Flee Tick Medicines?

Dear Dog Lady,

In February, I acquired two Wirehaired Dachshunds -- a brother and sister named Hans and Heidi. I love them too much. Now that summer is coming, I’m so afraid to apply the strong tick, flea and mosquito monthly deterrent products. Heidi is prone to dry skin and these products are so strong. I’m talking about Frontline, K-9 AdvanTix, etc. Of course all the veterinarians tell you to apply the products, but they are so pro-big pharmaceutical companies.

I’ve started to place a clove of streamed garlic in their meals as I’ve learned the bugs don’t like the odor. I want to be as organic as possible, but I also want to protect my pups. What has been your experience with these products? Also do you know of a classically trained vet who's also pro-organic?

Loving Pup Mom, Atlanta, GA

Pup Mom, Dog Lady shares your maternal angst and your reluctance to apply these potent debugging toxins to your dogs.

Even reading the directions on the Frontline Plus package gives Dog Lady goose bumps. The applicant is advised to wear rubber gloves, and to hold “applicator upright and snap applicator tip away from face and body.” If any of the medication gets on human skin: “Wash with plenty of soap and water. Get medical attention if irritation persists.” Just sticking the applicator between my dog’s shoulder blades and pumping the medicine onto a patch of his skin traumatizes me.

Dog Lady, however, must grit her teeth and believe that she is doing the right thing or else my shaggy dog becomes a walking tick magnet if he does not get the medication in the spring, summer and fall. I also have to trust my veterinarian, as you should.

I urge you to shop around for a doctor for your dogs. Dog Lady is not a doctor nor does she play one on the Internet, but she believes the relationship between you and your vet is one of the most important you will have during the lifetimes of your two dogs. And there are some vets who take a more holistic approach.

Dog Lady has grilled her vet about the possible side effects of tick and flea medicines. He has assured me there is no harm. Is he a pawn of the pharmaceutical companies? Is he being paid off by Merial, the maker of Frontline? Heck, I hope not. I put my faith in him as a caring professional. If he ever gives me the creeps, I’ll find another vet.

Dog Lady has also tried herbal remedies, but they could not compare to the chemical products in preventing tick bites. One herbal product boasts: “Magnetically infused with Yellow (sic) frequency to repel parasites and Turquoise (sic) frequency to nourish the skin and coat” -- much more soothing than the Frontline directions. Unfortunately, the earthy-crunchy spray did not keep the ticks from digging in.

You are wise to be worried about this. But you are foolish if your fear prevents you from taking the best preventive medical measures to protect your darlings.

Posted by Dog Lady at May 25, 2004 09:40 AM