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May 2007
James, we put Frontline Plus on our daschund. She exhibited all the symptoms of neurological problems similar to your dog. This was two days ago and she still cannot walk and may have to go down. The Vets offer no explaination nor do they want to address Frontline as a cause. What did you do to get your dog back in normal functioning?
Lee 5/2/07
Thank You for your reply. We did call the company, and just as you said, almost verbatum, they deny it will cause harm and does not enter the blood stream. I'll let you know how we make out, at least she is still eating and drinking.
Lee 5/2/07
James, I wrote you a couple of weeks ago about our Daschund Sattie and Frontline. Well, she is up and about, yet still shaky, but can walk on non-slippery surfaces. The makers of Frontline do indeed deny any toxic reaction, yet they want us to send the Vet bills for reimbursement. We'll see if they really pay. I will never use Frontline again nor any other drops or pesticides on our pets. Thanks for your web site. It really helped since the vet could only say put her down!
Lee 5/15/07
Just to let you know. Frontline [Merial] refused to pay our Vet expenses, but as a consolation prize, they refunded the cost of the Frontline. We also met another person in our area who put the Frontline on their dog. Exact symptoms and the vet told him it was a stroke, put the dog down. The dog was only six. Frontline [Merial] denies any connection between Frontline and the symptoms. Luckily, I am not to keen on immediately putting dogs down, and our dog has recovered.
Thank you for your web site and all your efforts. It saved our dog.
Lee 8/21/07
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I see most of the messages here are about dogs but I can't help but write about my poor cat "Baby". She died last night after seizing for 12 hours, after an application of Feline Bio Spot. This was not the first time I had used this product, however, it is certain to be my last. The previous applications were without effect, including getting rid of the fleas!
CBvG 5/3/07
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I wish I was contacting you for some other reason. My dog died from the overdose of bio-spot. I tried to save him for over a month with IV's and every means possible. He eventually got his brain infected and we could not stand to see him suffer with the siezures and loss of his senses. We put Chance to rest yesterday 5-4-2007. I would like more information to get bio-spot off the market before more pets/loved ones die.
You can see my beloved friend on my website linked below, please say a prayer for his soul.
Grieving.... 5/7/07
I wrote to you a month ago regarding the loss of my dog Chance. I contacted Sherri Pike at Farnam and sent them all the vet bills etc and they sent me a "Geeze sorry" letter. I was wondering if you have or had used a lawyer in any of these cases. I would like to follow up on this. It hurts to think they are so heartless.
Renee 6/11/07
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A week ago Sunday night, we applied Frontline Plus to our border collie/blue heeler mix. She is 1 and in excellent health. Within 30 minutes she started acting funny and we thought the medicine was dripping and bothering her. She was trembing, crawling around on her belly and trying to get into small spaces. She can be a bit sensitive so we thought nothing of it. By morning she was listless, somewhat unresponsive and disinterested in us (completely out of character), not eating and just plain lethargic. This persisted for another day before we truly began to worry. We had been at my parent's farm in the country and she had a full day of running ect. which made us think that maybe she had pulled a muscle or something. Day two we took her to the vet, he ran a blood work up and thought she had injured herself, gave her a steroid shot and indicated that she would likely be better the following day. She was worse the next day. The blood work was normal and she was not getting better. By now it is Friday night and I stayed up all night reading websites and trying to figure out what to do. Then I revisited your site and realized that I had to get the stuff off of her. So, on Saturday am we bathed her and put about a cup of Dawn dish soap on her. If it works on cleaning the animals stuck in the oil spills, it should work on her was our thought. Within 10 miuntes of being out of the shower, she perked up, within three hours she was 75% better. A totally changed dog.
I called Merial this am. and the customer service rep said, " I am have to tell you that those symptoms don't match the side effects. I went crazy and stopped her. As if all dogs react the same way. Thank goodness for your site. I will follow up with Merial, the EPA and the local paper. Interestingly, the vet I bought the med. from easily returned it and Merial took the lot number ect. and said they would do the same plus to send the medical bills for review. Interesting that they would concede to consider this if there was no potential problem on their part. Thanks again for your site. I hope others find it and can save their pets.
