2022 Flea, Tick and Heartworm Season...
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doodle is currently taking Simparica TRIO (every 6 weeks year round). I chose this brand specifically due to the fact that I live in the South and NC, USA is home to fleas, ticks and mosquitos. Our swampy wetlands may be popular with duck hunters, but even duck hunters love their dogs!
I do not give her the meds every month because I suspect that manufacturers tend to put in more meds than really necessary. It sounds counter intuitive, but in practical terms: why would you give a 44# dog the same dose as a 22# dog? So, since doodle isn't 44#s, I add a couple weeks to the dosage to prevent a chemical build up in her system. She doesn't seem to display any noticeable (scratching) issues until the day or two before her next dose.
This diagram illustrates that heartworm treatment is effective between 1-2 months after the related mosquito bite transmission. That information was relevant in my dosage theory. Because there is a 4-8 week window before the typical heartworm treatment becomes ineffective, So... I question the need to medicate our pets every single month (and I want to think I'm doing it right).
Naturally, you should make your own decision, based on where you live, the prevalence of mosquitos, fleas, and ticks, and how your dog reacts to the treatment you have chosen. doodle has been taking Simparica TRIO 22.1-44.0# tablets for a year and she seems to be doing well with it.
climbing off soapbox
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@Zande My vet also recommended us to use Nexgard monthly. Since there aren't many basenjis around, I've asked the breeder and he said to avoid pills that provide external protection due to possible liver issues. Ever had issues with Nexgard in that regard?
Unfortunately, I'm limited in options here. For external use, I can only get Frontline Spot On (doesn't seem to be as effective as Plus) or Vectra 3D (which seem to be somewhat similar to Frontline Plus). As for heartworms, I couldn't find anything really, even online is hard to order Nuheart or similar products in EU. But I believe that heartworms are not as prevalent here, either.
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@lustopher I have used Nexgard for years and never had any issues with it. Before that I did use Frontline but for some reason my vet changed and I didn't question it.
Heart worm is not a problem here so I have never had any experience with remedies or protections.
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@kembe - I have used NuHeart for years now. My C-Me barfs up the Heartworm meds with the other meds for worms so since I do not really believe they need to be wormed monthly, I changed to NuHeart that is just for heartworm. Not a problem here in No. California but was in places where we traveled. I do give Drontal for tapeworm if they kill and eat their catch.... lucky they kill and DON'T eat it.... C-Me does bring it in the house to show me however! I have also used Frontline when needed, again fleas are really not a big issue where we live... so maybe only needed 2 or 3 times a year.
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I am able to get Nexgard and Drontal Plus. In fact, Nexgard was recommende by the Vet, and Drontal + Vectra by the breeder. So I am a bit confused :D.
But I'm curious if applying Frontline/Vectra externally together Nexgard would be an issue.
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@lustopher You should not use Frontline as well as Drontal and Nexgard. I will phone my vet if you like to check. But I am sure he took me right off Frontline when he put the pack on to Nexgard.
Drontal - three monthly - should not be given within 14 days of Nexgard. So wait a fortnight after a dose and then give it. That I am sure of ! It is written on the packets -
