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January 2008
Recently due to cost increases (BioSpot) and unavailability of what I have used on the cats in the past I bought some Triforce for the cats and Zema for the dogs. The site I bought it from warned to only apply a few drops the first time and wait a few hours to see if the animal has any reaction to the medications (which should be done for any flea product). Thus I'm passing this information on. I was wondering what a few hours are and guess from the Triforce site that said it kills fleas in one hour and ticks in 3 the test period should cover that time before applying all the product. My vet said all products except Frontline works through the skin and Frontline works through the hair, but from all reports I've seen every brand of flea product has harmed some animals. What I have not seen stressed before is doing this pre-test which I suspect will be a big help to people. If a reaction occurs then it's bathe the pet with a mild soap and rinse it off with a lot of water (I stress lot of water which is the same we do for our own reactions). If the reaction does not subside then get them to the vet along with the package which contains the lot number and phone number of the company even if it is at night (Vets that don't know what to do should call the poison control center). The sooner treatment begins the better the chance of less problems. The chemicals used in flea products is exactly what they make nerve gas out of. Another thing to really consider is the age and health of the animals, young and older animals are more susceptible to problems with chemicals as are those that may be in poor health (which is not always apparent - 2 older dogs right now act healthy as horses but their blood work came back different though one was done right before a tumor operation on one and the other is in a case of glaucoma-both never showed signs of having problems). Even prescription medications, etc. have to be watched since interactions can cause either the flea product or medications to be more effective or less effective (become more toxic or what wouldn't have been toxic become toxic).
I have had dogs and cats all my life (50+ years) and never had one have a allergic reaction to dips (now spot ons), collars (not used these days-5 years after spot ons came out I started using only them), etc.
Four things I can think of may be why some or more animals are having reactions.
1. Just like some people cannot take aspirin with out having a reaction, some animals can tolerate things others can't. Seems like more today are having reactions than those in the past ever had.
2. Batches made near the beginning of production or near the end could contain more of the product than those made in the middle. Read that somewhere and again when it applied to some tong shoes made in China sold through Wally World burning peoples feet (happened to me when I was younger through way before China entered the picture).
3. Something that has fallen off the chart now, but the pet food poisoning case from China that they claim they have done for years now may just have an effect on flea products and the overall health of our animals. If it is unknown why it killed some and not others, it is also unknown what effect it presented on others when it comes to flea products.
4. Mixing natural flea remedies with chemical remedies is a definite danger from what I read in the past. Thus if you spray your yard/house with a chemical based remedy and then use a natural remedy on the pet, they are still getting exposed to both.
It seems nothing is safe for them- shots, flea meds, or past year even feeding.
As for a safer product to use one thing I have used in the past and never had any known problems with was using Seven Dust (% depended on type of animal). Even they change formulas so I no longer know if it is safe. One thing it doesn't work on is mosquitoes. Fire ants killed off a lot of ticks and fleas. I have seen a couple of ticks though now and have flea outbreaks in the spring and fall. Derm. dust I have heard is safe but if it is dangerous for you to breath (cuts up your lungs) then I don't think it would be any safer for the pets lungs. Another thing that will kill fleas is just a soapy soaking bath (kill caught fleas by putting them into a jar of soapy water), but too many of those presents other problems. Doing that and treating their environment might be better for older animals that tend to have more problems with chemicals.
I have lost a couple of dogs a long time ago due to a disease ticks carry that was brought back on dogs from Vietnam. And some dogs are highly bothered by flea bites to the point they will harm themselves and in severe infestations they can cause an animal to become anemic, etc. So we are hanged if we do and hanged if we don't. Living in the country I will have to hope the test will work, which due to some of their ages will not only be done when using a new product but every time since they are great at hiding their medical problems. I will occasionally treat the yard, but can't treat the rest of the land. Coons, opossums, rare occasions skunks come into the yard too thus it will always stay a never ending battle.
Kay 1/5/08
Oops forgot the fact the best time to apply this stuff is when you will be at home to monitor them (day off from work) and hours when the vet will be open and won't end up with late night emergency bill.