Shari 5/7/07
I am happy to report that after sending in my last email I put Sadie in the shower and scrubbed her down with Dawn dish soap. I was worried that this would cause her too much distress but decided it was our best course action. I was right. I used about a half of a cup of dawn and scrubbed her for about 10 minutes. Upon finishing, I was able to see a difference. In fact, within an hour, she was heading back to being almost normal. She ran after the kids, followed us around the house and even came to the door when I returned home from the store. It is now 2:00am and I wouldn't say that she is perfect but she does not seem to be in a lethargic, pained, stupor. We called our vet who didn't dismiss our claim but was skeptical initially and he agreed it sounded like the Frontline Plus. The coincidence is too great.
We will be on the phone with Frontline on Monday morning and I intend to call the local news. People have a right to know. The product insert should list, "if your dog seems to be reacting...." Thank you for your information and for having a place where people can see the potential in flea and tick meds. I know Frontline may be the least of the evils but one pet who suffers is too many. And, clearly all dogs and cats are not the same.
Shari 5/7/07
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My coton had a reaction to his last rabies vaccine and lost a 3 inch patch of hair where he was injected. It grew back. I had given him Frontline Plus topically 3 times last year with no problem. This month I put the Frontline on for the first time this year (using less) and his back began to swell and was red. I washed it off with detergent and there was no further problem. Now my vet is suggesting giving him Sentinel. I am afraid to do it. Have you heard anything about small white dogs or any other dogs having a reaction to Sentinel? I am thinking about just giving garlic or garlic and yeast or other natural remedies. I am not finding any comments on this with google. except your site so far.
I have declared my house and grounds pesticide free and we only use organic fertilizers. They actually work better than the regular fertilizers.
Nancy 5/7/07
Chicago
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My story is a repeat of most of the stories on your site. Last week I gave my 12 pound tortoise shell cat Revolution. In the morning I noticed a red and raw half-dollar size bald spot on her neck where I put the Revolution. She has been lethargic - totally different behavior than her normal feisty behavior that earned her the name Wack Job. She is eating, and drinking, but is not the cat she was. I have always used Advantage on her with no side effects/reactions.
Thank you for your site. And to report adverse reactions to Revolution, you need to go through the FDA site (http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/). The active ingredient in Revolution (selamectin) is not considered a pesticide so it falls under FDA's jurisdiction.
Leslie 5/7/07
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I sincerely wish I had found your site sooner. Below is the e-mail message I sent to my friends and loved ones after using this product on our dogs. I am just stunned there is no warning on the label - no instructions AT ALL in case your dog begins to present with symptoms. I worked for a vet for years, but it was before any of these products were on the market. The dangers of these poisons ought to be ALL OVER the internet.
Shannon Duffy
Chief of Staff / Legislative Director
State Representative Bill Zedler, District 96
512.463.0374
512.463.0364 fax
Capitol Extension E2.814
shannon.duffy@house.state.tx.us
_______________________________________________________
Just some personal experience this weekend for you to pass along to all your pet loving friends.
Since we're heading in to flea and tick season, I decided it was time to treat our "girls" (Tia, a Chihuahua, apx 9 pounds and Angel, a Cockapoo, apx. 23 pounds) with a topical flea and tick product. (You know, those drops you put on their backs.) I have used topical treatments on both dogs in the past, and had changed brands once already because one of the products seemed to make Angel vomit.
In hindsight, I really should have connected seemingly miscellaneous symptoms with the application of these products, but I didn't. Well, I sure do now.
On Friday, I purchased Sentry Pro XFC for dogs 9-20 pounds at PetSmart. This is the lowest dose per weight made by the company and there are absolutely NO warnings or contraindications ANYWHERE on the box. Actually, the product is advertised as "safe, gentle, and effective."
"Sentry's 5-way protection kills fleas (in as little as 1 hour!), ticks (in as little as 3 hours!), mosquitoes, flea eggs, and flea larvae. Also prevents re-infestation. 12-week supply.
Use only on dogs and puppies over 12 weeks of age. Do not use on cats. To use: Snap or cut off top end, invert tube over dog and use open end to part dog's hair. Squeeze tube firmly to apply solution to dog's skin as directed on the package.
12-week supply (six .10 fl. oz. tubes).
Active Ingredients:
* Cyphenothrin: 40%
* Pyriproxyfen: 2%
* Other Ingredients: 58%"
On Saturday, before running errands, I treated both dogs. I did Tia first, and since she was at the bottom of the weight range- I did not apply the whole packet (thank goodness). Since Angel was over the weight range, she got a full packet and the rest of Tia's.
