Tick Prevention

[Melissa]

My city is just starting to be infested with ticks, so this is all new to me. I've owned a dog all my life (37 years) and have only seen one tick which was two years ago.  I am now starting to see a lot of posts on local social media about owners finding ticks on their dogs. I've asked my vet if they think we should start using a tick preventative and she said yes.

These are the two types she recommended: 

K-9 Advantix II
Bravecto

Any thoughts about these? Suggestions? Advise?  

[Star and Goldie]

I look forward to hearing what your vet says!

[Melissa]

Good morning Star!  So the vet said that after you apply the K-9 Advantix II the dog shouldn't be touched too much (kids) or get wet for the 3 days it takes to absorb into the skin.  Once those 3 days are up then the dog is safe to everyone.  Hope this helps :) 

[Star and Goldie]

Thanks! After much thought and a ton of research I have decided to stop with the chemical treatments. I have decided to go the natural route. I'm having my yard treated and then using Food Grade DE around the house and around her play areas outside. I never used the treatments on my other dog and she lived 14 happy and healthy years flea and tick free. Ive only used them a handful of times on Goldie because it just didn't sit well with me. I actually found an old discussion on here that pointed me in that direction. Seems a lot of pet owners forego the chemical treatments with great results. Fingers crossed!

[Melissa]

That is a smart way to go. I'm still very unsure about using chemical treatments on my dogs too. Although, it would only be for 3-4 months since we have heavy snow and cold winters.

[Star and Goldie]

I think 3-4 times a year is manageable if they are spaced out. From my research, it looks like a lot of the issues arise with long term constant usage; Although an instant reaction is always a risk. This is my first summer trying the natural route. I'll let you know how it holds up (if I don't cave out of fear- both methods have their own risks and rewards I suppose)

[Melissa]

Yes, please let me know how it works.  The vet told me to go with Bravecto, but I'm not liking the possible side effects.  I think I'd rather give a monthly dose of something rather than something so strong that it lasts 12 weeks.  Kind of makes me nervous.  I know that in most cases nothing will happen; I'm just afraid that my dog may be that small percentage and have an adverse reaction.

[Star and Goldie]

Well I thought I'd follow up and let you know the natural route did not work for us and we ended up battling fleas. Maybe there wasn't enough diligence on my end. Reverted back to Advantix II to clear up the issue and hoping we don't have to apply it on the regular. I was so hoping for better results. I hate that I had to return to chemicals:(

[Melissa]

My vet actually recommended Bravecto from my list above, and I'm a little shocked.  I did more research on it and the side effects were TERRIBLE - the most common reported was vomiting and diarrhea. Chloe already suffers with intestinal issues, so I was a little surprised that she would recommend this one.  I also don't feel comfortable giving my dog a pesticide that is so strong that one dose is good for 12 weeks!!  I think that is nuts.  Bravecto is also fairly new to the market...came out in 2014. That makes me a little nervous as well. SO I called back and asked for the Advantix. At least it's been around for a LONG time and it's a monthly spot treatment. 

[Stella]

They all have horrible side effects if you google them!! I chose not to use Advantix because of the neurological side effects I had read about. I'm using nexgard and so far so good!!

[Melissa]

Yes, I'm aware that they have side effects, but I try not to Google too much or I'll be even more paranoid.  I looked at actual Bravecto released reports of side effects AND I spoke to a few different vet techs (at other vet clinics) and they all said that they don't stock Bravecto and that Advantix is the better option. They've had two cases that had adverse reactions on advantix only because those dogs already suffered major allergies.   The vet didn't mention Nexguard - not sure if we can get it in Canada? 

[Stella]

I'm in Canada - Ontario :)

[Melissa]

Oh!! Me too! LOL  Funny our vet didn't mention Nexguard.  I'll have to ask about it next year if the ticks are still bad up here.