Flea Zapper Comb - Does it Really Work?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of flea zapper combs, which claim to eliminate fleas on contact using a safe electric charge. Participants share their experiences, skepticism, and thoughts on the product's design and functionality, exploring both theoretical and practical aspects of its use on pets.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the effectiveness of flea zapper combs, questioning whether they can effectively zap fleas without harming the pet.
  • Concerns are raised about the design of the comb, particularly whether the electrodes are recessed enough to prevent contact with the dog's skin while still being effective against fleas.
  • One participant suggests that the comb may be similar to products used for head lice, noting that it requires regular use to be effective.
  • Another participant humorously suggests using a bug zapper instead, indicating a lack of faith in the flea zapper comb's utility.
  • There is a discussion about the potential odor resulting from zapping fleas, comparing it to the smell of a wet dog.
  • One participant proposes that the comb's fine-toothed design might help remove fleas and eggs, but emphasizes the need for additional treatments for severe infestations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of flea zapper combs. There are multiple competing views regarding their design, functionality, and overall utility in flea control.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the product's operation and effectiveness remain unverified, and there are unresolved questions about the safety and practicality of using such a device on pets.

Math Is Hard
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Has anyone tried one of these flea zapper combs?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007XE4JS/?tag=pfamazon01-20
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SNX9AG0RL._AA280_.jpg
I thought it was a neat idea, but was skeptical that it would work.

"Product Description
Flea Zapper Comb! It "Zaps" fleas on contact by emitting a safe electric charge that is harmless to you and your pet."
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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It would be nice if they did.
 
Even dogs are photoshopped these days!
 
Math Is Hard said:
Has anyone tried one of these flea zapper combs?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007XE4JS/?tag=pfamazon01-20
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SNX9AG0RL._AA280_.jpg
I thought it was a neat idea, but was skeptical that it would work.

"Product Description
Flea Zapper Comb! It "Zaps" fleas on contact by emitting a safe electric charge that is harmless to you and your pet."

Waste of money! You can use that bug zapper you have hanging on your porch for the same job.:biggrin: I'm sure your pet wouldn't mind being rubbed with a powered up bug zapper!
 
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How does it zap the fleas, but not the dog? I suppose if the electrodes are recessed and can't ever touch the skin, it would protect the dog. But fleas live very close to the skin, so they might never get close enough to the electrodes to experience the joy of being fried.

And then there's the issue that your dog will likely smell like burned fleas for days afterwards. What's worse, that or wet dog?

- Warren
 
I prefer a bow-an-arrow, but then... I'm not terribly fond of dogs.
 
Its the same product they use on humans for head lice. It does work well, but you half to use it everyday.
 
hmmm... I need to test it out on something before I comb my cat with it.

Hey, Smurf, come here for a second...
 
chroot said:
How does it zap the fleas, but not the dog? I suppose if the electrodes are recessed and can't ever touch the skin, it would protect the dog. But fleas live very close to the skin, so they might never get close enough to the electrodes to experience the joy of being fried.

And then there's the issue that your dog will likely smell like burned fleas for days afterwards. What's worse, that or wet dog?

- Warren

I guess it just takes a super small amount of electricity to electrocute a flea, not enough to cause pain to a person or pet? It seems like those bug zappers that hang out side have quite a bit of juice, though.
 
  • #10
If it helps at all, I'm guessing it's mostly because it's a fine-toothed comb that combs out the fleas and flea eggs. But, miss just a few, and they'll be back. Certainly, if you have a badly infested pet, brushing and combing along with a bath is a good idea to help get the adults off quickly, followed up by one of those topical flea treatments that might take a few days to work (bathe the pet before applying the treatment, otherwise you'll wash it all back off).
 

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