When I got home on Saturday afternoon- Kevin was outside mowing and the girls were in the house. I noticed immediately that something was VERY wrong with Tia. She was going in circles and licking the floor. She seemed "twitchy" and EXTREMELY agitated. A little suspicious already, I picked Tia up, took her in the bathroom and just rinsed off the place on her back where I had applied the topical flea and tick stuff.
Tia continued to show neurological symptoms ranging from lack of muscle control, to what I can only describe as localized seizures. She had trouble walking, and wanted to shake (like when she's wet) with every step. Watching her, it was like she was so miserable she couldn't decide what to do - scratch, shake, try to walk -- She absolutely could not sit still. It was terrible.
She started vomiting every so often until she was throwing up nothing but water - which I was trying very hard to make her drink.
When Kevin came inside, I told him what was happening with Tia. Kevin was concerned it was actually something she had gotten into in the yard - like fire ants. He had taken her outside and she had gotten way out in the yard and Kevin went to get her when he saw her rubbing her face on the ground and stomping vigorously. We looked her over carefully and she did appear to have a red mark and swelling on one side of her muzzle, and red marks and swelling on one of her paws.
Now thinking that perhaps it was an allergy -- I had previously been instructed by my vet how to safely give her Benadryl-- which we did with a bit of cheese. We also decided to give her a very good bath in Oatmeal shampoo to soothe what appeared to be bites or stings. Even the Benadryl did not let her fully go to sleep, but she did seem to settle down and the swelling subsided. She was unable to really rest the remainder of the evening and she did not sleep Saturday night. The vomiting did subside and she would eat small bits of food from us and drink when water was brought to her.
On Sunday she seemed a little better, she was still disoriented, but not nearly as "twitchy." She was exhausted from not sleeping- but clearly could not get comfortable.
After much research, I did find this site
http://www.elversonpuzzle.com/biospotlettersv4.html
While many of these incidents involve a product called BioSpot, it is important to note that ALL non-prescription topicals (and possible even prescription ones) can pose a serious threat to your pets.
(http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/
what_you_should_know_about_flea_and_tick_products/)
In reading these terrifying stories, the common advice from veterinarians was immediately wash your dog in diluted dish soap since all these products are oil based.
So on Sunday, we gave Tia another bath - this time using diluted dish soap and rinsing with TONS of water.
Sunday afternoon, Angel - who was treated at the same time, began throwing up and seemed very lethargic. These are also symptoms of treatment mentioned on the websites.
Sunday night we did get Tia to eat and she rested better, but not well. She still woke up throughout the night, occasionally shaking and panting very loudly - like her breathing was strained. The seizing and twitching were largely replaced by incessant scratching - mostly where the product had been applied - although this could also have been due to her dish soap bath. We kept her water bowl on our night stands and made her drink throughout the night.
This morning when she was still mildly symptomatic, but much better, I called my vet to see what could be done. My vet said that there was not much more we could have done - washing her immediately is critical and then monitoring carefully for kidney failure. In other words - make sure she is drinking a lot of water - but make sure she is also eliminating. (In some cases, an IV can be administered to help flush the system, and medication - mostly just sedatives and some anti-seizure meds - can be administered to help ease the symptoms. The likelihood of recovery depends mostly on the health of the dog and the exposure to the product.) In some cases the effect is compounded as the product is used. In other words - you might use it one month - not notice minor symptoms - but then use it again the following month and get Grand Mal seizures. The effect can be cumulative, and the neurological damage from repeated exposure can be permanent.
I am happy to say both Tia and Angel seem better as of this writing. I was even happy to see mucus in their loose stools this morning - as that is one of the signs the poison is being eliminated from Tia's little body.
The vet said we need to continue monitoring Tia closely and continue with what we were doing. If the neurological symptoms returned OR if she stopped drinking and /or eliminating - we should bring her in immediately. If no one was going to be home, then she needed to be taken to the vet just so she could be monitored.
I asked my vet about these topical treatments in general - she said they do not recommend ANY over the counter topical flea and tick product for this very reason. She also said they even have warning signs posted in their clinic and on all the doors at this time of year because of the number of dogs they treated last season for complications (READ: POISONING) from these products.
