Fighting Fleas, Ticks & Worms

The frozen tundra of winter has quickly giving up its frigid grasp. Jaybirds are chirping at daybreak and squadrons of geese are once again returning to their Canadian roots. Up here in the north country spring has definitely sprung. With the annual thaw-out also comes an influx of harmful micro critters that spawn and proliferate quickly as earthly temperatures increase. Time is now to mount an offensive and prepare for battle. In this post we will discuss how preventive medications can ward off fleas, ticks, and worms on or in your dog and hopefully prevent an expensive trip to the vets office this spring. Maybe you've heard brands like Frontline, Heartguard, Advantix, Interceptor, K9 Advantage, Sentinel and asked; what are these medications and what do they do? A good question probably followed quickly by another good question; which one is best for my dog? Let's take a walk down the flea, tick, and worm medication aisle at our virtual dog pharmacy. We'll take it one at a time and let you confidently decide which might just be the best fit for your trusty four legged hunting companion. Please keep in mind we are looking at a variety of different preventatives. Some are flea and tick only and a few are prescription worms medication that include a flea or tick formula. Some are topical(applied to skin) while others are oral(tablet form). Please keep it all in mind while reading the following post. Now lets begin...

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Frontline Plus
Frontline Plus is a monthly topical flea and tick preventative. Frontline Plus kills 100% of adult fleas on your dog within 18 hours and 100% of all ticks within 48 hours. Frontline Plus contains an insect growth regulator, S-methoprene, which kills flea eggs and larvae. It’s effective against all stages of the brown dog tick, the American dog tick, the lone star tick and the deer tick (the major carrier of Lyme disease). (3 Pack = 3 doses which lasts 3 months.)

Benefits
•Kills all existing fleas on your pet within 18 hours
•Each application provides a full month of protection
•Great for pets that swim since it's waterproof
• Kills ticks

How it works: Frontline Plus contains fipronil, a broad-spectrum insecticide and slow-acting poison that disrupts the central nervous system of fleas and ticks and S-Methoprene, an insect growth regulator that kills flea eggs and larvae. The active ingredients are stored in the sebaceous glands and are wicked out of the hair follicles and continuously re-applied to the coat for long-lasting, waterproof protection. Cautions: Your pet may experience some temporary irritation at the site of application. If signs persist or become more severe within a few days of application, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Availability: Frontline Plus is a non-prescription (over the counter) product.

How this product should be used:Use Frontline Plus for Dogs (fipronil 9.8% and S-methoprene 8.8%) on dogs and puppies 8 weeks or older. Frontline Plus for Dogs is available as 0.67 ml applicators for use on dogs and puppies up to 22 lbs, 1.34 ml applicators for dogs 23-44 lbs, 2.68 ml applicators for dogs 45-88 lbs and 4.02 ml applicators for dogs 89-132 lbs. Wait 24 hours to fully dry before swimming or bathing. Do not reapply for 30 days. Place the applicator tip through the animal's hair to the skin level between the shoulder blades. Apply the entire contents of the applicator in a single spot to the animal's skin. Use only one applicator per treatment.

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Avantage Multi
Advantage Multi is a once a month topical application that contains a combination of the insecticide (imidacloprid) and the parasiticide (moxidectin). Advantage Multi for Dogs is used for the prevention of heartworm and the treatment and control of flea infestations, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.

Benefits:
•Prevents heartworms, roundworms, hookworms in dogs and cats as well as whipworms in dogs and ear mites in cats
•Easy, once a month, application
•Canine customers often purchase Preventic collars (sold separately) for tick protection

How it works: The active ingredient moxidectin is used for the prevention and control of heartworms and intestinal worms by disrupting nerve transmission resulting in the paralysis and death of the parasite. The active ingredient imidacloprid, acts on the nervous system of the flea to cause paralysis and subsequent death.