I have read that Sevin (carbaryl) is a potentially dangerous insecticide and I would NOT use it on or around pets. Here are some links concerning its toxicity:
James TerBush
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The other day my dog was given frontline, he has a habit of lying on my bed. After about 15 minutes of my going to bed that night I felt like I was on fire from my head to my knees. I started splashing cold water on myself and it was not helping, my face started to swell and there was purple blotches all over me. This lasted about 20 minutes. Could this be a reaction to the frontline? Please let me know.
Michael 1/5/08
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I took my 7 month old Shih Tzu, Sheba, to a new groomer on January 4, who said I should buy Frontline as she suspected Sheba had fleas as the water turned brown when she bathed her. I hadn't noticed fleas and her bath water is always brown as she plays in reddish brown dirt next door, but she had been scratching and I didn't want her to be bothered by fleas so I stopped at an animal supply store. They didn't have Frontline but did have TriForce, which the clerk said she used on her dogs and loved it. I applied it as directed that night and I am so sorry I didn't check it out online first. Sheba was drooling, couldn't stand up, was dragging her body across the floor while turning her head from side to side, in short exhibiting the awful things others have posted on your site. She was up all night, drooling and couldn't stop barking. In desperation I went online and found your website, thank the good Lord. She got bathed with Dawn detergent and I held her in my arms, wrapped in a dry towel, until she finally went to sleep. When awake she was lethargic but was able to eat and drink. However, she went outside to relieve herself only once and I worried about possible kidney damage.
Today is January 6 and I feel she is back to normal. My heart goes out to those whose pets suffered much longer and to those who are now grieving. These are hideous products and need to be taken off the market. I'll be using natural insect repellants in the future, such as essential oils recommended for use on pets.
By the way, the ingredients in TriForce are the same as in Sergeants Gold which someone posted earlier ~ 40% Cyphenothrin and 2% Pyriproxyfen.
I say let's get a class action suit going! We have to speak for our pets who can't speak for themselves.
Sherry 1/5/08
I wrote you on January 5 regarding my Shih Tzu, Sheba, and the product TriForce, which you immediately replied to and I thank you for that. You suggested I contact Sergeant's and I did. Below is their response denying any connection to the product TriForce. Interesting.
Dear Ms. [deleted],
Thank you for contacting Sergeant's Pet Care Products. TriForce is not a Sergeant's Brand Product. I would suggest contacting the company that makes this product to advise them of your concerns. If you are having difficulty finding the manufacturer of this product, you may want to contact the store where you purchased this item at. They should be able to advise you the name of the manufacturer.
Kindest regards,
Danielle Farnsworth
Sergeant's Pet Care Products
Consumer Affairs Department
Hi Sherry,
Thank you very much for forwarding me that information! I am going to forward it to the EPA because something isn't right here. Agri Laboratories Ltd., Inc. claims to be the manufacturer of TriForce Canine Squeeze-On. Here is their website for TriForce:
Here is Agri Laboratories phone number: 1-877-734-7565
Here is their main website, which describes their company:
As you can see, Agri Laboratories is a "marketing and sales company" that "represents the interests of the top manufacturers in the industry."
So, who is the REAL manufacturer of TriForce?
The EPA Registration number of TriForce Canine Squeeze-On is 2517-80-83333 (2517-80 is the company it is registered to, and 83333 is a product number created by the manufacturer).
What is the EPA Registration number of Sergeants Pet Care Products? 2517-80
I would contact Agri Laboratories and let them know what happened. I would also ask them to reimburse any vet expenses. If they refuse, I would contact Sergeants again and let them know that one of their DISTRIBUTORS (Agri Labs) is refusing to help you.
Please let me know if you find out more information about this because it will be very helpful to others.
