Flea and Tick Medicines: What is the best option?

Flea and Tick Medicines.  As Border Collie breeders with over a 100 puppies across Canada and the US we are often asked by our parents what is the best option when it comes to flea and tick medicine.   There is no one size fits all solution, the truth is, everyone’s situation is different and we can’t say for certain one is safer than the other.  This is a research question and one that you should comfortably be able to speak with your Veterinarian about.

As breeders, our options are limited when it comes to flea and tick medicines.  Traditionally, Veterinarians have only recommended topical solutions (Revolution, Advantax) for breeding dogs and recently, they have added Bravecto to that list.  Does that mean they are the safest?  I don’t think so, I take it as they have the least risks to our dogs BUT they still carry risk.  In essence, Flea and Tick medication is poison, just the reality of how they work and any time you ingest poison either orally or topically, it is entering your blood stream and that does create risk.

To start, I think it’s important you assess your risk.  Are you in the woods often?  Hiking? in heavily dense areas?   More than 40 different types of ticks live in Canada, but only 2 types spread the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease in people and dogs:

 

I have broken down the main products that are recommended by Vets, including any links I could find to current litigation.  Inevitably, the decision is yours.  We do recommend you protect your dog(s).  The damage and risk of Lyme disease is real, particularly with our families who tend to be hikers and actively outdoors but where your comfort level is, is a personal decision.  I hope the overview of each assists you in those decisions.

Flea and Tick Medicines, FDA issued 2023:

Fact Sheet for Pet Owners and Veterinarians about Potential Adverse Events Associated with Isoxazoline Flea and Tick Products

Flea and Tick Medicines: Analyzing Topical, Oral, and Natural Solutions

Controlling fleas and ticks is essential for your dogs health, and various options are available, ranging from conventional treatments to natural remedies.

Flea and Tick Medicines: Topical Treatments:

Topical treatments are a go-to choice for many pet owners due to their ease of use and efficacy.

1. Frontline (Active Ingredient: Fipronil):

Overview: Frontline is a widely recognized topical treatment for fleas and ticks in pets. Its active ingredient, fipronil, is known for its effectiveness in killing fleas and ticks upon contact. Available in various formulations, including spot-on treatments and sprays, Frontline provides convenient and fast-acting protection for dogs and cats.

Effectiveness: Frontline’s fipronil-based formula delivers rapid and effective control of fleas and ticks, typically within 24 hours of application. Its waterproof nature ensures continued protection even after bathing or swimming, making it suitable for active pets.

Safety: Frontline is generally considered safe for pets when used as directed. However, some pets may experience mild skin irritation at the application site, though such reactions are rare. It’s essential to follow the recommended dosage and application instructions to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Long-Term Effects: While short-term studies demonstrate Frontline’s efficacy and safety, limited data exist on its long-term effects. Prolonged use may lead to skin sensitivities in some pets, although such occurrences are uncommon.

Pending Lawsuits: As of the latest available information, there are no significant pending lawsuits against Frontline or its manufacturer related to adverse reactions or product efficacy.

2. Advantage (Active Ingredient: Imidacloprid):

Advantage is a widely recognized brand in the realm of flea and tick control, offering effective solutions to protect pets from parasitic infestations. Renowned for its efficacy and safety, Advantage stands out for its fast-acting formula and convenient application method.

Active Ingredient: Imidacloprid

Effectiveness:
Advantage’s active ingredient, imidacloprid, is a neonicotinoid insecticide known for its rapid action against fleas. Upon application, imidacloprid targets the nervous system of fleas, leading to paralysis and eventual death. This fast-acting mechanism ensures swift eradication of existing flea infestations and provides long-lasting protection against reinfestation.

Safety:

Advantage is generally considered safe for pets when used as directed. Imidacloprid has a favorable safety profile, with minimal risk of adverse effects when applied topically. However, as with any flea and tick treatment, some pets may experience mild skin irritation or allergic reactions at the application site. Pet owners should monitor their pets closely after application and consult with a veterinarian if any adverse reactions occur.

