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Flea Products for Dogs With Seizures

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Choosing a Flea Product for Epileptic Dogs

Flea Products for Dogs
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Interestingly, there’s not much information about controlling fleas on epileptic dogs online. The little information there is about flea treatments points to a few topical flea control products, such as Frontline Plus, that no longer works.

I have a dog with seizures, and I’ve done a ton of research on safe flea products for my epileptic dog. Honestly, I agonized over the decision to use a flea product given my dog’s health. I most certainly consulted with my dog’s veterinarian, several veterinarian friends of mine and then a few more vets who all had different suggestions. Here’s what I discovered, but it’s up to you to choose the best product for your dog.

Always consult with your veterinarian first. 

RELATED: Hypoallergenic Dogs Don’t Exist

Topical Flea Products

These products are applied to your dog’s skin usually for 30 days. If your flea and tick population is under control, then these products may work well for you. Personally, I haven’t had good luck with Frontline Plus, Advantage or Advantix living in the deep South. Also, there are some dogs that have experienced seizures within a couple of days after use, so always ask your veterinarian first.

Several friends of mine with seizure-prone dogs have used Vector 3D topical flea control without incidents. The effectiveness of Vector 3D is a bit questionable though, according to Amazon reviews. It takes six hours to kill fleas that hitch a ride on your dog, but it’s definitely worth a try!

Natural Pest Control

I’ve had great results using cedar oil to control fleas. With several dilutions available, you can most certainly treat your yard and house successfully. Plus, there’s a diluted version that you can apply directly on your dog’s coat. If you don’t like the smell, there’s cedar flea spray with lemongrass as well. Check out more tips on using cedar oil to kill fleas.

Flea Collar

We think of flea collars as outdated and ineffective, but there’s a really good one out there now. We bought the Seresto Flea and Tick collar, and have been quite pleased with the results. This flea control product has been very effective in killing and repelling fleas quickly. In addition, Sobek (a Rottweiler) has been seizure-free (knock on wood!) since putting the collar on. If my dog does experience an adverse reaction later on, I can simply take the collar off.

Oral Flea Products

There are so many oral medications that kill fleas and ticks quickly once they bite your dog. However, several brands should be used cautiously with epileptic dogs. NexGard, Comfortis and Trifexis have been known to cause seizures in dogs shortly after dosing, so use cautiously.

There’s a new oral flea product in town. It’s only been on the market for a year, but it has fast-acting results. Bravecto works for three months and has by far the fastest flea-killing time compared to other oral flea products. I know several seizure-prone dogs that have safely taken Bravecto with no side effects.

Choose a flea control product you and your veterinarian feel is safe for your dog’s needs. Hopefully, these tips and research help in your decision.

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Help! We Have a Dog Flea Infestation

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How to Handle a Flea Infestation

Flea Infestations
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It’s been the warmest and wettest winter ever this year; we actually wore shorts during the holidays. While it’s a nice break from bitter cold weather, fleas and ticks thrive on this warm and wet environment, which means terrible flea infestations.

What if your dog’s flea control is no longing killing fleas or ticks? What if you have an entire flea infestation on your hands? You discover natural products, such as cedar oil, are no longer working. Well, I recently experienced this, so allow me to share my thoughts and tips about flea infestations with you.

Topical Flea Control Products Don’t Work

Topical flea control products are liquids applied onto your dog’s coat. Many years ago, they were extremely effective even in flea-laden areas, such as south Louisiana. I don’t think topical flea products are as effective anymore. I don’t blame the manufacturers for it though. I think fleas have evolved, which is just plain scary.

Both of our dogs wear Frontline Plus every 30 days (per manufacturer’s directions) and our Rottweiler still has fleas. He has so many fleas that flea dirt (flea droppings) started developing under his fur. Now, Frontline does take a few hours to kill fleas that jump on your dog, but I literally pulled 10 fleas off my Rottie in one sitting. Then, at least two fleas every day after that with the help of my flea comb. We had a problem.

When searching for a new topical flea control product, the reviews were terrible. Most pet owners complained of live fleas present despite the application of topical flea control. Now I know it takes flea control a couple of hours to kill fleas, but if there’s flea dirt, then these products are just not cutting it.

Flea Control Products That Do Work

While doing research, I was pleasantly surprised at the new products claiming to keep dogs pest-free. Most are oral medications purchased through your veterinarian and are highly effective.

While we all think flea collars went out with the hula hoop, there’s a new flea collar in town and it works extremely well. I tried Seresto’s flea and tick collar on our Rottweiler. Within a couple of days, he was flea free. While we all want instant gratification, it takes a few days of constant wear for maximum effectiveness. Also, this flea collar can last up to eight months, so I would highly recommend giving it a try. Oh, and you can order it online for best prices or at your local pet store.

