Another tick/flea medicine question

[UnluckyDrabBear]

So I searched this site for posts relating to flea/tick medicine but still haven't found the answer to a question that I have. I just moved down to NC where the fleas are supposed to be really bad in the summer. I am really concerned about putting a topical medicine on my B's necks. They play rough and have a tendency to grab each other by the back of the neck when playing (don't worry, it sounds worse then it is!). I'm worried about them getting toxins in their mouth. Sounds like most people use a topical solution, has anyone had any problems occur because of this? Maybe I'm being an overprotective worry-wort. :o I just want to do what's best for my furkids.

[Ninabeana26]

The topical I have been using is Frontline. I have not had any problems with Dallas after using it & I have been applying it monthly. However, I have still found a couple fleas on him so for $30/month I'm not sure it's worth the money to me at this point…

[tanza]

I have never had any problem with the topical meds, and I have 4 at home the drag each other around…

And Ninabeana.... $30? Wow.... that is outrageous.. I have never paid that much for Frontline. Have you looked at PedMeds? Medium size Frontline for 6 months is 14+ a month with free shipping

[Rivermoon]

I sometimes worry about that too, so apply the meds when I know they aren't going to be playing with each other for a bit…usually after their long walk when they like they like to nap.

[Ninabeana26]

@tanza:

I have never had any problem with the topical meds, and I have 4 at home the drag each other around…

And Ninabeana.... $30? Wow.... that is outrageous.. I have never paid that much for Frontline. Have you looked at PedMeds? Medium size Frontline for 6 months is 14+ a month with free shipping

That was when I bought it straight from the vets office but you know my issues with Dallas' vet anyway. I don't trust the guy nor like how pushy he is. Anyway, like I said, I moved to MD last weekend & am currently looking for a new vet since Dallas is getting the big snip within the next 2 months…hopefully this one will be less expensive & just all around better...

[tanza]

@Ninabeana26:

That was when I bought it straight from the vets office but you know my issues with Dallas' vet anyway. I don't trust the guy nor like how pushy he is. Anyway, like I said, I moved to MD last weekend & am currently looking for a new vet since Dallas is getting the big snip within the next 2 months…hopefully this one will be less expensive & just all around better...

You can still most likely get it cheaper if you ask them for the scrip… by law they must give it to you if you ask... you do not have to buy from them...

[BDawg]

We had a really TERRIBLE experience with Advantix. Lexi had a neurologic reaction to the ointment placed on her neck. She started donkey kicking out of no where… it was really scary.

Of course there will be people who don't have any problems with products- and that's great. But if your dog is having problems after having used Advantix-- chances are that IT is the problem. A quick google search for Advantix Side Effects will bring up a list of user complaints.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q…oogle+S earch

And if your dog has similar symptoms to the ones listed, I would definitely recommend stopping the use of the product immediately.

[lvoss]

A really common mistake that people make with Frontline that severely cuts down on its effectiveness is that they bathe the dog just prior to applying the product. In order for Frontline to work properly a dog should not be bathed 72 hours prior to application nor 72 hours after application. Frontline depends on the dog's natural skin and coat oils to disperse properly and since bathing carries these away it will great reduce the effectiveness.

We usually apply it in the evening after they are beginning to wind down so that they have a good 10-12 hours of quiet time for the product to absorb before they begin rough housing again.

[Quercus]

@lvoss:

A really common mistake that people make with Frontline that severely cuts down on its effectiveness is that they bathe the dog just prior to applying the product. In order for Frontline to work properly a dog should not be bathed 72 hours prior to application nor 72 hours after application. Frontline depends on the dog's natural skin and coat oils to disperse properly and since bathing carries these away it will great reduce the effectiveness.

We usually apply it in the evening after they are beginning to wind down so that they have a good 10-12 hours of quiet time for the product to absorb before they begin rough housing again.

This is what we do too. Or make sure that each treated dog spends an hour or so in the crate so the product can dry. Once it is dry, it shouldn't migrate to anything else.

[paulmwegman]

While the product is drying, hold pets apart. You don't want them brushing each other and ingesting the toxin.
Some of the ways of doing that are:

1. Keep your pets in the separate rooms
2. Take the ones who are treated to a different homes for a time being
3. Use their sleeping time wisely for the treatment purpose.

Apart from these:

1. You will need to wash hands after the application
2. Vacuum carpets, cushioned beds, baseboards, and the basement on a regular basis. After each use, discard the vacuum bag or thoroughly wash the canister.
3. Steam-clean your home on a regular basis, especially in areas where your dog sleeps.
4. Wash pet and human bedding every two or three weeks at the very least.

Or you can opt for chews like NexGard Spectra, Capstar, Bravecto which need not require pets to stay away from each other.

[Annie]

Nexgard fan I personally do not like topical meds.