Flea & Tick repellant

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Hey DK'rs, I wasn't sure what group to post this in and any reference links would be great but I have a couple questions on Heartgaurd & Flea Tick Control.

 

1. Bandit is 25.5 lbs and the heartgaurd pills are 1-25 lbs and 26-55.  The vet said I should go with the upper strength.  Does anyone else have a dood on the edge like this?  I would worry it's too strong for him.

 

2. Both R&B get Vectra 3D every month for Flea,Tick & Mosquito control.  Last night after I put it on Bandit I was holding him and I got a little on my face and it really stings/burns!  Do you think it hurts them like this?  Is Vectra a good product?  Any other advice on this?

[Sally]

Can't answer question 2. but as for the heart guard Duncan is also on the cusp. He is 26 pounds and I give him the upper strength.

[Jennifer Tramell]

Webster is on Revolution - this is heartworm medicine and flea & tick. I think I tried Vectra 3D last year but didn't have much success with flea control (it was a horrible year for fleas!). I've been happy with the flea part of Revolution but it doesn't do much for tick control. I'm still looking for a tick control method. I know about a tick collar but Webster plays with other dogs frequently and the chemicals on the collar can make other dogs sick so I've decided it's not worth the chance.

About the dosage, I would go with what the vet says. 1lb to 25lbs is a pretty wide range and if the 1 lb dog can take the 25 lb dose, your 25.5 lb can take a 26 lb dose. Just my 1 1/2 cents (not sure it's worth 2 cents!)

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

thanks, neither have had any adverse reaction to either or have the ever had fleas, ticks or noticible mosquito bites. I would like to know where to get one of those 1 lb dogs tho, do they come in doodle? That way I could keep one in my pocket;)

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I like that! Pocket Doodles!

[Christine & Shelby]

I use Vectra 3D on Shelby and she has given me no indication that it stings or causes any discomfort. Her only problem with it is having to hold still while I apply it! My vet highly recommends it - says it's very effective and I'm sure you've noticed it is less expensive than Frontline & K9 Advantix.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Does Vectra do ticks?

Peri is 26 pounds and takes the 26-50 pound heartworm meds (Interceptor).

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Oh my goodness TGIF, I kept reading your question reading Does Vectra do Tricks? And I was like huh, what does she mean??? Now I get it YES TICKS, NO TRICKS:) LOL

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

LOL!!!

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

OMGoodness again I just realized it's I thought it was Friday when I wrote this! Maybe I need to get some rest:)

[F, Calla & Luca]

You would be safe, I think, with the larger dose of Heartguard. There is usually a margin of error for overdose that gives you leeway.The lower dose might not give you enough coverage and that would be more of a risk. I feel free to give advice from a human medicine perspective since the vet obviously think so , too. I don't use Vectra. I use Frontline. I have gotten it on my hands and it doesn't sting. The dogs don't act like it does either.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Personally I would use the lower strength. My reasons are:

1 - Bandit probably has at least a pound of fur.
2 - Remember you are giving the dog a poison -

Somewhere there is dosing information, I will try to find it but my recollection is that the dosage in the package is the amount that is recomended for the larger dog and you are actually giving a larger dose than necessary to the smaller dogs.

I will repost when I find the information

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

DOSAGE: HEARTGARD® Plus should be administered orally at monthly intervals at the recommended minimum dose level of 6 mcg of ivermectin per kilogram (2.72 mcg/lb) and 5 mg of pyrantel (as pamoate salt) per kg (2.27 mg/lb) of body weight.

25.5 lb = 69.36 of ivermectin
The up to 25 lbs has 68 in it
The up to 50 lbs has 136 in it

you decide. I know it says minimum.