WATCH: Seresto Dog Flea & Tick Collar Review (Large Dog)

Don’t Forget to Treat Your Yard

Our yard was the culprit for our flea infestation. We’ve recently had an influx of stray cats running through our neighborhood. Stray cats coupled with a warm and wet winter and you’ve got yourself fleas! For the longest time, my go-to product was cedar oil, but it was useless with our flea explosion. So, I went old-school and purchased Vet-Kem products. Vet-Kem yard spray and foggers have proven to work over the last three decades, and it costs half the price of pest control products from local pet or home improvement stores. While I hate using chemicals, I had no choice. Our dogs were miserable.

Don’t forget to re-spray 10-14 days after your initial yard and home spray. I’m not convinced pest control products kill flea eggs–we learned this lesson exactly 14 days later. Spray and spray again 10 days later!

You can get through this, but you need flea products that work!

Hypoallergenic Dogs Don’t Exist

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Hypoallergenic Dogs: There’s No Such Thing

Hypoallergenic Dogs
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Here’s the truth: there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Hypoallergenic dogs began as a marketing strategy for irresponsible dog breeders many years ago. I know many websites and dog experts say differently, but please consider this important research before adopting or purchasing a dog for an allergy suffer. Get the facts first.

What Causes Allergies

If someone is allergic to dogs, she reacts to the proteins found in a pet’s dander, skin flakes, saliva and urine. Pet hair or fur collects pollen, mold spores and other outdoor allergens, according to American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. These substances can cause an allergic reaction or aggravate asthma symptoms in some people.

In other words, don’t assume someone is allergic to dogs. Have her tested to confirm. Testing for dog allergies is painless and will confirm possible allergens. I’ve been completely tested at least 10 times over the span of 15 years. It’s pretty uneventful, but it provides a wealth of information. So many times, dogs are tossed into shelters because of assumptions, such as being allergic to dogs. This isn’t fair to anyone, especially dogs.

Misconception of Hypoallergenic Dogs

Long, double coated or curly haired dogs shed the same amount of dander as all dogs. Somehow, Americans have been convinced that double coated dogs’ fur holds dander in or prevents dander from being shed, which is simply not true. Dogs shed skin and hair daily just like we do. Now, it may seem like double coated breeds shed less than shorter coated dogs, but that’s not entirely true either. When short coated dogs shed hair, it’s easily visible on your shirt or furniture.

However, double coated breeds must be brushed daily or their loose hair causes painful tangles. Daily brushing of long, curly haired and double coated dogs releases dog dander into the air.

Remember people aren’t allergic to dog hair; they’re allergic to dog dander, saliva and urine. In short, all dogs shed dander equally regardless of coat type.

Making a Decision

Keep it simple. If a family member is allergic to dogs, then don’t bring a dog into your home. Keeping a dog outside is cruel. This should never be a consideration ever.

If you share your home with a dog already, and a family member has recently confirmed to be allergic to dogs, it doesn’t mean the dog needs to find a new home.

  • Bathe your dog weekly with an oatmeal-based shampoo (minimizes dander and keeps molds and spores from traveling with your dog).
  • Consider allergy shots. Chances are, if someone is allergic to dogs, that person is allergic to many other things.

Getting a dog is a huge decision, so make sure you’re ready for 12+ years of commitment before bringing a dog into your home. Allergies can easily be managed. I know this personally, as I’m asthmatic and I live and work with dogs every day.

Help! My Family Member is Allergic to Dogs

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Dog Allergies: Relief for the Family Member Allergic to Dogs

Dog Allergies
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Believe it or not, being allergic to dogs is a common reason dogs are dumped at animal shelters. Having allergies myself, I completely understand your commitment to your family member suffering from allergies. However, you made a commitment to your dog before you brought him inside your home. Fortunately, rehoming your dog isn’t the only option you have if someone in your family is allergic to dogs. Below, we discuss ways to keep your family member’s allergies at bay and your dog at home.

How to Keep Pet Allergens Under Control

Many years ago, doctors and immunologists recommended tossing a family dog outdoors or rehoming him, but that’s outdated advice now. Many immunologists have learned that pet allergies can easily be maintained while keeping an allergic family member symptom free.

Bathe Your Dog Frequently

Allergies are caused by pet dander. Your dog’s hair has nothing to do with it. Now, dander can get caught in your dog’s fur, but it’s shedding skin that causes allergic reactions in people.

With that said, bathe your dog weekly with a gentle moisturizing shampoo (here’s my favorite brand). Using a gentle shampoo will ensure your dog’s skin doesn’t dry out due to frequent baths, as most dogs are bathed monthly. When bathing, rinse and rinse your dog again. Shampoo will help lift pet dander off your dog’s skin and coat, but rinsing (and rinsing again) will remove dander out of your dog’s coat.

Keep Your Dog’s Coat Short

Not only is bathing a short-haired dog easier, but it’s also easier to rinse off dander caught on your dog’s fur. If your dog normally has longer hair, trim about an inch off or ask a dog groomer to trim it for you. This way, brushing your dog’s coat weekly is much more manageable. Shorter hair also minimizes the amount of molds and pollens brought inside by your dog.

Just a reminder: there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. It’s a myth. Check out the real deal here.