Availibility: Veterinarian Prescription Only

How should this medication be used: Advantage Multi is applied topically to the skin. It is not given by mouth. Follow the manufacturer's directions for application. Do not apply to irritated skin. Apply each dose once a month, every 30 days. If you do not understand the directions, or if you have difficulty applying the medication, contact your pharmacist or veterinarian.

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K9 Advantix
K9 Advantix (imidacloprid + permethrin) is a convenient monthly preventative for dogs that both repels and kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Because it repels and kills, K9 Advantix offers a more comprehensive protection against fleas & ticks in comparison to other veterinarian-recommended brands. K9 Advantix stops biting fleas within three to five minutes and kills 98-100 percent within 12 hours. (4 Pack = 4 doses which lasts 4 months.) K9 Advantix is not for use on cats.

Benefits:
•Kills & repels fleas, ticks, & mosquitoes
•Stops fleas from biting your pet in 3-5 minutes providing fast relief
•Kills adult fleas within 12 hours
•Kills flea larvae in under 20 minutes
•Repels disease-carrying mosquitoes before they bite
•Stops ticks from attaching and reduces risk of Lyme Disease & tickborne diseases
•Still works after your pet swims or is bathed

How it works: K9 Advantix is for use on dogs and puppies 7 weeks of age and older only. It is used for the topical prevention and treatment of fleas, mosquitoes and ticks including deer ticks (the major carrier of Lyme disease), American dog ticks, Brown dog ticks and lone star ticks. K-9 Advantix kills and repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.

Availability: K9 Advantix is a non-prescription (OTC) product available as applicators for dogs 1-10 lbs (Green), 11-20 lbs (Teal), 21-55 lbs (Red), and 55 lbs and over (Blue).

How this medication should be used: For use only on dogs. Do not use on cats or on other animals. Part the hair on the dog's back, between the shoulder blades, until the skin is visible. For dogs up to 20 lbs, apply the entire contents of the tube to this one spot. For dogs 21 lbs and over, apply the contents of the applicator tube to the skin at 3 or 4 spots on the top of the back from the shoulder to the base of the tail. If the household has cats or other animals, separate from the treated dog for about an hour until the product is thoroughly dry.

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Sentinel
What is Sentinel? Sentinel is the only monthly oral preventive that guards against heartworms, adult roundworms, adult hookworms, whipworms, and prevents the development of flea eggs.

Benefits:
•Comes in palatable flavored tabs
•Easy to administer just once a month

How it works: Milbemycin oxime eliminates the tissue stage of heartworm larvae and the adult stage of hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm infestations. Lufenuron, the other active ingredient, is an insect development inhibitor that breaks the flea life cycle by inhibiting egg development. Lufenuron prevents most flea eggs from hatching or maturing into adults and thus prevents and controls flea populations by breaking the life cycle.
Sentinel may be given along with Capstar, which treats flea infestation(adult fleas).

Availability: Veterinarian Presciption Only

How should this medication be given: Give Sentinel exactly as directed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. The usual dose of Sentinel for dogs 2 to 10 pounds is 2.3mg/46mg, 11 to 25 pounds is 5.75mg/115mg, 26 to 50 pounds is 11.5mg/230mg and 51 to 100 pounds is 23mg/460mg given once a month year round. For dogs over 100 pounds give the appropriate combination of tablets. Heartworm testing should be performed prior to the start of prevention therapy. If the animal is off Sentinel for 6 months or less, start the medication and test after 6 months since microfilaria, that take 6 months to mature, will result in a positive test result. Store Sentinel at room temperature. Do not remove the tablet from its wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

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Interceptor
What is Interceptor? Interceptor Flavor Tabs are a palatable once-a-month tablet that prevents heartworm disease, controls adult hookworms, and removes and controls adult roundworms and whipworm infections.

