I have been thinking about this for a while and want to try comfortis but like everything I research before giving my pups things. I am worried about the side effects happening to them seizures, convulsions hours after taking then death, lethargy, dazed standing looking at nothing etc

I have no history on the pups so have no idea if thier parents or parents parents have had medical issues, Izzy pound , koda (rescued from streets)small mutt that is allergic to fleas and max a pet store pup my sister bought before I came to live with her.Mini schnauzer

is it worth taking a chance?

here are the idiots I am worried about.

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee472/kodiaklm/pups/100_2180.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee472/kodiaklm/pups/100_2173.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee472/kodiaklm/pups/100_2171.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee472/kodiaklm/pups/100_2122.jpg

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee472/kodiaklm/pups/100_2161.jpg

and koda and max as a puppies

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee472/kodiaklm/pups/100_1262-Copy.jpg


http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv231/scrapsterule24/100_0810.jpg

I am more worried about this because the fact that it is oral and what connie said in another post about having seizure history in the dogs lines

Do you currently use anything for fleas? Why are you considering this over another (or topical)?

I switched my 5 dogs to Comfortis 3 months ago on the adivce of my very conservative holistic vet.

Unless you go with a "totally natural" (meaning inneffective IMO) method of preventing and combatting fleas, all the products come with some small amount of risk. The same symptoms you describe could also happen from a topical insecticide.

I read all the literature and research on Comfortis. It said, and my vet advised that in a small percentage of dogs, they will have an upset stomach with the first dose. That is the most common side effect, and usually happens within the first hour of the first dose, so she advised watching them. None of mine had any reaction at all.

With subsequent monthly doses, the risk of gastric upset decreases to practically nil by the third month.

So far, I've been happy with Comfortis. It has proven to work for mine when the topical I was using did not.

I was leery of using ANY kind of flea dope for all the reasons you're afraid of. But then we got fleas and I saw the real misery that can cause a dog that has a sensitivity to bites.

Once you've had fleas, the risk-reward balance between treating/not treating dramatically shifts to "I don't care what I have to do to get rid of fleas forever." It did for me.

 Quote: elizabeth munoz

... I am more worried about this because the fact that it is oral and what connie said in another post about having seizure history in the dogs lines

This post? "Be sure to go over all the history carefully before starting Comfortis .... make sure the vet prescribing it has the history.

There are contraindications, such as any seizure history (even among first-degree relatives)."

What are you using now?

IMHO, fleas are nothing to leave multiplying on your dogs and in your home. Not knowing the history is a situation I share, but I have to say that if worse came to worst and the topicals I use failed and my flea-hypersensitive guy were rendered vulnerable, Comfortis with careful observation for the first month would be next, after a vet discussion.

If you are using a topical like Advantage or Frontline, you know it ends up in the bloodstream, right?

What are you using?


ETA
Good for you to be thinking and reading and asking, BTW!

i did know that topicals are absorbed but I did not think about comfortis being the same just oral that is what really thru me luckily I have another vet appointment this Tuesday so I will talk to him about it before using but now I am pretty sure I will because the risk are worth it I just needed a kick in my behind to see that from here and my sister

Oh and I have only used topicals on the pups before they started becoming useless and living in georgia that is a major no no

Many many people are finding that the Frontline or Advantage they have been using has become less effective last year and this year. There are more and more resistant fleas.

I have had to start alternating between two, and using them every 3 weeks instead of 4. I don't like this at all, but I have a hypersensitive dog, and his misery (and the resulting chances of infection, etc.) are just too much to ignore.

Yes, I have heard and read that Georgia is in the middle of the area of the worst flea problems.

FYI, If you're using/thinking about using Comfortis, you may want to look into Trifexis - a combination of Interceptor (milbemycin) and Comfortis (spinosad). HW/flea control in one pill and it is usually cheaper than buying them both seperately.

I tried Comfortis with Kasey, but he kept throwing them up. The derma vet has found, in her experience here in California, that it's not as much that the Frontline and Advantix are working as well, but that they don't keep working for 4 weeks. They start peetering out by 3, so like Connie, I have to apply it every 3 weeks if I don't want to see fleas.

For some allergy dogs, the Comfortis isn't as good because the flea has to actually bite the dog in order to die. If your dog is allergic to flea bites, that can be a disadvantage. It also doesn't kill ticks.

I have found that diamacious (spelling is wrong) earth- only the food grade...is great to get rid of fleas and it does not harm anything but insects. I have put it on my dogs and the fleas die within a day and are repelled. I am concerned about using chemicals on my dogs. You might want to look it up and see what you think.
I also use it on their bedding. I dust between the pad and the floor of their crate. It is such a fine powder you don't have to use much. When an insect gets it on its body, it just cuts them up. When you order it you can get a little puffer to apply it.
Anyway, just a thought. sharon

Elizabeth, in case you aren't familiar with diatomaceous earth, here is a little info on it from an article I have. It can be helpful, but you have to be careful how you use it!

"But even though diatomaceous earth is a natural substance, its dust is dangerous to breathe for both humans and animals. Using it requires gloves and a dust mask. Be certain to read any cautions that come with the product and use it only as directed.

Outside the home, spread it around the foundation and entry points. Inside the home, spread it around windows, doorways, and baseboards and rub it into the carpet. If you use this method, always use gloves, a dust mask, and goggles, and leave the house for several hours after use. It is not safe to inhale this substance when any particles are floating in the air. Fish, birds, and animals should not be left in the house. When you return, vacuum thoroughly.

Some people spread diatomaceous earth directly on their pets, essentially using it as a flea powder. If you do this, be aware of the potential risks. Since it is a drying agent, diatomaceous earth can dry out your pet’s skin. It can also be irritating to the eyes and lungs. Make sure you are using “food grade” diatomaceous earth if you want to try it on your pet."