The vet said the only topical they will recommend is Frontline, and that they really don't recommend it unless the owner just insists on a topical treatment. No topical flea and tick product should be used on a dog with any underlying health issues or a history of seizures.
I am FURIOUS that no warning information is printed on the box and that these products are even still available. There are various lawsuits with at least 3 of these manufacturers related to these products.
Bottom line - no flea or tick preventative is worth what almost happened to our dog. Tia is still not 100% better, but we believe she will be soon - which makes her luckier than many others.
Please, please pass it on. Do not put this poison on your pets!
Shannon Duffy
Chief of Staff / Legislative Director
State Representative Bill Zedler, District 96
512.463.0374
512.463.0364 fax
Capitol Extension E2.814
shannon.duffy@house.state.tx.us
I started my Bio Spot - Consumer Alert website five years ago because I, too, was furious after my dog almost died from it. At the time, I could find virtually no information on the Internet concerning adverse reactions caused by Bio Spot. In the last five years, over 124,000 people have visited my website - many of whom found it by searching for information on adverse reactions to flea control products. As you have pointed out, the product labels on these products DO NOT list the signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning. As a result, most adverse reactions are never suspected or reported to anyone.
The current pet food crisis, which has led to the illness and death of thousands of dogs and cats, has revealed to everyone what is wrong with the FDA. I believe that tens of thousands of dogs and cats are sickened or killed by flea control products each year, but it doesn't make the headlines, and the EPA has done nothing to prevent it from happening. It's pretty sad when people can't rely on their government to protect them from tainted food and inadequately labeled pesticide products.
James TerBush
NOTE: Several people find my website EACH DAY by searching for the side effects of Sergeant's Sentry Pro XFC for Dogs and Sergeant's Gold Flea and Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs. The main active ingredients in these products is cyphenothrin (40%) and pyriproxyfen (2%). Sergeants is promoting cyphenothrin as being "more effective" than permethrin-based flea and tick products, but "more effective" means that it is MORE TOXIC to dogs.
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I had a perfectly healthy 71/2 year old tabby who had never been ill and was my best friend. I had a friend watch him while I was away for 5 days. Knowing she was bringing her cat with her I mentioned I combed out a few fleas from him. I usually used Advantage flea control and didn't have another dose for him. She bought Farnam's Bio Spot Mist and used it on him with water and a comb. That was on 04/27/07, I returned early after hearing he wasn't eating. I thought it was because there was another male cat in his domain. On 05/02/07 I found him lethargic and listless and rushed him to the Vet. A blood test confirmed his BUN level was 186 - the highest my Vet ever saw, his CREA was over 6 times normal, PHOS was double than normal. My perfectly healthy cat of 5 days earlier and best friend was in severe kidney failure. After 2 1/2 days of 24 hour emergency care with constant IV's, I had to put my boy down after his breathing started to fail and he just had enough. That was on 05/06/07. I miss him.
He has spent alot of time with my friend's cat and the only thing different that happened was the flea bath with Farnam's Bio Spot Mist. I didn't even think twice about having this product used on my cat, though I wish I had. If I had researched it he would be with me today. I hope my story might save some other cats from the horrible ordeal I had to see Oscar go through. Please email me if you have had a similar situation with this product. gr8yachts@comcast.net And watch out for our furry friends. It seems us parents are the only one's who care.
Roy 5/8/07
Stuart FL
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I found your website researching adverse reactions to flea treatments and thought I'd share my recent experience.
I awoke last night to our 2-year old English bulldog having a serious head seizure, about 8 hours after we had applied Frontline to the back of his neck. He has never had seizures before (and we hadn't applied Frontline once before, over a year ago).
His seizure lasted for about one minute. We're taking him to the vet to be checked out, but they basically said over the phone that it couldn't be a reaction to the Frontline. That doesn't appear to be the case.
Thanks for your website postings.
Andrew 5/11/07
NYC
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I live in South Texas, have 10 rescue dogs and 8 rescue cats (we live in the country. People who no longer want their pets dump them out here so the wonderful farmers can take them in and give them good homes - which we have done).
At any rate, we treat our yard (12 mowable acres) with bi-weekly flea/tick treatments such at Diatamaceous Earth and have once treated with nemotodes. We also apply Frontline Plus every 3-4 weeks, not bathing 3 days prior or 3 days after. NOTHING seems to be working this year!