Benefits:
•Given once a month
•Easy to administer
•Broad spectrum activity

Availibility: Veterinarian Prescription Only

How it works: Interceptor Flavor Tabs eliminate the tissue stage of heartworm larvae and the adult stage of hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm infestations. The anthelmintic activity (destroying parasitic worms) of the active ingredient milbemycin oxime is believed to be a result of interfering with the invertebrates neurotransmission. Cautions: Side effects of Interceptor are rare, but some animals may show signs of depression, drowsiness, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, hypersalivation, seizures, and weakness. If these or other symptoms develop contact your veterinarian. Since humans can contract hookworm and roundworm from animals, you should maintain good personal hygiene. To prevent reinfection, cleaning up stool daily is recommended. Don't give your pet Interceptor if you are already administering another heartworm .


How should this medication be given: Give Interceptor exactly as directed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Heartworm testing should be performed prior to the start of prevention therapy. If the animal is off Interceptor for 6 months or less, start the medication and test after 6 months since microfilaria, that take 6 months to mature, will result in a positive test result. Store Interceptor at room temperature. Do not remove the tablet from its wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

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HeartGuard Plus
What is Heartgard Plus?Heartgard Plus is a real-beef chewable tablet for dogs that provides protection against heartworms, and treats and controls roundworms and hookworms.

Benefits:
•Considered the most tasty heartworm chewable tablet
•Effectively controls heartworms, roundworms & hookworms
•Only given once a month

How it works: Heartgard Plus contains ivermectin, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication used to prevent heartworms. Heartgard Plus also contains Pyrantel Pamoate, an anthelminthic, used to prevent roundworms and hookworms.

Availibility: Veterinarian Precription Only

How should this medication be given: Give Heartgard Plus exactly as directed by the veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Heartgard Plus chewable tablets must be chewed. They should not be swallowed whole. Use with caution in collies. Heartworm testing should be performed prior to the start of prevention therapy. If the animal is off Heartgard Plus for 6 months or less, start the medication and test after 6 months since microfilaria, that take 6 months to mature, will result in a positive test result. Store Heartgard Plus at room temperature. Do not remove the tablet from its wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

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This is indeed a ton of information on the latest heartworm, flea, and/or tick medication. Please keep in mind only prescription medications such as Sentinel, Heartguard, and Interceptor can prevent heartworm. I urge everybody to prepare their dogs for the spring onslaught of harmful critters today. Their is also a Lyme tick vaccine now available. We will post a comprehensive look into to this very soon so stay tuned to our blog! We also highly recommend switching to a permethrin based flea and tick shampoo during the warmer months to also help ward off those harmful critters even more. IA bimonthly bath of flea and tick over the counter shampoo will do wonders to help in the battle!

If you are wondering what I personally recommend here it is...
I give a monthly dose to Dewey(3.5 y.o. pointer) of Sentinel for flea and worms every month, year round. He is the first dog I have owed who is also on the Lyme tick vaccine with annual boosters and has been since 4 months old. From spring to late fall he gets a bath every 2 weeks with Perfect Coat Flea & Tick shampoo. I religiously go over him for ticks during our tailgate checks at the end of each workout or hunt. I also keep a "flea comb" in my truck and run it over him quickly before kenneling up and heading home. A flea comb might just be the best $0.99 you ever spend on your dog! They are available at most pet stores and not only work to remove crawling fleas but deer ticks as well. This is just what has worked for us but keep in mind Dewey is not a water dog, in fact, he hates water over ankle deep. He operates mostly in the northern midwest. He is a short hair and mostly white so it is easily to spot micro critters and his owner(i.e me) is nuts about thorough tailgate checks. Whiping a dog down and the flea comb mentioned prior is a valuable pactice in helping prevent issues without the aid of preventative medications...but not to replace those medications!

As always, being proactive now could save you a costly trip to the vet later.

Best of luck to each of you out there!

-Mark Northup

Is Corn Bad?