Long-Term Effects:

While short-term studies demonstrate Advantage’s efficacy and safety, limited data are available on its long-term effects. Prolonged use of imidacloprid may lead to skin sensitivities in some pets, although such occurrences are rare. Pet owners should use Advantage judiciously and consult with veterinarians to assess the risks and benefits of prolonged usage, especially for pets with underlying health conditions.

Pending Lawsuits:

As of the latest available information, there are no significant pending lawsuits against Advantage or its manufacturer related to adverse reactions or product efficacy. However, pet owners should stay informed about any updates or safety alerts from regulatory authorities and consult with veterinarians if they have concerns about using Advantage for their pets.

 

3. Seresto Collar (Active Ingredients: Imidacloprid, Flumethrin): PENDING LAWSUITS

Overview: The Seresto Collar is a highly regarded product in the realm of flea and tick control, offering pet owners a convenient and long-lasting solution to protect their furry companions from parasitic infestations. Renowned for its effectiveness and safety, the Seresto Collar stands out for its unique design and innovative technology.

Active Ingredients: Imidacloprid and Flumethrin

Effectiveness:

The Seresto Collar combines the potent active ingredients imidacloprid and flumethrin to provide comprehensive protection against fleas and ticks. Imidacloprid targets the nervous system of fleas, leading to paralysis and eventual death, while flumethrin repels and kills ticks upon contact. This dual-action formula ensures swift eradication of existing infestations and continuous protection against reinfestation for up to eight months.

Safety:

The Seresto Collar is considered safe for most pets when used as directed. Imidacloprid and flumethrin have favorable safety profiles, with minimal risk of adverse effects when applied topically. However, as with any flea and tick treatment, some pets may experience mild skin irritation or allergic reactions at the collar’s contact points. Pet owners should monitor their pets closely after fitting the collar and consult with a veterinarian if any adverse reactions occur.

Long-Term Effects:

While short-term studies demonstrate the Seresto Collar’s efficacy and safety, limited data are available on its long-term effects. Prolonged use of imidacloprid and flumethrin may lead to skin sensitivities in some pets, although such occurrences are rare. Pet owners should use the Seresto Collar judiciously and consult with veterinarians to assess the risks and benefits of prolonged usage, especially for pets with underlying health conditions.

Pending or Completed Lawsuits:

15 Million Dollar Settlement (2024)

EPA Conclusions

 

Flea and Tick Medicines: Oral Medications:

Oral medications offer systemic protection against parasites, providing convenience and efficacy in flea and tick medicines.

Bravecto, Active Ingredient: fluralaner

Bravecto is a leading brand in the realm of flea and tick control, offering pet owners an innovative and long-lasting solution to protect their furry companions from parasitic infestations. Renowned for its efficacy and convenience, Bravecto stands out for its unique formulation and extended duration of action.

Active Ingredient: fluralaner

Effectiveness:

Bravecto’s active ingredient, fluralaner, is an isoxazoline insecticide known for its potent and fast-acting effects against fleas and ticks. Fluralaner targets the nervous system of parasites, leading to paralysis and eventual death. This mechanism ensures rapid eradication of existing infestations and provides up to 12 weeks of continuous protection against reinfestation.

Safety:

Bravecto is generally considered safe for most pets when used as directed. Fluralaner has a favorable safety profile, with minimal risk of adverse effects when administered orally. However, as with any flea and tick treatment, some pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Pet owners should monitor their pets closely after administration and consult with a veterinarian if any adverse reactions occur.

Long-Term Effects:

While short-term studies demonstrate Bravecto’s efficacy and safety, limited data are available on its long-term effects. Prolonged use of fluralaner may lead to neurological side effects in some pets, although such occurrences are rare. Pet owners should use Bravecto judiciously and consult with veterinarians to assess the risks and benefits of prolonged usage, especially for pets with underlying health conditions.