James TerBush
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I noticed fleas on one of my two dogs earlier today. I believe the fleas were brought into the house by a friend's dog who I dog-sat a week or so ago. I figured the fleas would probably die within a couple of days because both of my dogs are on Sentinel but I didn't want my dogs to suffer through bites until that happened so I purchased Sergeant's Gold Flea& Tick Squeeze-On For Dogs at my local Wal-mart earlier today. Within an hour or so of applying 1/3 of the application to each of my dogs I noticed that the youngest one was drooling excessively and not being her usual active self. She was just sitting and watching me and her brother, which is TOTALLY the opposite of how she is. I immediately grew concerned because of the drooling. I wondered if it was some sort of allergic reaction and something told me to wash it off of her... after reading the posts on hartzvictims.org/ I'm thanking God that I felt the need to use something stronger than her regular shampoo and used dishwashing liquid (I happened to have Dawn on hand). It's a few hours later and she's no longer drooling but she's still not being herself.
As for my other dog, he started gagging up globs of spit about an hour ago and is very restless. I've washed him with Dawn several times as well and I'm praying that my furry loved one is ok by morning. I'm extremely distressed and concerned for my pet's health and I'm ticked that these problems are sold OTC with the only warning being a possible rash or hair loss. These allergic reactions (I'm assuming that's what they are) can be life or death situations and consumers should know to watch out for these symptoms and given instructions on what to do when they arise.
My vet is open on Sundays so we will be making a visit tomorrow. And I plan on writing Sergeant's and Wal-mart to make them aware of my horrible experience with this product.
R. McCoy 1/12/08
Orlando, FL
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Hello, I just wanted to say that your website has opened my eyes! I applied Seargeants gold flea and tick squeeze-on, on my two boston terriers, Rocky and Daisy, tonight and now they are sitting in a cage at the emergency vet! I have spent all night worried sick about it and I pray that they are going to be ok! I don't know how this stuff is still on the shelves!!! I honestly thought that I was safe buying this product and never once thought that my dogs would be in a life threatening situation over this! After I applied the medication my dogs starting vomitting and wheezing, I wondered if they could have had an allergic reaction to the Seargeants gold flea and tick squeeze-on so I called the Emergency vet because my vet is not open on the weekends and they said that it is extremley toxic and to bring the dogs in immediately. They took the dogs right away and told me that Daisy has a pnemonia because she aspirated some of her vomit into her lungs and that they are both terribly sick, and Rocky could possibly have a pnemonia too. They told me that the dogs needed to stay there over night and they both would need IV's. Also their skin is incredibly red. (I did not know that it could cause sores, I have not checked the spots where the medicine was applied). Their ears look like they have been burned and it's in their eyes somehow!!! Rocky is worse off with the irritation because he couldn't even open one of his eyes and he keeps pawing at his eye, which is probably spreading it worse! They are both going to need x-rays and their eyes flushed, and they need to wear those big collars! The vet told me she did not know if Daisy is going to make it through the night!!!! I already had to pay $600 just to get them into the place and they gave me an estimate of $620-$825 for each dog!!! And that is if I get to take them home tomorrow!!! I am willing to do whatever I can for my dogs! I am so worried about my dogs and I am dumbfounded that this company is making money from mistreatment to animals!!! Like the other victim said, it is not a rare reaction if it happened to all three of her dogs! And it is not rare if it happened to both of mine! Seargeants gold flea and tick squeeze-on company know that they are hurting animals and they are still putting these products on the shelves. I am going to contact the EPA, Seargeants gold flea and tick squeeze-on , and Hannaford Bros Supermarket (where I purchased this poison!). I will try to update you on how my dogs are doing. Keep up the great work!!