We have never had a problem with ticks at all, but the fleas are out of control. There was even a news broadcast recently about the flea problems in Corpus Christi. They showed people spreading Gain detergent granules around on their yards, saying it would kill fleas. What do you know about this? Also, if you have not heard of this remedy, do you have any other suggestions?
Today I brewed a batch of Rosemary tea and after bathing all 10 dogs for the second time in 6 days, I poured the tea on them after rinsing off the shampoo (purchased from the veterinarian's office specifically to kill fleas, ticks, lice.) Then I sprayed them with Adams.
This is backbreaking, expensive and very frustrating. I've even made dog biscuits with Brewer's Yeast and Garlic hoping it would help.
Also, we have all tile floors, which I keep vacuumed and mopped, so I don't think the fleas are reproducing in our home.
Another thing, the neighbors have 3 dogs and goats. The dogs visit routinely and I'm sure they aren't receiving flea prevention.
Thank you and any suggestions would be appreciated.
Becki 5/13/07
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I just came across your website tonight and read most of the horror stories the poor people and their furry babies have experienced.....very sad stories. I did not see much about using Frontline Plus. Have you heard that the Frontline Plus causes the same problems? I have two 5 year old Goldens and have used Frontline Plus on them since they have been puppies and have not experienced any of the problems other people have. I also used Frontline on my first Golden for 13.5 years and never experienced any problems. I can remember one time my first Golden went through a few minute episode of being confused and walking around in a circle. Of course I ran straight to him and cuddled him and he laid down and was fine with no other problems after that. It has been several years ago so I cannot say the Frontline contributed to his episode. But now that I have discovered your website I will no longer use any of these products. I just bought a six pack of Frontline Plus but it is going in the trash. But getting back to what a really wanted to know was have you heard alot of stories about Frontline Plus? And my heart goes out to all the people and their furry babies who have suffered from these products.
M. Morris 5/13/07
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My mixed Dachshund 5 year old beloved pet became critically ill (was otherwise in perfect robust health) just days after I applied Frontline. He is still (a week later) not out of the woods and not the same dog he was before Frontline. I had to rush him to the vet and he barely made it as his kidneys and liver had shut down we discovered with the blood tests. They gave him I.V's and he was nearly dead. HE WENT FROM A PERFECTLY HEALTHY PET TO NEARLY DEAD AFTER I FOLLOWED THE EXACT INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FRONTLINE BOX TO APPLY TO MY DOG. He was in a tremendous amount of discomfort and cried constantly. I am livid and will never use this product ever again and just hope he does not die. I love this dog as if it was my child.
Lee 5/14/07
James, Merial just informed me that they will NOT be paying my $750.00 Vet bill for my dog's absolutely horrible reaction to Frontline Plus. This was after they had me & my vet fax all the information to them they asked for and my vet did tell them he thought this was a negative reaction to their product. They just told me they would reimburse me for the cost of the product and that is all.
You were correct....they told me the product DOES NOT enter into the animal's system and is merely topical! I gave them the links you sent me to review that tells a different story. They tried to say the people saying this stuff are merely uninformed individuals that do not know what they are talking about. I gave them the links to see differently as some are by Merial in other countries, etc.
My dog survived but still does not quite have his strength back just yet....cannot take him for long walks as he tires quickly and has to lie down before we get too far so I will wait before taking him again for a week or two. He is, otherwise, eating and acting well now. It took about 3 weeks and I had to miss work to take care of him during that time. I am a"straight commission" sales person and that has really hurt me, financially. Lucky was like a "clingy" small child when he was ill and I just went with it as I really thought he might not make it....neither did my vet. He got better after a week and then he relapsed and got even worse than in the beginning.
The main reason they are now using is " THAT I DID NOT PURCHASE THE PRODUCT FROM A VET BUT RATHER FROM PETCO".
Any suggestions now???
Lee 6/8/07
Thanks very much for the update. Many people have told me that Merial refused to accept responsibility for adverse reactions caused by Frontline and Frontline Plus.
I would contact the EPA (Office of Pesticides Program), and let them know about Merial's actions. Hopefully, they will request that you send them the information from your vet and they will contact Merial about it.
I would also contact Petco's corporate office and let them know that Merial is refusing to reimburse your vet expenses because you purchased the product from Petco! If Merial won't stand behind the products they sell, Petco should!
