SPRING IS COMING! - Danger and a Warning!!! - Let the Debate Begin, Again

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Read this article from http://www.alternet.org/ about pyrethroids, permethrin and deltamethrin, flea and tick products and their dangers to our pets:

http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/123420/pesticides_in_pet_pro...

Last Spring, Ginger had a reaction problem with Advanix and I have read some people had reactions to Frontline. There were even huge discussions here on DK about Frontline not working, last year.

So, what should we do about the fleas and ticks of Spring?

Here in NJ, I never have a problem with fleas but the ticks are awful. I have used Citronella Spray and Castor & Pollux's Play Dead Collars. They smell great and keep flies and mosquitos away, but the ticks laugh at the smell.

What is everyone's recommendations for tick control?

[2zw8n9vphfrc6]

i would however recommend raw garlic over tabs

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, I agree that garlic is not dangerous. I don't think I have ever heard anyone say that it is. LOL

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Just like anything else, too much garlic on small or young dogs can cause problems.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh, so this time you're the "voice of doom!" Thanks, I get tired of being the bad guy all the time.

[Trowby]

I am really torn over this. I have recovered from Lyme Disease- you never really get rid of it- but I have no symptoms. As such I can't afford to be bitten again. The deer ticks are very small- not the same as big dog ticks. But dogs do get bitten by deer ticks too. We don't have a big flea problem here - the cats have never needed flea products and one was an outdoor/indoor guy. We used Frontline on Sage last year. No problems. Stopped using it about November and won't start up again until May 1 probably. But I do worry that it might be terrible for her.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Here in NJ I too found ticks on my dog's fur around his head frequently this fall and until at least December. I think the Frontline may have prevented them from attaching themselves. at any rate I think the dangers of Lyme disease outweigh he dangers of the Frontline. As a physician I disagree that insects will only be attracted to sick animals.

[Trowby]

Wow I can second that about Lyme. I had 10 weeks of IV antibiotics and every antibiotic there is practically to get over the symptoms. It is a scary and debilitating disease and I appreciate your insights as a physician.

Trowby

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I know! I have had it twice. Ten week and 12 week antibiotic rounds. It's awful. I hope to find a way to repel the ticks.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I do too, the Frontline will only kill if the animal is bitten. It doesn't stop the animal from bringing the tick into the house. Once it falls off, it gets us. We still are pulling ticks whenever there's a warm day. I pulled one out of Jack's fur about 3 weeks ago. I stop the Frontline in winter but start up around March.

I have read some people do the Frontline every three weeks instead of four, I do it every six weeks because of reading reaction stories. I want something that will repel them. Once it's on the dog, it's in my house. The Frontline doesn't help us!

[2zw8n9vphfrc6]

Yeah some vets tell there patients to stay away from it ( garlic) but we all probably know why that is because most dont sell garlic lol

Another good example of the health of animals is the difference in TRUE grass fed cattle and those fed a grain fed especially GMO based diet. Mad Cow disease from the best of my researching noggin lol has ONLY Been found in those cattle on a GRAIN based diet. Just like dogs that are fed grain based diets the stomachs of these animals don't remain alkaline meaning that disease manifests itself through the stomach. This is also how yeast infections in animals, people happen. Most all stems from the health of ones Gut. Acidity can cause disease.

Michele

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Michele, the above explanations of Mad Cow disease is incorrect...yes the cows were fed grain-based diets, but what caused the disease was a contaminant (actually, dead cows) in the food supply...it was not the grain itself. Grass-fed beef is preferable for many reasons, but that is not one of them.
The information presented here on yeast infections, acidity or alkalinity of the stomach, and the pathways by which disease manifests is also not scientifically accurate and sounds a lot like the biologically illogical manifestos I have sometimes seen on some of the raw feeding websites. This information does not make sense based on what we know about how the body works.
Again, we each have to make our own decisions and choices, but on a public forum, we cannot present beliefs as facts.

[2zw8n9vphfrc6]

but it goes the same as i do NOT believe that we as humans know everything about the body that just because it cant be figured out scientifically does not mean it doesnt work. Homeopathy works and yet even mainstream drs can look deeper to truly understand how it does because some cant trust things that dont follow book or science...

While this was started to be debated im opting out. The health of our families and our animals show because of our so called "beliefs" however we dont BELIEVE in western medicane unless it is for dying emergency situations ( arm falling off etc lol) i do not believe in allowing someone that says they "practice medicine" to practice on myself nor my family. Im all for them "practicing on someone else as a guinea pig ;)

michele