FDA WARNS FLEA & TICK MEDS MAY CAUSE SEIZURES

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that medications in the isoxazoline class such as Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard and Simparica may do more than just combat flea or tick infestations. These medications have the potential of causing seizures, ataxia, muscle tremors, or other neurological problems in your pets. Ataxia is a condition in which your pets can't control their muscle movements and thus may have trouble walking, balancing, or speaking. Of course, you may not necessarily be able to tell if your pets are having difficulty speaking. But the FDA warning means that you should be on the lookout for any struggles that your pet may be having after taking these medications.

The best alternative to flea and tick management is prevention. A dog with a strong immune system and healthy organs is an unwelcoming host for parasites. Dr. Michael Fox DVM is quoted stating the following:
​
“Healthy animals are less attractive, for reasons that science has yet to determine, to fleas and other external and internal pests and parasites, whose whole existence is one of opportunistic survival and multiplication” says Dr Michael Fox DVM. “Dogs and cats on the kind of ‘junk’ foods that are still widely sold are far more prone to fleas and other parasitic and infectious health problems than those who are on a wholesome, whole-food diet, ideally organically certified and of course nutritionally complete.”

Diffusing essential oils in your household such as lemon, citronella, sage, bergamot, cedarwood, lemon, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint and rosemary can help to repel fleas and ticks. You can also find essential oil based flea and tick sprays in many health food stores or online. 


- Contributing Editor M.G.