General Discussion
In Idaho flea issues tend to not be a predominant problem so most of our efforts are aimed at controlling ticks. We have 3 tick species in Idaho: Deer Tick, Brown Dog Tick and American Dog Tick. All three have the potential to carry blood borne diseases, but we do not have a prevalence of those diseases in Idaho, yet.
To understand what the current incidence of tick borne disease in Idaho is visit these websites;
– The Companion Animal Parasite Council website = capcvet.org
– To send in a tick for disease analysis = www.ticknology.org
General knowledge of various disease, ie Lymes disease visit; veterinarypartner.vin.com
TOPICAL FLEA & TICK OPTIONS FOR PETS
Vectra 3D
This is a topical product to be applied to the skin once per month during flea, tick and mosquito season. The chemical compounds in Vectra 3D are Dinotefuran, Pyriproxyfen and Permethrin. None of these sound good but they are all at low levels and in combination are the most effective at killing and repelling fleas, ticks, mosquitos, lice, sand flies and mites. This product is also one of the only products that is labeled to kill all three types of ticks we have in Idaho. Many of the products listed to treat fleas and ticks only kill certain species of ticks and not necessarily the species we have in Idaho.
Pros = Does not get absorbed into the bloodstream. Repels mosquitos. Remains effective after average bathing and swimming.
Cons = Not guaranteed to cover the animal completely, depends on haircoat, application process, condition of the skin… Is a topical product so touching the dog soon after application may result in chemicals on human skin at very low levels. Occasional allergic skin reaction, we suggest applying a very small amount and then wait a couple of hours to observe for skin reaction, redness, swelling, itchiness.
Vetra 3D does not require a prescription, can be purchased in our clinic or through our Market Place: Vetsource.
Herbal Products
There are many, many herbal products on the market at this time. They all contain a variety of combinations usually of: peppermint, geraniol, eugenol, clove, cedar, thyme, rosemary, lemongrass, citronella, patchouli, neem, pennyroyal, catnip, sage…. The list is probably even longer. Some of the herbals have some scientific justification, some of them just smell so strong they will repel anything! Some of them claim to kill the fleas and ticks, most of them are repellent only. You will just have to see how it works for your dog. All dogs are different, some are avid swimmers, some are hunters, some are house dogs, some have long hair coats, some have short hair coats, etc. These are some of the factors that will determine which products you chose and how effective they are for your dog.
The products I chose to carry in the clinic and recommend to the general public have ingredients with some scientific basis, do not smell grossly offensive to us human companions and the companies that make the products are honorable.
- Herbal Flea and Tick Collar = Variable duration of action, depending on brand but can last up to 4 months.
- Herbal Topical Spray = Use as needed before exposure.
- Herbal Spot On = Once per month application of herbal liquid applied to skin along the neck and spine, traverses the skin on its own and protects against fleas, ticks, mosquitos, etc. Depends on the brand.
- Herbal Wipes = Use as needed before exposure, wipe onto fur before going for a hike. Focus on the head and neck for ticks. Usually a good idea to apply to your own pant legs too.
- Tick Killing Spray = Spray directly onto the tick for quick killing effect and easy removal.
- Mosquito Repellent = Spray on as needed.
- Flea & Tick powders = Rub into haircoat down to the level of the skin. Dr Hunter’s favorite
product is “Parasite Dust” by Buck Mountain botanicals, available for purchase in clinic.
Dr Hunter’s favorite brands for the above listed products are:
– Wondercide.com
– OnlyNaturalPet.com
– Buck Mountain Botanicals (“Parasite dust” available in clinic)
– Vet’s Best (available through OnlyNaturalPet.com or in clinic
ORAL FLEA & TICK OPTIONS FOR PETS
“Brewer’s Yeast & Garlic”
A safe and effective natural bug repellent. Repels by conferring an undesirable odor to your dog’s skin but the odor is not strong enough for us to smell 🙂 Does not kill fleas or ticks but is a good safe repellent. Usually available in powder or tablets. Onions are not safe to feed dogs but garlic is. Available for purchase in the clinic or at Springtimeinc.com
“Capstar” Once daily tablet
Capstar is a flea control product only, and does not affect ticks or any other insects. The drug name is Nitenpyram and it is very, very safe. This drug has been on the market for many years, no adverse reactions reported and can be used in very young animals, safely. The drug begins to kill fleas within 30 mins, >90% efficacy! You will be amazed!
Capstar does not require a prescription, available at capstarpet.com
“Bravecto” Once Per Month Pill
(I do not recommend the once every 3 month pill; the dose of the drug is exponentially higher in the 3 month pill, thus risking more potential side effects) Bravecto is a chemical (fluralaner) designed to circulate in the bloodstream and kill any blood sucking insects. It is labeled for the control of fleas, ticks and some mites. It is not effective for mosquitos, does not kill or repel them. Although it is not natural, it is a drug, it seems to be rather safe if using the one month pill. That said, do not use in dogs with seizure disorders.
Pros
1) Not a topical, so no residue on the skin for humans to come in contact with.
2) Since it is circulating in the bloodstream, it confers full coverage from tip of the nose to tip of the tail. 3) Will not wash off with swimming or bathing.
4) This product has been tested and is safe for use in dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation.
Cons
1)This is a chemical floating around in the bloodstream, the chemical is a foreign substance to the body so the reactions to it are not totally predictable . If your dog has an adverse reaction you cannot just wash it off.
2) The insect has to bite and obtain a blood meal in order to die. So your dog can have 50 ticks crawling around on him/her and they will not die until they feed. This product has zero repellent properties.
This medication requires a veterinary prescription.
What Does Dr. Hunter Use?
Dr Hunter uses on her own dogs = A Border Collie and a Lab Mix = Vectra Topical on the Border Collie, he has a long haircoat and I often only find the ticks after they have become engorged, I cannot rely on the herbals to prevent bringing the ticks home and into our yard, I also use the and herbal wipes before a hike just for added repellent properties. For the lab mix, he has a short solid black coat, I can see the ticks before they engorge and just pull them off. For him I just use herbal wipes before a hike as a repellent. Sometimes I only use the I Brewers Yeast and Garlic tabs by Springtime, it depends on our activities.
