MarkRough - Posted - 05/09/2011:  05:47:19

If you're ever tempted to save some time and money by getting an off brand flea/tick medicine for your four legged friends. . . DON"T.

I've now been awake for 25 hours with two very sick Scotties.   As our vet directed we've washed them several times with dish detergent  to get what we can off of them, but it was on them for about an hour before we noticed the problems.  Seizures, shakes, vomiting, sleeplessness.  They're pulling through and I think all three of us will be crashing right after work today.

Seargant's Gold Flea and Tick Medicine was the culprit in this case, but apparently Hartz has similar problems.  If you google them you'll find literally thousands of complaints, including several deaths, associated with these products.

I really had no idea that these problems even existed.  We usually use Frontline (which is apparently much safer and better controlled).  I don't even know, at this point, why we bought this crap.  I wish there was a way to know about problems like this before they become actual, real problems.  When the pet food stuff happened a few years back, there were lots of places to go to find out what products were affected.  I haven't seen anything like that for this stuff.  We were very lucky, but some people haven't.  If I can save someone a lot of sorrow and heartache, it'll be worth our very scary, sleepless night.

Mark

Micki - Posted - 05/09/2011:  06:05:22

Use Pet Place.com  Micki

Edited by - Micki on 05/09/2011 06:10:27

Voyageur - Posted - 05/09/2011:  07:09:36

Gosh, so sorry about your ordeal, Mark, and hope the Scotties are feeling better soon and that you can all get some rest.

And thanks for warning us. You have probably saved a dog's life somewhere by posting this.

pandjlocke - Posted - 05/09/2011:  07:31:11

With flea and tick problems you really need to use the top quality, top of the line product. And that doesn't even ensure that you will resolve your problem. I used Frontline for years. I used it on my dogs, and I sold it in my grooming shop. All of a sudden it stopped working. I called my supplier and was told that fleas (that's all we have to deal with around here; no ticks) build up a resistance to the stuff. We switched out to Advantage for now, but were told that in a couple years the fleas would be resistant to that and to switch back to Frontline. I have had reports from customer about both Sargent's and Hartz burning their pets and causing vet visits. 

The general rule of thumb when buying pet products is: If you can buy it at a grocery store, it's crap. Either get your pet supplies from a vet or a reputable small operator pet supply store. Petco and Petsmart will have what you need, but do try to support the little guys in the Mom & Pop shops. They have the experience you need to help you make better decisions. The folks in the major chains, for the most part, were asking you if you wanted fries with that burger just last week. 

Paul R - Posted - 05/09/2011:  07:36:08

Our dog's stuff comes from the vet. At least that way we know what he's getting, and the advantages and disadvantages of the choices. Right now he's on Revolution. Plus he's had the shots for Lyme disease.

MarkRough - Posted - 05/09/2011:  09:46:59

Good advice, thanks everyone.  Just spoke with the vet again.  They're sleeping peacefully and I'll pick them up on the way home.  I'm anticipating hitting the sack by about 3:30.  Only math, social studies and recess to go. . . zzzzzzzzzzz

dunaif - Posted - 05/09/2011:  13:31:45

I'm so sorry to hear of your bad experience and I hope your dogs are okay.

There are a couple of newer orally administered flea medications available by a vet's prescription. One is called Comfortis and it's a tablet that's given once a month. The other is also a monthly-administered tablet that combines the anti-flea medication contained in Comfortis with a heartworm preventive medicine. The combination product is called Trifexis. Both are kind of spendy, but way less messy than the topical medications. Your vet can give you more information if you're interested.

Good luck.

pandjlocke - Posted - 05/09/2011:  13:37:26

quote:

---

Originally posted by dunaif

I'm so sorry to hear of your bad experience and I hope your dogs are okay.

There are a couple of newer orally administered flea medications available by a vet's prescription. One is called Comfortis and it's a tablet that's given once a month. The other is also a monthly-administered tablet that combines the anti-flea medication contained in Comfortis with a heartworm preventive medicine. The combination product is called Trifexis. Both are kind of spendy, but way less messy than the topical medications. Your vet can give you more information if you're interested.

Good luck.

---

There have been orally administered flea products for some time now. I've always steered clear of them. They're probably safe, but I just can't get the idea that I'm feeding my dogs insecticide out of my head.

paulac7 - Posted - 05/09/2011:  16:06:04

Thanks for the heads up--I sometimes thought about getting the stuff from the supermarket, instead of the vets.......after reading this, I'm glad I didn't.

Hope your little Scotties are feeling better...

Paula >^.^<

BanjoDiva - Posted - 05/10/2011:  05:42:00

Sargent's, Hart's, Biospot, all of it bad stuff. I wouldn't even use a flea collar from Sargent's or Hart's. Glad the dogs are going to be okay Mark.

I've been using Advantix for years and haven't had any problems or build-up of resistance to it. We also treat the yard every spring.

Ponysoldier - Posted - 05/12/2011:  16:25:41

Sorry to hear of this and thanks for posting it. I tried some unfamiliar brand of topical flea treatment about two years ago because our vet's office was closed and our local feed store recommended it as a substitute for K9 Advantix (about the same price). Two hours after applying it to my Australian Shepherd she was vomiting, trembling and in obvious discomfort. Immediately put her in the bathtub and bathed her about three times. Absolutely no help from the company's "hotline." Now, if it doesn't come from my Vet - it doesn't go on my dogs. I am just glad the Pups are OK now!

dennis andrews - Posted - 05/12/2011:  16:48:23

My dog takes Trifexis and I don't think it's to pricey.