My elderly sheltie has recently developed a problem with seizures. I can't be sure but I think it may be related to the Nexgard product I was giving him monthly for fleas. I have had him off the Nexgard for several months and just recently noticed a few fleas on him. It seems like all of the chemical drugs/insecticides can cause seizures and neurological problems whether they are given oral, topically, or from wearing a flea collar. Can anyone suggest a product that will not make his seizure problem worse? Or is least likely to lower the seizure threshold? I have also read about other products including diatomaceous earth and herbal sprays but do they really work? One of my other shelties had an adverse reaction to Trifexis so I am reluctant to give these insecticidal once a month treatments. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Best flea treatment and prevention for my elderly sheltie with seizures
- Thread starter BJJ62
- Start date
Ann
Moderator
I couldn't use chemical products on my Sheltie girl Pixie due to seizures either. I've also recently heard that Nexguard can have seizure side effects.
Two things that may help you. What do you use for heartworm medication? I've gone to Sentinel, which controls fleas as well as heartworm and that was a big help to me with Pixie. I haven't had a problem with Sentinel for any of my dogs who are sensitive to other meds.
I also use a spay that I make at home to keep bugs off my dogs. One part apple cider vinegar to three parts water in a spray bottle works wonders for us. Just spritz your dog every morning lightly and brush or ruffle it through the fur. Insects hate vinegar so this has been a good natural solution for us, with no side effects.
Good luck and pats to your senior girl.
Two things that may help you. What do you use for heartworm medication? I've gone to Sentinel, which controls fleas as well as heartworm and that was a big help to me with Pixie. I haven't had a problem with Sentinel for any of my dogs who are sensitive to other meds.
I also use a spay that I make at home to keep bugs off my dogs. One part apple cider vinegar to three parts water in a spray bottle works wonders for us. Just spritz your dog every morning lightly and brush or ruffle it through the fur. Insects hate vinegar so this has been a good natural solution for us, with no side effects.
Good luck and pats to your senior girl.
take4roll10
Moderator
My dog has a history on neurological episodes. I immediately stopped using chemical flea/tick preventative as a precaution. For the last two years, I've been using Wondercide for flea & ticks https://www.wondercide.com/. Knock on wood, I haven't found fleas and only 1 tick last year, but I believe I stopped using the spray. The down side is you have to spray it on your dog every other day or every two days. I've been doing it every other day. I actually spray it on a paper towel and then rub it on my dog's fur.
Caro
Moderator
My Tully (11yrs) gets sick on just about any medication (not seizures though). I've cut back her treatments so I only treat for one thing at a time. Her flea treatment only treats for fleas and she has separate heartworm and separate worming tablets, and these are given at least a week apart (worming is 3-mthly). She's much better this way and so far hasn't gotten sick on the flea treatment. If we cross into nearby areas with paralysis tick I will give her a flea treatment that includes ticks - mainly because there's none for paralysis tick alone. In winter it gets cold here so I don't worry about fleaing the pets unless I see them scratching.
Cara Sandler
Forums Enthusiast
I stagger my dogs' heartworm prevention/flea and tick prevention as well. They get one on the first of the month and the other on the 15th of each month.