FDA - Common flea and tick warning

[Josh Adams]

I know there’s been a lot of discussions on this forum over the years regarding oral flea and tick medication. Today, the FDA came out with their own warning. Most of the information has already been out there:

https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm62093...

Our vet still stands by Nexgard and Interceptor Plus, which we give our 8-month-year-old each month. He hasn't had any adverse effects.

We all need to make own decisions based on available research and information, but I’m wondering what other owners are using/are there any new experiences or thoughts to share?

[Nga and Cinni]

 My 2 dogs (2 and 3 years old) have been on Nexgard without any adverse effects (yet). I have been reading lots of negative reviews about Nexgard (it’s almost as dangerous as Bravecto) and I worry about the long term effects. I feel as though I am poisoning my dogs. I have been doing some research and think I will switch them to a natural oil that will repel but not kill fleas and ticks.

[Stacy]

I use Sentinel and Simparica and my girls have never had any side effects or adverse reactions. I'm comfortable with the decision, though I do think about it at times. I worry about tick born disease in particular. I wouldn't trade those risks. I have mentioned it before, but I had a dog who contracted tick paralysis and it was terrifying. A healthy 4 year old dog who woke up and had no use of his back legs. He made a full recovery, but I wouldn't take that risk. It was horrifying.

All medications have a string of potential side effects a mile long. They list everything that someone somewhere might have had. I know dialysis nurses who wouldn't touch ibuprofen with a 10 foot pole. Pretty much every other specialty thinks it's a miracle drug with limited potential for harm (usage within reason, of course.) 

I think everyone has to take their personal belief and experiences into account to make those decisions. Sure, these meds are poisons. I don't think anyone would argue with that. But on the flip side you have some different serious stuff. I think it just depends on what scares you more.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I used Frontline for fleas/ticks and Heartgard for heartworm for many, many years. No side effects, even with JD, who was immune-compromised. Jack's dermatologist felt that the older, tried-and-true preventatives like these are the safest because they have been around long enough for any potential issues to have shown up by now.

However, my vet recommended Sentinal for Jasper; he said that's what he uses on his own small dog. It protects against fleas, HW, and other worms, but not ticks. We don't have ticks here, but if we did, I'd probably go back to the Frontline/Heartgard combo. Jasper has had no ill effects from Sentinel so far, and he's been on it for about 5 months. 

[Stacy]

I am so incredibly jealous of your lack of ticks. I hate those darn things! 

My vet says that Sentinel is a really good choice. For what that's worth. I've used it for a long time and haven't ever had any problems. Hopefully you'll have good luck too. My question is always, why are you recommending this drug over that drug. Sometimes I get a good answer, sometimes I think that that drug rep just gave out better freebies. It's so hard to know which is the best of all the choices. I always just hope I'm making a good decision.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Wally and Charlotte have been taking both Nexgard and Sentinel for several years without any issues. First, I am wondering if the fact that they haven't reacted to Nexgard so far means that they never will. Also, I am thining that since we are in Florida for half the year and on Cape Cod the other half, maybe I just need to give Nexgard during the Massachusetts months, since ticks are not an issue down south. I will ask our vets these these questions, but am wondering if anyone hear has thoughts. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you mean that you would use the Sentinel year round and the Nexgard only when you are in MA, that sounds like a good idea to me. 
 

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

That was supposed to be here, not hear! And yes to Karen's response about giving Sentinel all year round and adding Nexgard during the months when we are on the Cape. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Our vet has retired and sold his practice to a new young whippersnapper.  She seems to be settling in, but is carrying a new flea/tick/mosquito preventive. I still have some Frontline Plus for Clancy, but I decided to give it a try for the other two.  I am not happy with it - it seems to work but it is a dirt attractor - Ned has 3 serious dirt spots on his back where it was applied and  I think it makes Charlie itch (anecdotal).  I am thinking of trying a chewable of something so I am happy this was posted.  It will help my research.

[Olga S.]

I'm agree with Stacy's comment:...I think everyone has to take their personal belief and experiences into account to make those decisions. Sure, these meds are poisons. I don't think anyone would argue with that. But on the flip side you have some different serious stuff. I think it just depends on what scares you more...>>  

 For me this "preventive" medication with possible side affects - scare me more than fleas and ticks. I never use it on my animals, they are: 18 y.o. cat and 3 dogs - 14, 7 and 3 y.o.

[Nancy]

I use Frontline Plus and have been using it on my dogs for 15+ years and have never had a problem.  I personally will not give my pups any ingestible (has to be processed through the liver) flea and tick prevention when there is a topical available.  I have also been using Heartguard for 15+ years and have never had any problems.

[Doodlemom]

OMG!  I just purchased Bravecto for my doodle and got the FDA news alert about it the very next day.  I hadn't given it to Cooper yet, thank goodness.  My dog has always used the vet recommended Vectra 3D topical, but he doesn't like it because it gives him the itchy scractchies.  But, that is temporary until it spreads out and dries.  I had made the decision to switch, but I am returning ghe Bravecto tomorrow to the vet and getting the Vectra just to be on the safe side.

Doodlemom

[Kathy and Ruby Skye]

Argh, this is all so confusing. I remember going through the choices and making my decision to use Nexgard and Interceptor Plus initially. I think my vet recommended ComboGuard, but don’t remember why I didn’t follow her lead with that one. I’ve never used a topical flea treatment like Frontline Plus. I’ve heard that it’s messy. Can someone give me some positive feedback about this product? That it wouldn’t be ingested is appealing, but it is absorbed into their skin however. Are there many incidences of a negative reaction? My 15 pounder has allergies, but otherwise is healthy. It sounds like something to try, but I would appreciate feedback from the experienced users. 

You all are the best!