Flea and Tick Prevention Part 3: Sentry Natural

Sentry Natural works under the same principle as Triple Sure which I blogged about in a previous post (www.natural-wonder-pets.com/natural-flea-control.html) in that the active ingredients in its formula block the neurotransmitter octopamine, thereby  killing insects almost instantly. Since octopamine is found only in insects, the product is safe to use around pets and people "when used as directed".  I used Sentry Naturals on my dog, Dingo, a few weeks ago after finding about twenty ticks on  her post-hike.  My first reaction was that the product had an unusual and unpleasant odor that wears on you the longer you are forced to inhale it.  It also left an oily, yellow residue all over the application site of my white dog.  Quite honestly, it looked as if Dingo had been urinated on by another, bigger dog.  I thought (hoped) that the foul smell might wane after a few days.  Unfortunately it did not.  The smell was so pungent that my fiance, who normally revels in snuggle time on the couch with Dingo, did not even want to be near her.  After a few days I gave her a bath, but the residual scent, although milder, remained.    In addition to smelling awful, I also found a couple ticks imbedded in my dog's skin within several days of applying.  Needless to say I will not be purchasing this product again.  I give it a giant fail.  Additional product information (if you are still interested despite my poor review) can be found here:   http://www.sentrynatural.com/faq.html

Flea and Tick Prevention Part Doux: Triple Sure

Triple Sure was introduced to me by a client who favors natural and organic foods and remedies in all aspects of her life, including the care of her dog.  This particular client has also suffered from severe and crippling bouts of Lyme Disease so she takes her tick prevention quite seriously.  She swears by Triple Sure.

Triple Sure is the brainchild of Gary Le-Mon, a "professional Herbalist" (his words) who created this product using active ingredients such as cedar and peppermint oil which work to block a specific neurotransmitter in insects called Octopamine.  Otopamine regulates the nervous system of most insects, and is considered especially safe for humans and other animals because we lack Otopamine in our biology.   

Triple Sure has a pleasant scent with aromas of Cedar, Pine, and Peppermint which when inhaled bring to mind images of lounging fireside inside a cabin in the woods.  Basically, it smells great.  But more importantly, and by all accounts, it seems to work quite well.  I have yet to try it on my own dog, but from speaking to other dog owners who use it, this will be my next purchase.  

Triple Sure can be purchased here: http://www.natural-wonder-pets.com/natural-flea-control.html

Flea and Tick Prevention Part 1: FRONTLINE PLUS

There are so many flea and tick remedies on the market today that it's tough to know which one is right for you.  In the coming weeks we will post on some of the most popular methods of prevention and the pro's and con's of each.  First up, FRONTLINE PLUS:

FRONTLINE PLUS
Probably the most popular flea and tick prevention, and the one most recommended by Vets, is FRONTLINE Plus, which is applied topically.  The active ingredients in this product are fipronil and (S)-methoprene, both of which are highly toxic to fleas and ticks.  Once applied, this chemical combination stores itself in the oil glands of your pet's skin and self-distributes continuously for up to one month throughout your pet's hair and skin by way of hair follicles.  Fleas or ticks that then come in contact with your pet are killed on contact (www.frontline.com/Pages/About.aspx). 

Unfortunately, fipronil, one of the active ingredients in Frontline plus can also be toxic to humans and animals.  Toxicity on humans has been tested in few studies, more commonly involving human cells which were used in carcinogenicity studies, but with no adverse effects. Yet, fipronil has been classified by the EPA as a Group C (possible human) carcinogen based on an increase in thyroid follicular cell tumors in both sexes of the rat. Furthermore, fipronil is considered slightly irritating to the skin, while moderately irritating to the eyes in both humans and animals. 

Two Frontline TopSpot products were determined by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to pose no significant exposure risks to workers applying the product. However, concerns were raised about human exposure to Frontline spray treatment in 1996, leading to a denial of registration for the spray product. Commercial pet groomers and veterinarians were considered to be at risk from chronic exposure via inhalation and dermal absorption during the application of the spray, assuming they may have to treat up to 20 large dogs per day.^[14] Fipronil is not volatile, so there is little likelihood of humans being exposed to this compound in the air.^[24]

If injested (and this would most likely be inadvertently) Fipronil can be poisonous.  Fipronil poisioning is characterized by vomiting, agitation, and seizures, but can usually be managed through supportive care and early treatment generally with benzodiazepine use (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fipronil).

Given the adverse side-effects of fipronil, use it is recommended that you use FRONTLINE only as directed and wash your hands after use and/or touching the treated area of your pet.