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Originally Posted by mblab  While Frontline spray seems to be the most cost effective the practical application of it is a bit troubling. The directions say for me to wear GLOVES! and for it to not get near the dog's mouth or eyes. Forgetting that what about the areas I accidentally don't get that spray on, I assume those would be unprotected areas which wouldn't be good if I didn't know I'd missed any spots!
So now I'm kind of back to where I was before.  Right now my next step is to ask my vet what their prices are for things. Depending on what they say I may just get a few months worth of a topical (still debating Advantage versus Frontline) either from them or online I guess.
I don't know. I feel like I'm back to that original crazy frustration and confusion. |
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Originally Posted by Desiree1027 If the active ingredient in Frontline is a human carcinogen, what about Advantage? I switched to Frontline because my current vet doesnt' carry Advantage, only Advantix and my dog is allergic to the tic provention in Advantix. If the active ingredient in Frontline is a carcinogen, I will go find Advantage on my own. Does anyone know about the active ingred. in that one. |
Here is a good web site I found recently that discusses adverse reactions to Flea medications
Flea Products (and other medications as well...just go to
DogsAdverseReactions). I don't know that this site lists the active ingredient in Advantage as being a "harmful" one, but now that I've read the information this site contains, I believe all flea medications have the potential to be harmful. They work by attacking the nervous system of the flea, sterilizing and paralying it, BUT the product doesn't distinguish between the fleas nervous system and the dog's (or the human's who is applying it to the dog for that matter). Because of this new information, I have discontinued treating my Bella with flea meds monthly. NOW, I will use the Frontline spray (probably will wear gloves and a mask, and will spray it onto my gloves rather than straight onto her to minimize her inhaling it) IF I ever see fleas and need to get rid of them OR if it is peak flea season. That being said, I have heard lots and lots of testimonials from people who use natural supplements and/or topical essential oils instead of flea prevention medications (like Frontline)....but I've been told by a vet that those really don't work, that they work for people who don't come into contact with fleas--who knows how much truth there is to that. I expressed my concerns about using a product like Frontline monthly after having read all the information about it, and the same vet advised that I not treat her UNTIL I see fleas, and then I will have to treat until they are gone.
Take it or leave it....I just wanted to update you on some info I found out, and let you know what I've decided to do after digesting this info. Do what is best for you and yours. Bella doesn't go outside too often, and when we do, she is mostly on sidewalks, etc...--she potties on a pad. So, her risk of getting fleas is decreased anyway, however, we will still be able to bring fleas into the home (on our shoes) especially during "flea season", so I'll have to be watching closely then.
Also, to mblab.....any areas that you don't get the Frontline spray directly on will still be protected just like the Frontline/Advantage drops protects even though it is only placed between the shoulder blades. It moves around on the skin with the sebaceous oils, and it is more than likely absorbed into the skin as well (just like the drops)
. I do think you should wear gloves and be careful to not get it into your pups eyes/nose/etc..., but it will still work effectively if you only get it on her torso. AND, my thinking is, the product has to be a little less harmless if you are only using it on an as needed or seasonal basis instead of keeping it on them year round. Less toxins has to be good.....and I haven't heard of anyone's dog's death being attributed to flea meds in my area (not that I would necessarily, but....), just online, so I can't think it's super common. Just a thought...