Lastly, I would contact your local media (newspapers, television stations) and let them know what happened to your dog. They may be interested in doing a consumer alert report on it. They may be able to shame Merial into doing the right thing.
Please let me know how everything works out.
James TerBush
My dog will NEVER be the same and I cannot even take him for walks as he just cannot make it any more. It is so sad to see him this way as he used to LOVE his walks. He is now 5 years old.
Lee 7/26/07
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I am so amazed at the amount of people on your website that have had problems. I get to be another addition to it. We recently couldn't find our usual flea treatment and purchased the Sergeants Gold Flea & Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs. We applied it per the instructions at 10:00pm one evening. Raskal our 1 year old Chihuahua has always been a great sleeper and never wakes us up over night. But around 12/12:30 I hear him whimpering. I let him out of his crate and he went bonkers running and rolling and rubbing against anything and scratching like crazy. I put him in the bath and gave him a good bath and when we finished I put him back to bed. Needless to say I was up every 30-45 minutes with him. Around 7:00am I noticed inside his ears what looked like burns. We took him to the vet and he received two shots of antibiotics, the vet said the flea control did more damage to him than the flea (which he has never had). It was very scary. The vet said he should feel better in a couple of days. He now has spots on his neck, belly and legs. None of which where the flea control was applied. I am now afraid to use anything, but living in South Florida he will have to use something. Glad to have found you on the web. I hope this site helps other moms.
Lora 5/15/07
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I had a siberian husky who was the love of my life. I bought Sargents flea & tick control medicine from wal-mart and applied it to my pet. Two days later I noticed what the vet considered to be a hot spot. I bathe him and treated him at home with neosporin. By the end of the week it wasn't getting better. He stopped eating and wasn't very active. I thought he stopped eating because I had just took him off Nutro Natural Choice, due to the recall and put him on Purina One. Well, I took him to the vet. He treated the hot spot I told him I noticed this two days after treatment of Sargents flea & tick meds. He gave Harley antibotics, and steriods to get him to eat. Well, he ate, but started throwing up. I rushed him back to the vet. They gave him a shot to calm his stomach and told me if he didn't get any better bring him back in. Well, he eventually stopped drinking water that day so I brought him back in. They put him on an IV, gave him antibotic shots and took blood. He stayed the night there (this was Saturday). By Monday they wanted me to put him down, because his blood work came back very bad. His creaton and bun was very high and his red & white blood cells where very very low. They said he needed a kidney transplant in order to survive which was told by the vet would be 10 to 20 thousand dollars. I said no I needed a second opinion. I took him to another vet he put Harley on two IVs, Vitamin shots, antibotics, he stayed that way for a week he seemed to be getting better, just started showing signs of having trouble breathing. He took blood work again and said the levels are going down very slowly, wanted me to take him home for the weekend and see how he does. Well, he just laid around all weekend. I spoiled him with his favorite food beef jerky. I just assumed this would be something I would have to live with him not being normal, I thought that was ok as long as he lived. Well, I took him back in on Monday as instructed from my vet. He took his blood work again and I had to leave him there over night till the results came back. They put him on the IV again, but Harley kept chewing the line, so they took him off. Well, Tuesday I went back to get the results. His creaton and b.u.n where sky high and he needed a blood transfusion. The vet said he was suffering and would not make it through the night. All this time I thought it was the dog food recall. My vet thought it was poison from antifreeze which I knew was wrong, because Harley was never unsupervised. He was an inside dog and never left alone. All my nieghbors loved Harley he was a great pet, never barked, loved people and other animals. So many people at my kids school and in the neighborhood were so concerned for Harley, constantly giving me flowers and cards. I was talking to one of them about Harley's story and she said you know my cat just died from the use of Sargents flea and tick medicine which caused her to have kidney failure. A bell rang so loud in my head and I began to cry. I never put the two togather. Neither did my vet, but it all makes sense now. I was the blame, I was the one who killed my beloved pet. I searched for info on her claim and found your web site. I emailed EPA as suggested in your site and will call Sargents in the morning. Harley was the only animal I used that stuff on. My cat and pups I did not. My cat had eaten Harleys dog food before and through investigating it, I came to a dead end to what had happened to my dog. The loss of my dog was devastating. I still a week later can not stop crying. We had a funeral for him in our cemetary in Monaville, Texas where he is currently buried with a nice little head stone under a gardina bush. I do not understand how people could not value the life of an animal the same as a human life, when they are so depended upon to heal our sick and dying. They are used to help the blind to see, depressed people from their state. The old and young benefit from their companionship. If I could havegiven one of my kidneys to my dog, I would have. Thank you for your site. It has opened my eyes to dangers I never would of thought of. I will no longer use over the counter meds.