Pending and Completed Lawsuits:

Canadian Class Action )2018-2020

Merck Animal Health Receives U.S. FDA Approval of Expanded Indication for BRAVECTO (fluralaner) Chews for Dogs 2023

 

2. NexGard (Active Ingredient: Afoxolaner):

Overview:

Afoxolaner is an isoxazoline insecticide that disrupts the nervous system of fleas and ticks, leading to paralysis and death.

Effectiveness:

NexGard, containing afoxolaner, provides monthly protection against fleas and ticks.

Safety: Generally safe, though gastrointestinal upset may occur in some pets.

Long-Term Effects: Limited data on prolonged use; potential for neurological side effects.

Pending Lawsuits: Note that pending claims/allegations are similar and or tied to Bravecto as they contain the same active ingredient

Veternarian Opinon 

 

 

3. Simparica (Active Ingredient: Sarolaner):

Simparica is a trusted brand in the realm of flea and tick control, offering pet owners an effective and convenient solution to protect their furry companions from parasitic infestations. Renowned for its efficacy and safety, Simparica stands out for its palatable chewable formulation and long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks.

Active Ingredient: Sarolaner

Effectiveness:

Simparica’s active ingredient, sarolaner, is an isoxazoline insecticide known for its potent and fast-acting effects against fleas and ticks. Sarolaner targets the nervous system of parasites, leading to paralysis and eventual death. This mechanism ensures rapid eradication of existing infestations and provides up to 35 days of continuous protection against reinfestation.

Safety:

Simparica is generally considered safe for most pets when used as directed. Sarolaner has a favorable safety profile, with minimal risk of adverse effects when administered orally. However, as with any flea and tick treatment, some pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Pet owners should monitor their pets closely after administration and consult with a veterinarian if any adverse reactions occur.

Long-Term Effects:

While short-term studies demonstrate Simparica’s efficacy and safety, limited data are available on its long-term effects. Prolonged use of sarolaner may lead to neurological side effects in some pets, although such occurrences are rare. Pet owners should use Simparica judiciously and consult with veterinarians to assess the risks and benefits of prolonged usage, especially for pets with underlying health conditions.

 

Pending Lawsuits:
No recent public lawsuits could be found.

 

Flea and Tick Medicines: Natural Remedies:

For those seeking natural alternatives to Flea and Tick Medicines, several options exist. Let’s discuss the active ingredients and properties of popular natural remedies:

1. Cedar Oil Sprays:

Active Ingredient: Cedar oil

Overview:  Cedar oil is a natural repellent with insect-repelling properties, though its efficacy may be limited compared to chemical treatments.

Safety: Generally safe, though potential for skin irritation in sensitive pets.

Long-Term Effects: Limited data on prolonged usage; potential for cumulative exposure concerns.
Pending Lawsuits: No significant pending lawsuits reported.

2. Neem Oil:

Active Ingredient: Neem oil

Overview:

Neem oil is derived from the neem tree and acts as a natural insecticide, though its efficacy may vary.

Safety:

Generally safe, though potential for skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset in some pets.

Long-Term Effects:

Limited data on prolonged usage; potential for cumulative exposure concerns.

Pending Lawsuits: No significant pending lawsuits reported.

3. Rosemary Essential Oil:

Active Ingredient: Rosemary essential oil

Overview:

Rosemary essential oil contains compounds with flea-repellent properties, though it may require frequent reapplication.

Safety:

Generally safe, though potential for skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive pets.

Long-Term Effects:

Limited data on prolonged usage; potential for cumulative exposure concerns.

Pending Lawsuits:  No significant pending lawsuits reported.

 

Flea and Tick Medicines:

DIY Flea and Tick Prevention Spray

by Dr. Karen Becker, from the forever dog for a home-made flea & tick repellent spray for DOGS includes:

• 8 oz clean water
• 4 oz organic raw apple cider vinegar
• 10 drops Neem oil
• 10 drops Catnip oil
• 5 drops of one of the following choices of EOs: lemon, lemongrass, eucalyptus or geranium

Add all the ingredients to a large spray bottle and shake well. Spray your pup before heading out, paying special attention to the legs, belly, and neck.