The dirt on flea and tick treatments
One thing I can't stand about social media is - scaremongering, especially when it comes to dogs.
I hate these posts that make you feel guilty for trying to do the best for your pet or are based on purely anecdotal (he said or she said) remarks. However it's always good to read and research as much as possible especially when it comes to the health and well-being of our pets. I guess I am a great believer of ' if it ain't broke, don't fix it' and always to do what works for you and gets the desired results.
That being said, you read a lot of articles and hear people say what awful sometimes tragic reactions their dogs (and cats ) have had from Spot On treatments and they naturally want to share their experiences to try and help the same thing from happening to other pets. I personally have clients whose dogs have had some terrible reactions too and I should add that I know for a FACT that they weren't to other influences.
I am not saying for one moment that we should stop giving treatments as recommended by your Vet, what I am saying is we need to be really aware of what we are using to treat our dogs and weigh that up very carefully.
On the subject of Fleas, Ticks and Mites - which are going to (if not already) be rearing their ugly little heads very soon, I have always been willing to explore both the traditional 'spot on' methods as well as natural non-chemical options.
Probably like many of you, I used the usual Frontline Combo or Advocate, Advantage Spot On Treatments for years on my cats and dogs. Honestly, with mixed results. Sometimes no problem at all. Sometimes followed by diarrhoea and sickness. Often followed by the almost immediate appearance of the very parasite I had been trying to prevent! And on two separate occasions in 2 different dogs, followed by very nasty cases of gastroenteritis that required overnight stays at the vets.
So for the last few years we have got into our own routine... which is to use very little over the winter months other than keeping them in tip top health with good diet and plenty of exercise. As the Spring arrives we use a repellent spray plus keep a tick o tom remover for removal of ticks (which luck for us is rare) at the ready and avoid walks in areas where we know there are ticks.
For years we have used our own recipe of spray to help keep the nasties at bay and I must admit I'm really pleased that we have found something that works for us without the worry of what the chemicals will be doing to our precious family....and the spray works on us too, bonus!
So here are some facts-
Yes there have been verified (by Vets) reports all across the UK and beyond of pets being made unwell or poisoned by spot on treatments.
No, not every dog will be affected by spot on treatments. In many cases you will never see a reaction, but unfortunately there are also cases where pets have had successful treatments for years and then suddenly have a bad reaction. So what should you do?
If you do use a spot on treatment always apply as instructed on the packaging or by your vets. Never used other products at the same time or change the usual routine (food, medications etc) and never give a spot on treatment at the same time as your vet gives a vaccination.
Yes there is a risk to any treatment of this type (in particular to certain susceptible breeds) and you should always be aware of this and know what to look for ;
Drooling
Vomiting
Tremors
Hyper excitability
Agitation
Seizures
Weakness
Difficulty breathing
If any of the above start to occur in your pet shortly after a topical flea, tick or worming treatment get to your vets immediately and take the packet with you.
If you'd like to TRY an alternative to Chemical spot-ons have a look at our Natural Bug Shield Spray use this code NO1BUG for £1.00 off the spray
http://www.fitr.dog/product-page/bugshield
