you are being paid for your time.

[TheyCallMeMom]

I have a one page grooming policy every client must sign, its pretty basic..

3. If the pet is infested with fleas it may be necessary for (my name) to administer a
Capstar tablet to eradicate the fleas in order to maintain salon sanitation. This is at (my name) discretion and clients expense. Information on this product is available.