Does anyone have any bad experiences with the once a month flea meds for pets?The type you put on their necks.

Question

I have heard some horror stories but I don't know if they are true. It just seems weird that a flea medication could last for one month with no long term or short term side effects.

Answer 1

Basically the medicine soaks into your pets skin and circulates in their blood stream for about a month...thus killing the fleas when they bite your pet. That's my understanding at least. The only adverse reaction that could occur is that your pet may be allergic to whatever is in the meds. But obviously that doesn't happen much. The only thing that I've ever had happen that was semi-bad/ very funny was that my cats licked each other right after wards. They couldn't reach their own spots...but could reach the other cats'. They frothed at the mouth for about 10 minutes and then were back to normal.

Answer 2

My dog gets Frontline once a month and she never has any ill effects.

I've seen the commercials and they have a warning of possible side effects, and I've heard a few stories but the are few and far between. But the Frontline works like a charm - the doggie never has fleas at all. It will actually protect against fleas for up to 3 months in some instances but Dinah gets medicated once a month. You want to be sure to apply it as close to the skin as possible and then be careful petting the dog for the next two days or so...

There may be some dogs allergic to it that have reactions, but this is true of any flea medication. If you have questions about it, contact your vet and ask. And be alert if you try it for possible symptoms of allergy.

Answer 3

Frontline will sometimes cause local skin irritation and a small patch of hair falls out. I've also seen a single case of a dog developing mild tremors for about 8 hours. Other than that, no problems to speak of. Never seen any problem with Advantage.

Most of the 'horror stories' you hear are caused by OTC imitators such a Hartz, Defend, Zodiac, etc. These contain different active ingredients which are not as safe, or which some pets are unusually sensitive to. Stupidity by certain pet owners doesn't help.

Answer 4

Two out of my three cats had reactions to it.
Not two minutes after applied, they ran thru the house freaking out like someone had lit their tails on fire and were foaming at the mouth. It lasted about 20 minutes.

The vet assured me it was a good batch, they weren't expired, but could have reactions like this.

I simply stopped using it. My cats are all indoor cats, and if they ever do get fleas, well, I'm in for a bit of fun!

Not all cats will have the same reaction. If you have indoor/outdoor cats, it's needed. You could always just apply very little at first and see if the cat has a reaction. If it doesn't, apply the correct dosage to the cat.

Always check with your vet first.

Answer 5

I just bought some today for the first time. I have a cat and a kitten who both have fleas. We'll find out. It sounds like if you use it properly and the proper dosage, there should be no problem.

Answer 6

I use it on my cats and kitten. I have had no problems with it so far. The only thing I can think of that might be a problem is that sometimes I would pet them shortly after applying it. I have started applying it at night, that way I won't rub it off of them.

Answer 7

Yes it gave all my cats and dogs cancer. Just put up with the fleas. If you're real lucky you may get a tick infestation too.

Answer 8

I've never had any problems with them and I've used everything from the kind you can get at walmart to the vet prescribed Frontline.

Answer 9

i have a small dog less then 5 pounds and i used it on him for sometime when i lived in the states and i had no problems with him at all if your truly worried call the vet and he can advise you best but most vets will recommend them all so mine did ..

Answer 10

I have always used them. My pets have all done well. I think they are harmless. If you don't use them your pet could get sick from the fleas.