Tick and Flea Guard

Marine By Choice wrote:
Any topical containing permethrin/Permectrin is a good repellent for tick and/or flea repellant. DO NOT USE ON CATS!

I would say not to use if you have cats as they typically rub against the dog.

Marine By Choice wrote:
Dr. Doug made some great points, particularly about not using multiple products at the same time or being sure to use specie specific products.

Here's the scary part: as RVers with pets, we never know if we've just set up our RV on a space previously occupied by a "bug-phobic"? I've read far too many posts of people who automatically douse their site with all sorts of insecticides/poisons so they don't get ants/spiders/whatever in their RV while parked.

Unfortunately, our dogs (and maybe children!) are walking through that (possible) toxic stew barefooted. We have no way of knowing what was done prior to our arrival..... but with that possibility, I always try to "under-treat" my dogs for fleas and ticks and just opt for hand-removal if found.

Now that I've said that, I'll also have to admit to needing to use Bravecto chewables last December, after Jimmy developed allergic hives due to flea bites. Both Jimmy and Ben showed no side effects; and the results were beyond spectacular - after my dogs played in my in-law's flea-infested backyard, by the time they came back into the house, there were dead fleas on them. One tablet gives 3 months' protection - enough for us to get back to Michigan.

We purchased a 50 lb bag at a local tack shop for $25.

You done got taken. 40 lb bag, food grade, $4.99 at Tractor Supply Company. Thanks for pointing out it should be food grade.

Make sure the diatomatious earth is food grade ( not the kind you use for a swimming pool). That is a safe to use around people and animals. We use it in our yard and has made a huge. We purchased a 50 lb bag at a local tack shop for $25.

Hope it helps.

For your own property, try spreading diatomaceous earth. We use it in our dog kennel and it's cut down the number of ticks dramatically. It won't stop them from picking ticks up elsewhere but does stop them at home. It's not harmful to the environment, it's edible, and is easy to apply by using a seed spreader. We use Revolution but still have tick issues.

Dr. Doug made some great points, particularly about not using multiple products at the same time or being sure to use specie specific products.

Another thing to be cognizant of is that some breeds are more sensitive to many products than other breeds. And one should make sure you KNOW the dog's weight (if in doubt weigh it) and dose accordingly. On this subject more is not better.

Having a good relationship with a veterinarian is critical in providing the best care for your 4-legged companion. My bride & I are are returning home today after a 2 1/2 month trip to Baja, Mexico where we rescued a puppy from the desert. She had a garbage bag tied around her neck, had over 50 ticks attached, was filthy and emaciated and has rickets.

After removing the ticks (I always carry a tick removal tool & alcohol), 3 baths with an insecticide shampoo and a meal she had a restful first night with us. The next day I found a veterinarian (Dr. Martinez) in Todos Santos and had him give her first puppy shots and deworm her. Two weeks later in SW Oregon we visited another vet for her 2nd puppy shot, 2nd deworming and a check of her stool for coccidia (confirmed). So is now on a 10 day Albon regimen. In 1 more week we will visit our vet near home for her third shots, micro chipping and a follow up on the coccidia.

Rescuing this little critter (named Baja) was just the right thing to do. Every time I look at her I smile, even at 3:00AM when she needs to go outside! As the long time game show host, Bob Barker, said at the end of his show "Remember to spay or neuter!"

Keith gives a pretty good summary of what's available and works.

Make sure the topical you are using is labeled for Ticks, many just do fleas. All topicals lose efficacy with time and the tick part is the first and quickest to quit.

I'd be real careful about using multiple products (topical plus spray plus shampoo, plus oral...) You can get to a toxic situation pretty easily with multiple applications.

I wouldn't recommend human topical repellants as they are not designed with possible oral ingestion when a dog would lick him/herself.

Your best prevention is to avoid the environment where you are most likely to get ticks (tall grass/weeds, off trail in the woods).

I've had some situations where I've suggested more frequent topical application or adding a permethrin spray (used sparingly) on top of the topical, BUT that decision is best made in consultation with your vet - they know the products you're using and your dog.

Doug, DVM

Any topical containing permethrin/Permectrin is a good repellent for tick and/or flea repellant. DO NOT USE ON CATS!

This is a much better REPELLANT than Frontline, Advantage, etc. Permethrin is an oil loving chemical that when applied causes a "hot foot" mode of action to repel critters. Kind of like toughing a hot stove. It is recommended to wait two or three days before applying after a bath as bathing strips oils from the skin.

There is also permethrin wash ins and sprays for clothing that do a good job of repelling insects off humans.

Why can't they make some tick guard for humans?

To date, we have found nothing that will keep our dog tick free. :(

We have tried collars, oils on the back, and internal medicine. All at different times. I would not use a combination for fear of chemical poisoning. Besides, I don't think it would be any more effective. Ticks are terrible insects. :M