Ashlee 1/12/08
Thanks you for your reply! Luckily my little guys recovered quite well (so far) but they both need eye medication for about a week and I am watching them for sores and other adverse reactions. They are extremley lethargic and still not eating, although the vet said that is common and they will start eating again slowly, and to just call if it persists. The vet said that Daisy was so anxious and crazy, she was running around her cage like a maniac and when they opened her cage she popped out! They had to sedate her because she was acting so crazy! They were treated with different medications, including prednisone (a steriod!) and had to have IV's and elizabethian collars! I am so devasted over the whole thing but I am just thankful they are home now. I contacted Sergeants and as soon as I told her what happend she wanted all my contact info and wanted me to send the package and receipt to them! I told her I will send her copies of everything. All she said was that they would reimburse my bill after they investigate the situation. I mentioned all the people I have found on the internet with similiar stories to mine and she said she has never heard of this happening before!!! I was like YEAH RIGHT!!! She said that I should have just bathed the dog and put Vit E on them!! Anyways I appreciate your site and your reply! I am going to contact the EPA and I will make sure to fight Sergeants tooth and nail for my $1300 vet bill!!!!!!!!!
Ashlee 1/14/08
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In November 2008 we brought our 11 year old Jack Russell Terrier, Lucy, to our vet for fleas. He suggested Frontline, and applied her first dosage. By the end of the day I noticed she didn't want to get out of her bed. She had also received her rabies vaccine and I thought she may be sore. (sometimes children have sore muscles after vaccines and are lethargic) This went on all week. By the end of the week I called our vet and reported her behavior. I asked if her vaccines could have done this. He said he would consider the Frontline before he would consider the shots.
By this time Lucy had stopped eating and was walking as though her legs were extremely stiff.
I called Frontline and explained her condition. They said they never heard of this type of reaction, and that typically, people may only complain of mild rashes at site of application.
Her condition continued, however, sometimes she would appear as though she was recovering, only to get listless again. (I credit this to her great disposition)
By January her condition was worsening. She was vomiting and not eating at all. We brought her back to the vet and he diagnosed her with jaundice. Something was causing her liver distress. Her eyes were yellow, as was the inside of her ears. ( She is a white dog, and I have since read that white dogs are more susceptible to toxic substances for some reason) Her body temp. was sub normal, and she had lost 4 lbs. (quite a bit for a 13 lb. dog)
The vet gave her a shot of cortisone and antibiotics. He also gave her a shot of B vitamins for liver support and told us to come back in 3 days. We came back 3 days later and he felt as though she had improved. The eyes were whiter, however she was very weak. He have her another dose of the same things as before, but this time gave us a tube of vitamins in a paste form. She was able to lick this off of our finger. It has been only 3 days since that last vet visit and we are praying she recovers. She is tolerating a teaspoon of cottage cheese every 3 to 4 hours and is still drinking water.
Lucy is a rare little dog. Her aim is to please us. I believe she has fought this for Us. I have called other vets for their opinion, and they all have said that her condition was probably just a coincidence. We know better. Although she is 11 years old, she was as spry as a pup the day we brought her for her FRONTLINE application. By the end of that day she was a sick, weak dog.
I will write back and report how this turns out.
Toni 1/13/08
Chalfont, PA
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My dogs starting itching yesterday so I purchased Frontline for placement on their necks and back. Within 2 hours, my shih-tzu started running in and out the house and rubbing himself. Then he started scratching almost uncontrollably. He would come to me and then jump from one piece of furniture to another looking for some spot that would give him some relief. The last time this happened, last month, we took him to the vet when he starting panting and I thought he was having heart problems. The vet gave him a shot of prednisone and sent him home for allergies. It took a week for Taz to act normal. I read your site on the internet and just gave my dog a Dawn Bath. He is still miserable, but I hope this will remedy the problem. I will never put flea prevention on him again. I hope this works for him.
Rubinette 1/18/08
Brunswick, GA
My friend recently adopted two 8 week old Shih Tzu puppies. The male weighs 5 lbs. and the female weighs 3 lbs. Last week she took them to the vet for an examination, and they gave her two free sample vials of Frontline, but it came with NO INSTUCTIONS and NO PRECAUTIONARY INFORMATION. The Frontline vials were for dogs weighing up to 22 lbs. Fortunately, my brother recognized the vials on her kitchen counter and warned her before she had a chance to use them. If she had put the Frontline on her puppies, the male would have received FOUR TIMES as much Frontline as a 22 lb. dog, and the female would have received SEVEN TIMES as much Frontline as a 22 lb. dog!!!
