Dukes

I have been on other forums and have heard an increase in liver and kidney diseases and failure. The theory is that topical flea treatments (Hartz, Advantis, etc.) are the cause. I have never heard of that being an issue until recently. BUT it doesn't seem to be outside the realm of possibilities. I have also read that people use the products to spray yards as repellants. That seems ify to me also. I get a Mag called Dr. Fosters & Smith. Don't know if anyone has heard of or uses it. They have collars and even an electronic repellant. I just wanted to know if anyone else has heard of the organ problems from repellants, AND has/does anyone use alt. "better/natural/healthier" repellants. Thanks.

DobeSpell

I treated my dog with topical solution for 9 months and he developed bumps.

Dukes

Can I ask what you have done to remedy that? My kids have no visible effects. But I don't wanna think everything is gravy, and years done the line and find that I've been poisoning them. That would kill me.

Burns

There's a big difference between the cheap-o OTC stuff you can buy at the store and the prescription only medication that you can only get through a vet. I've heard of cats and dogs having severe reactions on the OTC topicals. Of course, there is always a risk of an animal being sensitive to any medication, whether it's OTC or prescription-only, but you are taking a gamble with the OTC products, which usually don't work as well anyway.

If there is any reason to believe a prescription-only treatment has caused a reaction or disease, the manufacturer should be contacted and they will report the reaction to the USDA and often times cover the costs of treatment.

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BackInBlack

I personally believe the benefits outweigh the risks of using topical flea and tick treatment. I think the number of dogs who have a negative reaction to it is very small considering the population who uses it.

I personally would NEVER use an OTC flea and tick med though. The quality control is not near what it is for prescription products you get from the vet and I have heard many more horror stories about the OTC ones.

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DobeSpell

Vet recommended it for fleas and heartworms. King had fleas at the time.

Dukes

I've been looking up natural repellents, Brewers yeast, garlic, pennyroyal, Rose Geranium. They seem like something i am gonna try. Start off slow and, if no side effects, work my way up. Natural always seems better to me. But that's my preference.

DLS

I would use a natural treatment myself if needed. But, just as chemicals and pesticides are TOUGH on your dogs liver so are Essential oils if too strong a dose is used. Essential oils are VERY concentrated, so ONE drop goes a long way! Most essential oils should NEVER be used neat, ALWAYS dilute!

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Dukes

I've been looking a several sources to see if they agree on the appropriate measurements. I am definitely start slow.

DobeSpell

I used borax and diatomaceous earth (silica) for yard and the house.
Fleas die after 2,3 days in borax. Bugs will die from silica too.
It absorbs lipids from the cuticle, the waxy outer layer of insects causing dehydratation.

And it's safe for people and animals.