Tracy Collins Webboard User Reg: 10-09-2008
Posts: 1917
Loc: St. Louis, Missouri
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Quote: betty landercasp
My position on these new insecticides used for flea control is that they are miraculous inventions that relieve suffering.
Perhaps you have to have nearly killed animals bathing them in organophosphates
and seen those effects to appreciate the mild side effects and tremendous efficacy of these new chemicals.
Thank you so much for that. And Connie too for the "second." Makes me feel better that sensible people whose opinion I respect don't think I poisoned my dog! LOL
I will admit that the quick resolution to the apparent flea problem was miraculous. I still wish I had ACTUALLY SEEN a flea! I felt like I was battling evil spirits. I wanted to find one just to confirm the infestation--and watch it die.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Quote: Tracy Collins
I still wish I had ACTUALLY SEEN a flea! I felt like I was battling evil spirits. I wanted to find one just to confirm the infestation--and watch it die.
When I had my own flea-infestation syndrome (you know: denial; anger; grief; acceptance ....), I loved grabbing and drowning them in a dish of soapy water (the drop of dish soap made them sink like a stone instead of ski across the water).
I could not see them on the black or the bi-color dog. Only on the fawn Pug.
He had to do a lot of lying on his back next to a bowl of water while I looked for and grabbed fleas on the no-fur spots. (And he was not the flea-sensitive one, so I know he thought I was a big PITA. lol )
My position on these new insecticides used for flea control is that they are miraculous inventions that relieve suffering.
Perhaps you have to have nearly killed animals bathing them in organophosphates
and seen those effects to appreciate the mild side effects and tremendous efficacy of these new chemicals.
Exactly!
I have an extremely flea hypersensitive dog, our theory with fleas is to hit them hard and fast and stop the problem before it ever becomes one.
Without the use of frontline or comfortis she would be on a whole slew of other drugs to control the reaction. And even the "natural" products like cedar oil can build up and cause toxic reactions.
I'm so glad you started this conversation, Tracy. Every Spring for the last 5 years I've wrestled with the poison dilemma, trying to weigh pros and cons.
I've been studying Advantix vs. Frontline Plus, and think I'll ask my vet for Advantix this year. I want the tick repellant.
Kiersten Lippman Webboard User Reg: 09-28-2009
Posts: 487
Loc: Alaska
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I struggled with the insecticide=poison issue too. I tried the natural route. My dogs got an array of tick-diseases.
The internet is full of scare-stories about Advantix/Frontline. Personally, I think the minor risk of side effects (usually just a small skin reaction), is well worth the benefits.
I also use DEET on myself.
Of course, 'DDT is good for me' was once a popular slogan.
Based on my experiences, the risks of tick disease is astronomically greater (mortality or severe morbidity) than the risks posed by topical pesticides.
I think ticks and tick diseases in people and pets will be on the rise for the foreseeable future.
Kiersten Lippman Webboard User Reg: 09-28-2009
Posts: 487
Loc: Alaska
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You can also buy Advantix through on-line sources. Ordering on-line, it was about $20 cheaper per 4-pack compared to the vet or PetCo(my dogs weigh 75 lbs each).
I agree 100% that the benefit of chemical treatment is better than the risk. But we shouldn't go to the other extreme. These things are probably harmful, and I'd always take care with them, especially around kids. Eliminating parasites completely is unlikely to be possible. Trying to do so by overuse of insecticides is counterproductive.
The name of the game is keeping things under control. That's why I put a lot of emphasis on manual removal too. You'd be surprised how many dogs I see with tick collars, and engrossed ticks too. We apply Advantix much less than advised, but Darwin never has engrossed ticks - because we take them off as soon as we find them.
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Re: If you see scratching, think flea.
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