Question:
I know you have written several times about the use of pesticides on pets to control fleas and ticks. I have cut out these columns and saved them. As you can see by my address, I live in what is considered "ground zero" for Lyme-disease carrying (deer) ticks. Last year, I attempted to go completely natural with flea and tick control, but it didn't appear to do the job. I have an American bulldog who is now three years old. Most of this time, his flea and tick control has been with Frontline, with the exception of one attempt at natural control. Recently, my dog became ill and his veterinarian determined that he has both Lyme disease and Erlichosis, both of which are tick-borne diseases. This was even though he had been on Frontline. The veterinarian recommended that we change to Advantix, as the ticks in our area have become resistant to Frontline. I applied the Advantix to him several days ago and, within a few hours, he was having a bad reaction to it. He cried all night, paced and seemed disoriented.
L.B., Stonington, CT Sep 04, 2005
Answer:
Tick-borne disease is a serious problem and, as you have discovered along with many other pet owners, the new anti-flea-and-tick drugs on the market do not guarantee protection from tick-transmitted diseases and can have harmful, even fatal, side effects. I have put up a holistic approach to flea-and-tick control on my web site that you may find of use. The ultimate solution may well be to keep your dog out of the woods during tick season.
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