In the past I successfully used Frontline for years on my Lab, JRT and then my GSD. However, the first year Frontline Plus came out my GDS (who was about 4 years old at the time) had a most severe reaction to it – in essence paralysis. We had a mid-night emergency run to the UofM Vet clinic. At this time I had not connected the dots that his extreme reaction was related to Frontline Plus. He received a though exam, X-rays on his neck but nothing was found. They placed him on morphine, as he was in so much pain that he could not even lay down – just stood… it was the most horrible and frightening incident and lasted for several days. He would not eat, hardly drink – and was in the most unbelievable state. After my vet returned she too examined him, did another X-ray on his front legs/shoulders etc. and again nothing was found.

Sure enough 30 days later the same symptoms appeared within less then a day after the Frontline Plus application – at that point nothing could convince me that it was not responsible for his reaction. This time we where refered to a specialist who extracted spinal fluid for an analysis & tests – again nothing conclusive was found. My vet contacted the vet at the manufacturer of Frontline as well as the poison control center without success (no surprise there).

This dog had residual issues for years and received both chiropractic as well as acupuncture treatments, was fed a raw diet, all of which helped but he never completely recuperated and passed away at only age 8, way to young for this super great dog.

Although there was no conclusion, based on this experience I have not used any chemicals on my dogs. Bad thing is, I live in Minnesota, and 3 acres with woods and some tall grass around the ponds. What I have been doing over the last few years – in addition to thorough daily tick checks (which is not reliable for dear ticks but I do find ticks) has been mixing garlic powder (or I cook fresh garlic) with the raw or slightly cooked turkey (another story). I also have bi annual lymes disease blood test rather then vaccination. I know my dogs really well and can tell if they are even slightly out of sorts and that way I have actually discovered lymes on my dog (vet blood tests) and placed him immediately on antibiotics resulting in a clean bill of health.

A friend uses diluted tea tree oil (caution applies as to ratio) sprayed on just before going out, and I use herbal flea powder.

Actually, I planned on sending out a “what do other do to keep ticks at bay” question too, so please keep in coming all. Especially the holistic approaches.

I had a foster who reacted to Frontline Plus (if that is the stuff that treats for fleas, ticks and heartworm with a topical application). She didnt get sick, but her fur thinned dramatically where the product was applied and she had a slight rash.

I've always treated fleas reactively, however, I've had a stubborn infestation and I am planning to try (regular, not Plus) Frontline in a week or two. Hopefully it goes over OK.

Waltraud,
Please check your pm's. I sent you one!

I have been using Frontline since 2 1/2 years since My Golden Retriever(KIA) was 6 months old without any problems. I have used Tea Tree Oil and other medicines but nothing has worked better than Frontline...I find Frontline the Best.

I have gotten some recommendations for the flea and tick larvae-eating nematodes with rave reviews. That's what I'm trying this year. Order for your zone.

http://www.arbico-organics.com/beneficial-nematodes.html

is one site, might check around for price/shipping differences.