Don't leap to the conclusion your pet has fleas just because she is scratching. Pets have allergies and rashes just like people. Do a thorough inspection of your pet before deciding on a treatment.

Start by searching for fleas. You may actually see the dark fleas, about the size of sesame seeds, scurrying about on the skin. Their favorite haunts include the base of the ears and the rump. Many dogs develop hot spots in these areas as a result of extensive flea bites in these areas.

For more conclusive evidence, look closely in sparsely-furred places like the groin for flea feces, tiny black specks about the size of poppy seeds composed of digested blood. If you're not sure whether you're looking at flea dirt or just plain dirt, place it on a damp piece of white tissue. After a minute or so, a small red spot or halo will become apparent if it's flea feces, since the blood rehydrates and diffuses into the tissue.

If your pet has fleas, the most effective (and probably least expensive in the long run) way to fix the problem is to use a good flea killer like Frontline or Advantage.

There are many good flea products on the market. Be sure to buy one that is safe for both your pet and yourself (never use flea collars, they are very toxic and cause cancer). For information regarding flea product health risks, go to www.nrdc.org.

It is important to follow directions and size/age/species directions when buying flea products.

We carry Advantage seasonally as well as Capstar, an oral pill that kills live adult fleas on your pet within 30 minutes. It is safe to use in dogs, puppies, cats and kittens 4 weeks of age and older and 2 pounds of body weight or greater.

Here is a calendar to help you prevent fleas.

1) Brush your pet out thoroughly, removing all dead fur and mats. A clean, healthy pet is less likely to get fleas.

2) Vacuum regularly and often. Add a flea collar to your vacuum bag.

3) Change your vacuum bag once a month.

4) Wash your pet's bedding each month.

1) Spread beneficial nematodes and diatomaceous earth around your yard. They will kill fleas. Local home and garden stores carry them.

2) Consider using something except bark mulch on your beds. Bark mulch is an ideal breeding ground for fleas.

3) Plant smelly, flea-repelling plants such as lavendar, rosemary and pennyroyal.

4) On tax day start your pet on a monthly flea control product. Plan to keep your pet on it for at least six months.

5) Consider using our organic flea shampoo.

6) Add brewer's yeast and garlic to your pet's diet.

1) Prevent pet swims for three days after applying flea product.

2) Don't apply flea product for three days after a bath.

1) Seasonal allergies are usually at their worst in the fall. If your pet is itching, switch to oatmeal shampoo.

2) Apply beneficial nematodes, diatomaceous earth again.