Flea medications for pets and Veterinary routines

[Shaundele LeatherberryStudent]

Hi,

I am wondering what the opinion is on flea medications for pets. To me, a pill or liquid that gets absorbed into the system and comes out the pores with a repellent quality is a bit troublesome. It seems like it’s effective, but at what cost?

The vets are always pushing the flea medications and wanting to do heartworm tests also before prescribing. To me it seems like Big Pharma has worked its way effectively into the vet practice with all sorts of medications and shots always recommended. It makes me question….why so much? Why always so expensive? I have a farm with many animals and it’s not practical to follow their advice.

I know there are herbal remedies for fleas but I am wondering what people (and Doc) think about the topical flea applications.

 

 

3 users thanked author for this post.

Herb Thyme, Carole Hofmann, Dawn

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Flea collars are useless, especially on medium to large dogs. Prescribed internal and spot on meds for fleas are very effective and pretty safe. Over the counter flea medicines can be really unsafe from what I’ve seen over 30 years.

As to herbal solutions, neem oil is used by some folks. I’ve never tried it.

A great way to kill fleas (and my preferred method) is to bathe them and lather up well with Dawn dishwashing soap. Let it sit for a minute and it’ll kill the fleas. Super safe. Super cheap. :0)

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

9 users thanked author for this post.

Leta Tedrow, cnelson, Deborah K Rankin, Susan Bryg, Carole Hofmann, Mary K Casteel, Lenora DeBoer, Ryann Blake, Dawn

[Lenora DeBoerStudent]

I am interested to know if tea tree is safe for dogs diluted in shampoo please

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Tea tree oil and many other essential oils are a bad idea on dogs (especially small ones) or cats.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Deborah K Rankin

[jehswindle@aol.comStudent]

I had not thought about tea tree.

[Herb ThymeStudent]

Im gonna try and make a spray/rub from neem oil and dilute with a carrier oil like olive or grapeseed in order to help prevent flea/ticks from getting on my dog.  I have read it needs to be diluted 1:10 (10 being the other oil).  Since it has a strong smell and is potent.  Then wondering if I can still mix with water.  But not sure since oil and water don’t usually mix.

[Herb ThymeStudent]

I am trying it with liquid coconut oil and NON ALCOHOLIC witch hazel extract.

[A PerreaultStudent]

We use an oral flea/tick med. It is supposed to last for 3 months but we hav found in our situation if we do it right before the start of flea/tick season we are good for the whole season. Also, my dogs/cats show no reaction and instead get excited for it each time.
For us the risk/reward is clear …. Dog not dealing with fleas/ticks all summer with one dose and very low risk from that dose … we are very comfortable with the oral pills.
That said I have not been as comfortable with the topical that we have used in the past and the effects it had on our dogs.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by A Perreault.

[JoelleStudent]

What is the brand of the oral flea/tick med? Yes, I know there can be risks to using such things, but we’ve had 4 dogs and 1 cat get tick-related illnesses, so we think it is best to do something to keep those little critters off of them.

 

[Theresa GwiazdaStudent]

Interestingly, the flea and tick topical products do not prevent the bite of the tick or flea. This is particularly important to note with ticks which is why dogs that use any of these products topically or internally can still contract Lymes. I use diatomaceous earth. It’s just as effective in controlling fleas and adding a few drops of a strong smelling essential oil will deter things from sticking around. I have outside livestock guardian dogs and never have a flea problem. Ticks still are an issue but as I said, they are tough and I would love to find something that repelled them before they attached. But nothing chemical will stop them from biting even if they don’t remain attached.

[Herb ThymeStudent]

Hi, can you say how you apply the diatomaceous Earth please?

Also, I have used a mix of apple cider vinegar with water in a spray bottle.  I spray my hand and put it on dog topically prior to walking.  It is a little smelly, but is supposed to help prevent the fleas and I believe ticks from wanting to even attach to dog.  Our dog groomer mentioned that “yes, those meds will kill the flea and tick, but what are you doing to prevent them from biting or hitching a ride in the first place.  I have heard as Doc mentioned about the neem oil.  I think they have sprays with it in for the animals and can be used for humans as protection from ticks.

[Jorie StrobelStudent]

We also have livestock guardian dogs. Looking for a natural way to repel the fleas. Had a tough time over the past summer with only puppies. Next summer they’ll be full grown, if you could share the flea/tick med you use (A Perreault), it would be very appreciated. Thank you!

[jean.humes@yahoo.comStudent]

I have thought the same thing.  Is it really healthy to let some chemical absorb on the skin

[Author]

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