Clean Often

With any type of allergies, keeping a clean living space is always a given tip. If someone is allergic to dog dander, she is most likely allergic to mold, dust mites, pollen and so forth. Keep symptoms manageable by vacuuming daily and keeping surfaces free from allergens.

Personally, we removed all the carpet from our home and my allergies have never been better. With carpet, I had frequent asthma flare-ups, which were well controlled by medications. Once the carpet was removed, I weaned myself off several medications because I no longer needed them. And yes, I am allergic to dog dander. 🙂

Purchase a HEPA Filter

HEPA filters are worth every penny. I highly recommend investing in at least two units. Place one in the allergic person’s bedroom and the other in a frequented common room, such as a den or living room.

Filter size depends on square footage, so choose carefully. We purchased two Austin Air filters that work well. They keep dust particles to a minimum, which means less dusting on my part. Austin Air filters are supposed to be changed every three years, but we open the unit yearly and vacuum the front filter surface. Before freaking out at the cost of this filter, let’s do a bit of math first. It’ll cost $260 per year to keep allergens to a minimum in your home, which translates to $22 per month. It’s an investment in the beginning, but it works!

It is possible for your allergic family member to remain symptom-free around your dog. I do it every day. 🙂

5 Unique Dog Exercise Ideas Your Dog Will Love

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Dog Exercise Ideas Beyond Walking

Dog Exercise
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It’s a new year and my neighborhood is flooded with people determined to fulfill their New Year’s resolution of fitness. One thing I’ve noticed is not many dogs are walking alongside them. We have an issue of loose dogs in our neighborhood (like so many other folks), and it’s becoming an epidemic. I’ll refrain from ranting, but I’ll share some unique dog exercise ideas that can keep your dog moving and mentally enriched.

Now, I’m not saying your dog must be a hermit. You can certainly walk him outdoors at parks that enforce leash laws, but give these dog games a try, especially if you’re short on time. Soon, you’ll notice your dog’s waistline shrink and trim. He’ll also be mentally tired, which is always a good thing!

Kong Wobbler

This food-dispensing toy is a lifesaver! Fill the Kong Wobbler with a portion of your dog’s daily meal and give it to your dog. To dispense the food inside the dog toy, your dog has to swat, push and shove the toy around. If your dog empties the Kong Wobbler too quickly, apply a strip of duct tape at the bottom of the opening where the food falls out. By making the hole smaller, your dog must really work to get the food out of the smaller opening (I promise food still easily fits through it :)).

You can make it even more difficult for quick learning dogs by adding a ping-pong ball inside with the kibble or find a heavier ball (lacrosse balls work really well for large dogs), so he can get a good workout too. Honestly, my dogs eat all their meals from their Kong Wobbler. They totally enjoy the game and, of course, their food.

Nose Game

Hiding delicious treats inside boxes, behind furniture or across the yard is a really fun game for dogs, but it can be difficult and mentally draining for them too. Remember the shell game? You hide something under a shell, move the shell around and then the other person must choose the shell that has the prize. Well, you can most certainly play this game with boxes.Your dog already has a huge advantage–his nose!

Take frequent breaks and keep sessions under five minutes. Sniffing for his food is hard work for your dog. If your dog is watching his waistline, use low-calorie treats, such as Cheerios or even bits of his kibble.

Tug

Oh, tug is a very physical game and it’s a workout for the pet owner too because he’s tugging right along with his dog. You can either play with a traditional tug toy found at most pet stores–just make sure it’s soft enough that it won’t damage your dog’s teeth–or your hands.

If you and your dog are looking for a full body workout, try playing tug with a flirt pole. It’s similar to fly fishing, but your dog is on the other end. Check out this video for a quick demo on how to play with a flirt pole. The video will also show you how to teach your dog to let go (yeah, it’s that much fun). You can purchase a flirt pole online. Kong makes a really good one.

Treadmill

Teaching your dog to walk on a treadmill is not hard; it just takes patience and many yummy treats. Even though your dog has probably watched you walk on a treadmill before, he may still get a bit nervous when the ground starts moving underneath him while standing still.

Start slowly and reward your dog while he walks on the treadmill. Stand in front of him and keep sessions short in the beginning. Once your dog is comfortable walking on the treadmill, increase dog exercise sessions slowly. Start with five minutes per day for a week, and increase one minute per week. Usually, 20-30 minutes is sufficient. Always supervise your dog while he’s walking on the treadmill. He could jump off and hurt himself. I don’t recommend leashing your dog because he could easily choke himself or the leash could get caught in the treadmill.

Keep an eye out for a treadmill tutorial.

Good Ole Fetch

A good game of fetch is always a great dog exercise idea, and most dogs absolutely love it. Fetch is a great way to play with your dog, as it builds a strong bond between you two as well as gets you moving.

When choosing a fetch toy, find something soft and flexible like a tennis ball. This minimizes injuries and damage to your dog’s teeth. If your dog is new to fetch, check out these tips on teaching your dog how to play fetch. It’s fun and always a great way to exercise your dog.

Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

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