Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Preventatives

The FDA has alerted owners to the potentially dangerous side effects that can be caused by flea and tick medications! These medications contain isoxazoline, a dangerous pesticide known to cause adverse reactions. "When you give your dog isoxazolines, they work systemically. This means they’re absorbed into his blood and they affect the entire body. When fleas and ticks feast on your dog’s blood, they eat the chemicals … and become paralyzed and die.

The FDA has alerted pet owners and veterinarians that there’s potential for neurological damage when using drugs in the isoxazoline class. The reactions include muscle tremors, impaired movement, lack of coordination and seizures." 

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• The FDA considers products in the isoxazoline class to be "safe" and effective for dogs and cats but is providing this information so that pet owners and veterinarians can take it into consideration when choosing flea and tick products for their pets.

• Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs and cats;

• Although most dogs and cats haven’t had neurologic adverse reactions, seizures may occur in animals without a prior history;

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A list of the preventatives known to contain isoxazolines:

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  • Bravecto (fluralaner) tablets for dogs

  • Bravecto (fluralaner) topical solution for cats and dogs

  • Bravecto Plus (fluralaner and moxidectin) topical solution for cats

  • Bravecto 1-month (fluralaner) tablets for dogs

  • Credelio (lotilaner) tablets for dogs and cats

  • Nexgard (afoxolaner) tablets for dogs

  • Nexgard Plus (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel) chewable tablets for dogs

  • Nexgard Combo (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel) topical solution for cats

  • Simparica (sarolaner) tablets for dogs

  • Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel) tablets for dogs

  • Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner) topical solution for cats

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For us personally,  the risk of neurological issues and aversive effects on our dog is greater than the risk that pests such as fleas and ticks.

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This does not mean we leave our dogs defenseless to pests, we take many healthy and safe alternative measures to protect our dogs!

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