Depending on what flea medicine you used, some are more likely to cause seizures than others. Certainly the over the counter spot on products that are based on pyrethrins are known to cause seizures in sensitive dogs. In fact, I have seen small dogs and cats have fatal seizures from some of these over the counter products.
But, even the regulated, prescription flea medications can cause seizures in some hypersensitive dogs. I have met the occasional patient who simply cannot tolerate any kind of chemicals; the chemicals can lead to seizures or other reactions in these supersensitive patients. (Alternatively, I have some patients who cannot tolerate herbal medications as well.) Because no one wants fleas in their house you have to look at your little one’s exposure. If this is your only dog, you have no cats, no wildlife, no neighbors, or if you have any of these and they all are somehow protected from fleas, then your dog should be fine without any kind of flea treatment. If you live somewhere in between, then it might be worth considering your options.
There are some natural products at work pretty well. You can dust your dog with diatomaceous earth. You can also use diatomaceous earth on your yard, reapply after each rain. There are some newer monthly spot on products that are based on essential oils. These are becoming more effective as flea repellents. Used to be they would only work for a few days. There are some essential oils sprays too. Do be careful because your seizure dog may be sensitive to the essential oil products as well. Some of my holistic colleagues are creating some new, promising, natural alternative flea medications – don’t miss their announcements this summer.
If you live in the country, you can keep chickens and guinea hens – they do a great job of eating all insects out of the yard. There are those who say that if your dog has a strong immune system he or she will not get fleas. In this case, YOUR dog has seizures and is sensitive to medication. There’s a good possibility your dog’s immune system is not operating at 100%, you might need to have these considerations about fleas. If you have any doubt, ask your holistic or integrative veterinarian for the best options for your dog.
Dr. Cathy Alinovi DVM
As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Cathy treated 80% of what walked in the door — not with expensive prescriptions — but with adequate nutrition. Now retired from private practice, her commitment to pets hasn’t waned and she looks forward to impacting many more pet parents through her books, research, speaking and consulting work. Learn more at drcathyvet.com
brit
June 17, 2015 at 9:47 am
just get Kristen Leigh Bells book Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals and make a safe essential oil spray for dogs (do not put them on cats no matter what MLM companies are now saying). Since I changed my dogs diet to home made (either cooked or raw) haven’t seen a flea for over 10 years but I do make the sprays.
sherry
June 17, 2015 at 10:50 am
I feed my dog home made food. She never had fleas. I have made my own flea collar from essential oils that smells great too. Either way i dont think she even needs ir. Please dont pyt chemicals on your pets, your shortening their lives! I recommend checking them every day for ticks too.
Gayle
June 17, 2015 at 7:41 pm
We use diatomaceous earth. It’s a natural, inexpensive powder that you can put on the the dog’s coat and even on your carpets. Your local food co-op may carry this as flea powder that has lavender scent also. We have three large dogs that live inside/outside and this works like a charm!
oscar
June 20, 2015 at 2:00 pm
Whatever you do, do NOT buy those “natural flea” killers you see at Walmart or the petstore, those are just as bad because many times they put oils in there that harm smaller pets. My understanding, and this comes from a friend who works in the pest control industry, is to pay more for the expensive brands. Those are the ones that have been tested extensively, and are the safest, despite being ridden with chemicals. Brands like Hartz, that cost like 10 dollars, or less, are cheap for a reason. They are not tested, they essentially tested it on the fleas, and it killed them well, and didn’t really care if the animal died or lived.
He tells me that they would never use something like Hartz, that’s asking for lawsuits. The pest control industry is so regulated, when it comes to houses, humans, etc. they can’t afford that. The same is not, because these poisons are regulated by the EPA, not FDA…..so they really do not care about well beings of animals.
I feel like I am talking insanity, but my friend is an expert pest control professional or over 20 years, and has dealt with all manner of poisons and pets, I tend to believe him, and after going with his advice, have had no more fleas, and my cats are happy!