Have you tried any different flea products other than Frontline?
Is she around any cats at all?
Thank you.
Dr. Tanis!
The fleas are bad EVERYWHERE this year, you have my sympathies.
In my hands, Advantage is a better flea killing treatment than Frontline, and it is safe to use on and around cats. You might try a switch to Advantage - especially if you have not used it before, your fleas might be VERY sensitive to it. When you apply it, be sure you are getting it down to skin level - I have some clients who even shave a small spot in the fur on the back of their flea allergy to apply it to make sure it gets to the skin.
Second, for your flea allergy dog, you may want to consider using Comfortis. This is an oral drug and is only for dogs, but is safe to use on dogs that are around cats. It is given once a month. This will give double protection to your dog, and make sure that any fleas that are not killed by the Advantage are killed off by the Comfortis.
Finally, to answer your question, I have used low doses of pred longterm in some dogs, specifically flea allergy dogs, and even more specifically, in my sister in law's flea allergy Shih Tzu! We got him weaned down where he was only getting a half of a 5mg tablet every 2nd or 3rd day. You have to understand that there ARE significant health problems that can result from being on long-term pred - hormone issues, other kinds of skin issues, increased drinking and urination, liver issues, etc.
However, if a low dose of pred keeps the dog comfortable, and you otherwise have the fleas well under control, I would approach your vet about it.
Good luck!
The Comfortis is an oral tablet that kills fleas when they jump on your dog and before they lay eggs. Yes, the flea could still have a chance to bite your dog, but it is less likely if you are killing them off effectively. Here is the website for more info:
http://www.comfortis4dogs.com/
Advantage kills fleas within 3-5 minutes of them jumping on the dog, it is a contact kill - ie the flea has to contact it to die, just like with Frontline.
http://advantage.petparents.com/aboutAdvantage.cfm
You can also alternate Advantage and Frontline every 2 weeks - apply one, then apply the other 2 weeks later, and rotate that way. That helps in some cases as well. No flea treatment is perfect, unfortunately - too bad, or there would be no more fleas!
Both are safe to use with the prednisone if you need it. The only side effect I have heard is that Comfortis should be given with food because otherwise they may vomit up the pill if given on an empty stomach. You do not need a prescription for Comfortis or Advantage, and you can find them from many online pet supply sources.
Good luck with your dog.
Dog Veterinarian
10 years experience in small animal emergency medicine