fleas and itching

Question
We have to dogs. 1 is a chihuahua, male about 5years old, the other is a mix doberman,female about 7 years old. Both have fleas bad and scratch alot. Both are losing the hair because of the scratching and chewing of their hair. Is there any quick, easy, and cheap cures that we could try. We live in the Pacific Northwest(washington state) and both are indoor dogs. We do have a 2 year old grandson so some medications may not be safe for him to be around
Thank you----Kris

Answer
Hi Kris,
The problem with fleas is that if you do not get rid of them in the yard and house, your dogs will be re-infested.   You asked for a cheap solution.  This might work, but is not the best solution.   Buy some "seven" dust from Walmart in the garden section, or a farmers co-op.  Put in in your yard, all over.  Take a day, and sprinklie it in your house , on the carpet and floors.  Vacuum later, and THROW THE BAG OUT, as flea eggs will hatch. (Do NOT Let your grandson near this stuff)   This needs to be done two weeks later in order to get rid of the flea eggs.  Now, this may or may not get rid of the fleas ,depending on how infested you are.   Wash your dogs with DAWN dishwashing liquid, which is suppose to be a good flea killer.  This is the cheapest way I know, but I am not sure how good it will do.

The next inexpensive way is to flea bomb your house.  Go to Walmart or any pet shop and buy enough of these canisters to go thru your house really well.  Read the label on the can.  LEAVE your house and take your dogs with you when you do this.......an hour or so,  read the label.   You will still need to put SEVEN dust down in the yard and bathe your dogs with DAWN or a good flea shampoo.  Repeat in two weeks to get the eggs unless you buy the kind that also kills the eggs.

THE BEST WAY to me,  is to first , bathe your dogs in a good flea shampoo or DAWN if it seems to work.  Buy some Frontline or a similar product from your vet.  This is the kind of medication that you put a few drops on the back of their neck.  The skin will absorb the med, and when a flea bites the dog, it will kill the flea. At first, it may look like it doesn't work as there are still fleas, but what it's doing is killing each flea as it jumps on the body. Eventually, there will be no more fleas.  I use this and NEVER have a flea problem.  It may cost more, but it works!  Believe me, it is will worth the expense.  

I hope this helps.
God Bless,
Becky