Corn on the cob is as American as apple pie. If you believe written history, gracious Native Americans first introduced harvested corn to Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving dinner. For generations since, corn crops have been cultivated by hard working American farmers across this country's heartland. By the turn of the 20th century corn became a substantial source of agricultural wealth throughout the United States. As most will agree, corn is warm and buttery, making life feel good and wholesome as it passes across our lips. Ironically, we derive more nutritional value by eating just one slice of your grandmother's cinnamon coated apple pie recipe than we do by downing ten ears of corn!

Proof: Corn Free Diet = A Healthy, Happy Hunting Partner!

Like those of us who walk upright, our four legged hunting partners find the nutritional value of corn equally unrewarding and anything but beneficial to their diet. So the question remains...why do some dog food companies include corn or corn variations as their main ingredient? I will tell you why. Because some dog food companies in this country are cheap and corn is the cheapest "real" ingredient available. More so, your dogs overall health is inconsequential and unrelated to their return on investment..a.k.a the corporate mantra called ROI. Sad as it is but very true.

Is corn bad for dogs? The answer is: not really...BUT it doesn't do much good either and can possibly cause further health issues then just nutritional deficiency

Factoid: whole corn has a natural cased cellulose shell. Left as a whole kernel, corn is indigestible. Any human who has taken a look at their own waste the morning after after eating an ear of corn for dinner would completely agree. Basically, the cellulose shell creates a wall blocking all the nutrients "inside" the shell from becoming digested. The process of mashing and dehydrating corn down to "meal" or "ground" only changes it's appearance, not it's composition. It should also be pointed out that corn is directly related to many forms of allergens in sensitive dogs. Breeds such as boxers, pointers, labs, and bulldogs are more highly probable candidates for corn related allergies. Allergic reactions can come in the form of excessive dry skin, chronic hot spots, chronic eye discharge, and far too many digestive irregularities to list here in this one post!

The filler called "cellulose" is still there and still equally indigestible. Yes, the inside portion of corn or the "meat" is a marginal source nutrients. Like other grains, corn is a carbohydrate and fiber food. Eighty-one percent of the solid material in the corn kernel consists of sugars, starch, and dietary fiber, including insoluble cellulose and non-carbohydrate lignin in the seed covering and soluble pectins and gums in the kernel(non nutritious ingredients related to the shell) Corn has a small amounts of vitamin A, the B vitamin folate, and vitamin C. Corn is a moderately good source of plant proteins, but zein (its major protein) is deficient in the essential amino acids lysine, cystine, and tryptophan. Corn is low in fat and its oils are composed primarily of unsaturated fatty acids.

When taken into account, the ratio of cellulose shell material to nutrients in the average gram of dog food "corn meal" results in a digestible ingredient that is extremely low. Hypothetically speaking, if milk was the only thing of true substance and a manufacturer ground up the plastic bottle holding the milk all together as one product and called it "milk meal" you have the working equivalent of what corn meal is to dog food. Sure the milk is there but the "filler" is the cellulose or "plastic" containment taking up 19%(as we learned prior) of the overall formula. Remember, those are ingredients that can not be converted into nutritional sources for any animal on this planet! For any kid who has ever swallowed one of those small green army guys(yes, I have!)...those things are not digestible! That is corn cellulose in a nut shell. No pun intended!

The bottomline is, low grade dog foods loaded with low grade grain products such a corn, wheat, and soy cheapen the product. A dog's intestinal tract and stomach process food 6 times quicker then humans. It is imperative to supply them with food that is able to be quickly digested. That only comes from high quality ingredients! In the end you will need to feed less if you invest in a high grade dog food! The result to your wallet and the benefit to you dog is spending almost the same for feeding him or her a top quality food!

I don't know about you guys but corn or corn in any form as a primary ingredient doesn't sound like something I want to feed my dog. I urge each of you to look at your dog food bags and read closely. There are some major dog food manufacturers out there who load top five ingredients with corn or corn related ingredients. Ask yourself...is this something I would want to feed myself as the majority of my own diet, let alone my dog's? Then go ahead and purchase a better food!

Best of luck to each of you out there. -Mark