Dear Dr. Forsythe: I returned my Advantix the other day after I saw that the EPA has come out with a report about so many bad reactions. Apparently the EPA has even recommended changes in labeling and safety monitoring. I don’t want to use any products or poisons that could harm my pets. So what should I put on now? I heard that I could feed garlic to my dog or yeast tablets. Will that help?
H.R. Sonoma
Dear H. R. For those readers who don’t know about the recent report, the EPA has looked into adverse effects associated with spot on flea and tick products. A lot of my colleagues find it very interesting that the incidence of adverse reactions appears to have “shot up” in 2007-2008 at about the same time that Advantage and Frontline started showing up online and in pet stores. The EPA is looking at an increase in adverse events and not looking at changes in sales. Most of my colleagues agree with me that the problems have resulted from people buying the wrong product (i.e. dog product for a cat) or applying it incorrectly onto the pet. This is exactly why veterinarians are trying to hold onto the important doctor/patient bond. One of our goals is to educate clients and make sure products such as Frontline are applied correctly to avoid any possible problems. Many hospitals (mine included) offer a free dose of Frontline with purchase. This free dose can be applied directly onto the pet during your visit—with a demonstration of proper application technique. I believe that if sales of flea medications happened in this type of setting, there would be far fewer adverse events.
As for garlic and yeast, the bottom line is that they just don’t work. In study after study, pets given these “remedies” still had fleas on them. And since fleas harbor tapeworms and cause anemia, you are shooting yourself in the foot to avoid flea medication and leaving your pooch or kitty vulnerable to parasites and potentially life-threatening disease. It sounds like this is something you need to think about and really figure out. I believe it is important to get information from a knowledgeable source that you trust. Only you can make that decision.
Dr. F.
Dear Dr. Forsythe: Do dogs get Alzheimer’s? I could swear that our 13-year-old retriever (mix) is starting to show symptoms. Some days she hardly knows me or the kids. Then a few minutes later she starts growling, and then she is back to normal. At first we thought it was funny but now she is staring at the wall or barking at the refrigerator and it’s really upsetting. Last year my mother-in-law was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s, now I’m thinking it could be happening to the dog.
Losing my mind on the East Side
Dear East Side: I’m sorry you’re getting a double whammy in your life now. Some older pets do develop what is known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). It is similar to Alzheimer’s in that is it geriatric, neurological, progressive, and incurable. Clinical signs are usually as you described, but vary from a pet “star gazing” to becoming aggressive or distant and glassy eyed. One of my clients simply felt that her elderly Beagle had “lost his marbles.”
Fortunately there is treatment. A couple of medications currently in use by veterinarians seem to help. Selegeline and Novifit are two drugs that seem to improve cognition and lessen the pacing and panting and sleepless nights that many owners observe.
With such a serious condition, you should have a thorough exam done on your pet to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, keeping a very structured routine for her would be very beneficial. Set specific potty times, feeding times and play times. Make sure your pet has a comfy, cozy bed, and consider gentle massage as a way to relax and enhance her quality of life. Good luck with this special challenge. I hope your pet and your mother-in-law do well.
Dr. F.
