Flea and Tick Prevention Choices

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

It is tick season here in NJ and I have always given Olive Sentinel (every 39 days) and Frontline Plus every 27 days. What’s the deal with Frontline Plus vs Frontline Gold - I see one new med added to the Gold, but figured I’d ask the experts. I’ve stuck with Frontline as it has been the forerunner in this and is tried and true, and I’m a bit leery of those oral tabs. But should I switch her to Frontline Gold? Thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Nothing any vet might do or say would surprise me. My beloved dog was murdered by a few of them, at the most highly rated vet clinic in the Chicagoland area, while they smiled and lied to my face. Vets are no smarter or better or more honest or more trustworthy as a group than any other group of people. They are just ordinary people who went to professional school, just like us.

But I would also be skeptical that people's vets are really saying this. I think most people say that in those stupid, stupid, worthless FB posts to try to give credence to their own opinions. "Hmmm...If I say such and so, people may not pay much attention, because who am I and what do I know? Whereas, if I say that my vet told me such and so..."

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And the funny thing is, Jasper is only on Sentinel, which has minimal flea protection and no tick protection at all, and I'm worried about that. I've been thinking about switching him to Heartgard and Frontline, which is what I've always used in the past. But my vet keeps reassuring me that he doesn't need anything else. So the opposite dilemma.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Please let me know if you decide to switch to Heartgard, Karen - I have never seen a flea on Ollie, but I want to keep that record, lol! It is scary to switch when you know they tolerate something well, too. But I'd do it if needed.
So for the Frontline Gold, with that new additional ingredient it is considered stronger and yet still 'safe'? If so, I'd like to try it at least until tick season wanes. Thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

IMO, any additional ingredient poses additional risk. However, I did use the Frontline Gold on Jack for the last few years of his life, since my vet started selling that instead of the Frontline Plus. I did not see any problems with the Gold, and it is supposed to be more effective. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Stacy, my Charlie was burned by a generic fir Advantix II. We took a break over winter but I had to decide what to do for his preventives. I went round and round trying to decide. We have to have both flea and tick prevention. 

[Stacy]

It's so hard to know what the right thing is. I think sometimes I'm a little too forceful when I say "but my vet says it's the best product and that it's safe," because I feel a little guilty. Like other people think I'm doing something to hurt the girls. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing. I will say we've been using these products for years without any issues and if you look hard enough you can find people who have had an adverse reaction to everything. I like the oral meds. I don't have to worry about when I can bathe them or if they've been swimming too often. I just hope it doesn't hurt them. That's the last thing I would ever want.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

We all make our choices based on our circumstances and experiences and hope for the best, with good intentions. That is all we can do, right? And being grateful every day for these amazing pups! Love them.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

I should add, FYI, something that's helped reduce the tick population in our yard tremendously has been making "tick tubes." We save the tp rolls, stuff them loosely with permethrin-treated cotton balls, and place around the yard every April and July, when mice breed. It doesn't hurt the mice who bring the treated cotton back to their nest, but does kill the ticks who live in the nest/on the mice. Permethrin is generally pretty harmless to us and the dogs but beware if you've cats I believe. I can link a how to article if anyone is interested. I've noticed a big difference for us. :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You can just buy permethrin? Is it a liquid? 

I'm trying to figure out where I could put them so Jasper couldn't get at them. 

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

BTW you can buy tick tubes pre-made, set to go. Much easier,  but it is a big cost saver to make yourself. 

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Yes, it is common for campers fo buy who want to treat clothing. Just read the care instructions obviously (gloves, mask while spraying to be cautious) but not a big deal. We place them just over the fence, partially concealed with leaves, in our detached garage, in the holes of our stonewall... easy and worthwhile!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I bought the ingredients and saved the tools but I never did finish this. You’ve encouraged me.