Sudenly Paranoid about Flea Meds

R

RetiredProf

Forums Enthusiast
I've been reading the horror stories in the papers the last few days about spot-on flea meds and terrible reactions (even death). It's really hard to get a handle on exactly what products or dosages, though.

The vet gave me Frontline+ for Fergus at his first visit and suggested I wait till June 1 to administer for the sake of keeping track of dates. So here I am sitting with this vial to use on a ten-week old puppy and I'm a little hesitant to use it.

Anybody else use this brand? Any negative reactions? What about this whole flea-med investigation? Any thoughts or what will you do differently, if anything?
 
Frontline Plus

All these meds have been known to have negative reactions to many unfortunate pets. Seizures being one. Try treating your yard instead and use a natural flea and tick remedy like Sergeant's Nature's Guardian Many of have been using this with much success. :cool: But the final choice obviously is yours. Best of luck with your dicision.
 
I've used Frontline+ on all my dogs and had no negative side affects. Over the years I've had a Malamute-mix, Finnish Spitz and, of course, my Sheltie
 
We used Advantage spot-on flea meds on our cats for years with no ill effects. The lived to be 16-17 years old.

The only flea + tick medication that my vet recommends is Frontline, she feels the other ones are too harsh. (It's not even available in Canada, I'd have to order it or travel over the border to get it.)

I haven't actually tried it, but instead am trying Sergeant's Nature's Guardian as an alternative to chemicals. So far so good, no fleas or ticks, however Sadie was really bothered by the smell, which I find pleasant but a little strong at first. I'm going to try one more time this weekend and if she's still really bothered by the smell I'll be switching to Frontline.

It's totally up to you whether you try Frontline or not. I now how expensive it can be, if it was me and I'd ready opened it I'd try it. Otherwise I would try taking it back and try Sergeant's Nature's Guardian instead.
 
I used Frontline (the plain formula, not the Plus) on my Sheltie who has canine epilepsy. It's the only chemical spot-on my vet would recommend for her, since we believe the combination of an illness from worms she had as a small puppy (not much older than yours), vaccinations, and flea/tick meds caused her seizures, which she has suffered from ever since. She is now almost four.

I switched this year from Frontline to the Sergeant's Natural Defense that others here have talked about. So far, Pixie has had no ill effects from it and tolerates it well. Her seizures have also decreased. I am going to switch my other two Shelties to it as well. Another advantage is that it's not only natural, but much cheaper than the chemical products! You may have to find it online though, since it can be tough to locate.

I don't blame you for being cautious, especially with a small puppy. There's good basis to all those reports you've read.
 
I use Sergeant's Nature's Guardian. It's natural oils, so I feel more comfortable. It smells like cloves -- can be a bit strong the first couple of days. I only use the 15 lb. dog size, though.
 
So Much for Chemicals...

And...the dangerous chemicals don't even work!!

I just have to share this about flea meds. Barkley, who had Lyme disease about this time last year, seems to be having a recurrence. Today was a banner day...I had both he and Ivy at the vet...poor Ivy for a urinary tract infection, and Barkley for the suspected Lyme since he's limping again. They are now both on different antibiotics....it was great fun splitting and sorting pills tonight. I just hope I can keep them straight for the next few weeks!

Anyway, Barkley is still on Advantix. I am using it up and then will put he and Ivy, along with Pixie, on Nature's Guardian. Bark had his treatment over the weekend and tonight I took an embedded tick off him. So much for the chemical "preventatives"!

Meantime, Pixie is perking along with her clove-scented formula and nary an insect to be found....
 
Anne when I had Katie on so many pills I got pill boxes at the dollar store one for am and pm, sure helped me alot.
As far as flea stuff I use Critter Powder all natural, I get it from a woman out in Oregon and you can get it through ebay...it works for us.

susan and Maggie
 
Thanks, Susan! Another great idea. Why don't you post the link for the Critter Powder when you have a chance for us. You can't have too many options.

Great idea on the pill container too...I have one of those around somewhere...probably buried under pill bottles!! :rolleyes2:
 
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