Denise 5/15/07
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Hello James, I was looking for other alternative flea and tick meds for our 4 month old Akita and happened to come across your site. How awesome, thank you.
About 2 months ago we purchased Advocate, Flea/Tick & Heartworm, 21-55lbs., by Bayer. We applied the liquid as directed, on our pup at 6:30pm and went about our evening at home. At 10pm we noticed her rubbing her face on the floor and within a half hour she was having a full blown seizure. Her eyes were dilated, her body was shaking and convulsing and she whined and yelped like she was in horrible pain. She would lay real still breathing really crazy and shallow then she would run through the house out of control and wouldn't let us touch her. I sat on my kitchen floor and cried thinking that we were watching our pup Asha die.
We called our Vet after hours number and they instructed us to give her Benadryl, 25mg. per 20lbs. of dog. We did so and continued to watch her closely. The benadryl took immediate action within a half hour and she calmed down. We stayed awake for hours watching her and listening to her breathing.
We're really leery of trying anything else after this experience so I've done a lot of research and found a few alternatives that work really well and I'll share below.
Alternatives:
Collar dip. 10 drops Lemon grass oil, 10 drops Rosemary oil, 10 drops Palmarosa oil and 10 drops clove oil, mixed with equal parts grapeseed or olive oil. You can find the essential oils at a local health food store. Coat the fabric collar, both sides and drain on a paper towel for a few hrs., place back on your pup. You will have leftover oils in a bowl, cover and save for re-use. Reapply once a week
Rosemary wash. Boil 2 quarts water and add 2 cups of fresh Rosemary leaf or 1/2 cup of powdered rosemary. Let steep for a half hour then strain any leaves or powder residue. place that 2qts of rosemary wash in a gallon jug and fill to top with tap water.
Wash dog as normal, rinse out all suds and let the rosemary wash be the last rinse. Pour jug of rosemary water over the pup, avoiding eyes. Do not rinse off and let air dry.
We were happy to discover that not only were we getting great flea and tick repellent but we also had a good smelling pup. Takes the puppy smell right out of the house.
Cheers,
jen 5/17/07
Bayer's Advocate was recently introduced to the U.S. market under the name, Advantage Multi.
James TerBush
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I have a 5 year old Chesapeake Bay retriever who is exhibiting muscle spasm in back and sides. I administered the Sentry Pro XFC treatment Thurs. 5-17-07 and noticed these spasms the next day (Fri). I took her to the vet on Sat. , along with the treatment box to show the vet. He didn't think her problem had anything to do with the treatment. He performed acupuncture and prescribed muscle relaxers and set a follow up appointment in ten days. After reading other pet owners experiences, I'm now convinced that the flea treatment is the problem.
Tony 5/21/07
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I put bio-spot on my 8 month old dachshund around 6p.m. on 5/18/07, and within about on hour and a half she was vomiting. I did not think anything was too wrong just that she may have eaten something that did not agree with her. The next morning I awoke around 7 am and there was about 4 more times she had thrown up that night and she was shaking and did not want to get out of bed. I immediately rushed her to the vet, he ran all kinds of blood test (to the tune of $200.) and then I told him I had given her the bio-spot and he immediatly bathed her and gave her injections for poisoning. Around 1p.m. she started getting better but he thought she was going to die. Like the others I hope this product did not do long term damage to her. It just killed me knowing I gave her this. You think because it's on the market it must be safe. We need to stop the sale of this product.
Susan 5/21/07
I don't know if you remember me or not, but my dachsund had a severe reaction to the bio spot and almost died. She seems to have fully recovered now and I filed my claim with Farnam and they have already reimbursed me.
Just thought I would let you know, thanks for all your help!
Susan 6/8/07
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We have a "just" 3 year old dalmatian. My husband bought "Adams" brand flea and tick control on Thursday, May 17th, from Wal-Mart. He applied the same day. The next day, she was showing signs of abdominal blockage/or back leg torn muscle...based purely on her "crying yelp"....which I am sure that you all know exactly what I mean.
