Flea medication is considered a necessary evil. Fleas seem to jump on dogs, and before you know it, your entire house is infested. Unfortunately, some dogs suffer from adverse reactions to flea medication that can range from mild to life-threatening. Different medications are available, and some are considered safer than others. Regardless of the level of safety, flea medications are still poisons, and should be treated with caution as such. Natural alternatives are available for those dogs who cannot tolerate flea medications.
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Mild Reactions
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Mild reactions to flea medication may include excessive panting, drooling and thirst. These symptoms are clearly listed on most labels, and are not something you should worry about unless they continue for an extended period of time--four hours or more. Provide fresh, clean water for your dog, and encourage it to drink.
Adverse Reactions
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Adverse reactions to flea medications can be much more serious. These can include seizures, vomiting, symptoms of shock such dizziness and disorientation, and death. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates these products, more dogs have adverse reactions to over-the-counter flea medications than those that are available from and approved by veterinarians.
Types of Chemicals
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The National Resources Defense Council (NDRC) has put together a list of safe, moderately safe and generally harmful chemicals found in flea control products. Amitraz, Propoxur, Fenoxycarb, Permethrin and Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) have been deemed as causing many adverse reactions, and should be avoided if possible. Flea control products containing Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Metaflumizone, Pyrethrins and Selamectin are safe, but should be avoided around children and pregnant animals and humans. Lufenuron, Nitenpyram, Piriproxyfen, S-Methoprene and Spinosad are considered the safest options by the NDRC.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
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Consult a veterinarian prior to starting any flea control regimen. This is especially important if your dog is pregnant, nursing, sick, aged or otherwise compromised physically. If your dog has symptoms of an adverse reaction, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately for help. Severe reactions can cause a dog to die within hours, and should not be overlooked.
Alternative Flea Control Methods
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Bathe your dog and use a flea comb to remove any live fleas from its coat. Maintenance of the pet's environment, particularly bedding and outdoor areas, should be meticulous to prevent re-infestation. Many people have reported having luck with a product called diatomaceous earth, which lacerates and dehydrates fleas on contact. Some animals may be sensitive to this as well. Use only food-grade diatomaceous earth, and make sure that the animal does not get wet. Diatomaceous earth loses effectiveness when it is wet, and needs to be reapplied.
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