James TerBush
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I tried Promeris on my 3 dogs. I have 2 Shih Tzus, age 9 and one Schnauzer, age 14. Charlie, one of the Shih Tzus had a bad reaction to it. He was laying on our bed, like he normally does, but then started staggering around, couldn't walk with his hind legs, pooped all over the place and vomited. He had the shakes and he ached all over. I could hear him moaning. I immediately took him to the vet who said that they had had similar reactions in their dogs and others as well. He was given an antidote and I was told to wash the Promeris off with Dawn. I did so, and he is fine now. The vet said as long as the other dogs were acting OK to leave it on them. I did for about 4 hours, until I came upon your site. When I started reading everything, I immediately washed the rest of the promeris off the other two dogs.
We do have a flea problem in our house, but I have a bug man coming tomorrow and we will find a better, natural way to control fleas on the dogs - perhaps using essential oils. I will NOT have my dogs killed because of something I put on them. Thank you for your informative site.
Sara in North Carolina 1/23/08
I wanted to keep you posted. I contacted Fort Dodge Animal Health, the makers of Promeris, and spoke to a veterinarian there, who said in their trials the symptoms I described were what happened when a dog ingested some of the Promeris. I said that that was possible since there were other dogs in the house who had Promeris on them. He transferred me to someone who took my report, and added it to my veterinarian's, who had called in yesterday. They said they were glad that Charlie was better and to call if I had any other questions. I didn't ask for reimbursement or anything -- my vet expenses were only $40 and my vet insurance will cover that. But man, clearly, this stuff is toxic. I won't be using it again.
Right now, I am using Borax in the carpets to treat the fleas that are there, and am using lemon essential oils on the dogs to repel the fleas. None of the three have fleas on them.
Sara 1/25/08
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Thank you for allowing individuals that have observed multiple adverse side effect's from concluding that administering "K9 Advantix" is speculated, and I believe the cause of multiple and numerous side effect's on dog's, small and large breeds from young pup's to well matured adults.
A little over a month ago a vet recommended K9 Advantix for any flea problems for my 13 year old Weimaranner's (brother / sister), though each dog didn't have any as they swim in the ocean daily. During the month that pasted I noticed multiple tumors developing and minor skin issues; Biancha the sister with hot spots and tumors on the under belly and Lars the brother with skin sores/scabs, blisters between the toes and also tumors on the under belly.
For the last 13 years both Biancha and Lars have been extremely healthy and active, so observing noticeable development of multiple tumors and skin issues on each has been very abnormal. Thinking to myself, it's just old age for justification.
After bathing each I was going to apply another dose of K9 Advantix, I read the warning label on the prescription and thought, "I should Google the side effects of this medication. Which lead me to your forum, reading the multiple detrimental stories individuals have posted, I decided not to apply any additional flea repellent specifically K9 Advantix.
I have concluded that this medication for flea repellent has possibly caused harm to my beloved dogs, and warn any person who cares about their pet NOT TO USE THIS PRODUCT!
Todd 1/25/08
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Just wanted to report that I used Zodiac spot on flea killer on my cat. He pulled out his hair on his neck where it was. I washed it off as soon as I noticed he was pulling his hair out from it but apparently it was too late. He stopped wanting to eat and drink and couldn't walk, he just layed around. I took him to the vet and he said he didn't know anything about the Zodiac products. He gave him a B12 shot and some special food for me to feed to him with a syringe, I also had to give him water through a syringe. He lived about 6 days and then he died. He was healthy before I used the flea product and now he is dead. I feel so bad I put stuff on my cat labled for cats and it KILLED HIM! They shouldn't be allowed to sell this stuff. I called the poisoin control on the zodiac box and they said it probably wasn't poisoining from their product but it had to be the cat stays inside. I really miss my cat we were close and things just have not been the same. I hate this company for selling something that kills people's pets.
Roxanne 1/27/08
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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.