She was very lethargic, not drinking or eating...or anything! Very unusual for a still "very puppy" dalmatian. (she is my third dalmatian-so I know!). The fact that she did not sleep with us that night said everything.
First thing Saturday morning-vet trip! Doctor did all tests...mind you, her adrenaline was very high (normal going to vet)...but, Doctor said no pulled muscles, no apparent intestinal blockages, no fever, checked her anal glands, we gave her a stool specimen (which Baci did outside Dr. office for first time in 2 days) ...awaiting results.
Please advise if anyone else has experienced anything similar to this - the following is what my husband bought from Wal-Mart:
Adams flea and tick control for dogs (between 33 and 66 lbs) - Baci is 53 lbs.
Manufactured for Farnam Pet Products
A division of Farnam Companies, Inc.
P.O. Box 34820
Phoenix, Az. 850674-820
Product Code: 3005665
EPA Reg No.270-278
EPA Est. No. 270-NB-003
U.S.Patent No. 5.942.525
Please help in any way!
Most Sincerely,
Baci's Mommy and Daddy,
Lynda and Adam 5/21/07
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I have used Biospot for years now. I had a chocolate lab and it worked fine on him in the beginning. Then I noticed everytime I used it he would start scratching. He had skin allergies and it seemed what ever I used caused the same thing. Well at 15 years I had to finally put him down. Couple months later I got a cocker and started using Bio spot...everything went smoothly for 3 months. Last night I put it on her and this morning she started vomiting, was lethargic, would not eat or drink. I read your post after wondering if BioSpot could be making her sick. I washed her immediately. I am watching her closely and if something does not change soon I am vet bound. I did notice her vomit was nothing but white froth. I will keep you informed.
Pam 5/23/07
The problem is the vet did not say that it was the BioSpot. He said it could be and he of course treated her for it, but he also said it could be a virus that was going around in our area. She rallied after I throughly bathed her..she was not as lethargic but I believe it had been in her system too long. I truely believe, had I not taken her to the vet when I did she would be dead and I also believe had I not bathed her she would not have survived the night. I do not think any vet will go up against a big pharmacuetical such as Farnam. Nellie received three injections and an antibiotic. She is now at least drinking water. I thank you for your post. Had I not read it I may not have bathed her and I probably would have used regular dog shampoo... being that you said it was oil based I used dawn. Thanks ever so much.
Pam 5/24/07
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Thank you SO MUCH for your website. I think it just saved my dog's life !!!! I have a 135 lb. Great Pyrenees that was given Frontline Plus by my vet. I put it on as indicated, and within half an hour he was pacing wildly. Within an hour he was foaming at the mouth. In horror, I called the emergency vet clinic where they did some checking with Frontline and told me that this was not due to their product. I then raced up to my computer and, sure enough, as I suspected, read of similiar reactions. I grabbed the dog shampoo and scrubbed his back and washed him down with a large bucket of water. Within the hour the wild pacing stopped and several hours later his breathing returned to normal. I am never one to say things like I am 100% sure of something..but let me say I am 99.9999% certain that this was due entirely to the Frontline application. This was a 3 year dog that had knee surgery 5 weeks ago (and all the blood and urine cultures to go with it to make sure he was healthy.) He was not on any medications. He was not yet very agile and had been very careful as he walked, and yet all of a sudden there he was tearing around like he was trying to get out of his own skin. I don't know why they are not aware of these kinds of results, but I am only to happy to add mine to the list. He was perfectly fine before the Frontline, and near death after it until I washed it off. Needless to say, I will NOT be using it again and will do some more investigating to find other remedies to deal with any flea problems. THANK YOU , THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!
Nancy 5/27/07
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My 1 1/2 year old pug has had a reaction to the K9 Advantix flea treatment. He quit barking and couldn't jump up. He is currently at the vet's taking cortisone and antihistamines. After contacting other pet owners, I discovered their animals had suffered severe acid like burns. I contacted Bayer but have had no response. One of my friends called them and surprise, they have never heard of any reactions to their products. Thank you for your website and pointing us in the right direction.
Jan 5/30/07
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thanks for the web site
it helped save my dogs life
larry 5/31/07
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DISCLAIMER: Below are messages that I have received from others whose dogs and cats experienced adverse reactions after using flea control products. I have no way of knowing if the information in these messages is factual, or if the products they used were the actual cause of the adverse reactions.
