Flea med dosage question

[Christine]

hi,

we took Nala for her yearly checkup.  She has usually weighs around 19 pounds.  She is on Vectra 3D topical flea/tick med.

So here is my question. She currently weighs 21 pounds. The dosage she has been on up until now ranges  from the 11-20 pounds. So...doc wants her on the 21-55 pound dosage now. I feel uncomfortable with this range since she is at the lowest end.  Honestly with the warmer weather she will lose a pound or two.  But was wondering if anyone else’s dog is kind of at the edge of the weight requirements like Nala.

I hate using it on her as is since I worry so much about long term effects.  

Thanks for any input!

christine & Nala 

[Amy and Annabelle]

Annabelle has never been a big eater. She skips meals or doesn't eat it all. However, she has recently decided she wants to eat her food. In the process gained 2.5lbs. Ever since I tried to switch her to a different food and she went on a hunger strike, revolting. Anyway I put her back on the food I tried to switch. Now she gobbles it up like I'm going to take it away if she doesn't. I checked her weight on both of her meds and she still has 5lbs to spare. But if she was so close the vet wanted to up the dose, I would for sure discuss it with the vet in more detail and probably up the dose if needed. Parasites really scare me to death.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with Amy. I'd discuss it with the vet.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I would continue her on the same dose you have been using.  I'd 'cheat on the low side - and in fact I do for my own dogs.  If you went to the larger dose, I'd not give her the whole dose. This is totally my opinion and without any knowledge of a change in effectiveness.

[Nancy]

My Ivy is 25 lbs and I keep her on the lower dose of Frontline with no problems.  

[Christine]

Thanks so much for all the advice. I do appreciate it!

I did discuss with vet and she would have preferred her on the higher dose. I explained how I felt and she gave me the lower dose.(11-20 pounds)  Vet said vectra 3D is so safe that it is fine to have Nala on the 21-55 pound dose. I don’t agree with any medicine being “perfectly safe”, so I don’t agree with her on that. I do respect her opinion, but went with my gut. For me 55 pounds is just too far from 21. 

I will be the first to report if things don’t go my way, I’m not afraid to admit I made a mistake.  But I’m going with my instinct on this one.

Thanks again!

christine & Nala 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Guinness is right on the edge also.  He weights between 22 and 24 lbs.  I keep him on the lower dose....up to 22 lbs.

[Kate C Pappas]

If were you, I'd look into natural methods of flea prevention rather than apply a toxin to my Doodles. Once it's applied, you have to wait it out if there are any side effects.

Diatomaceous Earth (HUMAN GRADE) can be broadcast around your yard and on bedding etc. Also a spray of diluted Braggs ACV is great.

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/best-home-remedies-fleas/

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Before taking this well meant advice, you may want to read through this recent discussion:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/fleas-how-to-protect-our-h...