Is this true?

[RachS]

I read on a older post that dogs that " it is a fact that dogs who are fed a raw diet will not get fleas or ticks" - is that true? I dont understand how that could be true, does anyone know??

 

[gmacleod]

I think it would be an exaggeration to say "never" get fleas or ticks (though actually, my raw-fed guy has never had either - and I don't use any form of flea/tick control). I don't think they'd be immune in a highly infested areas, for example.

However, it is probably fair to say that they're a lot less susceptible to infestations. In part that is because of the stronger immune systems that naturally fed dogs tend to have (bolstered by high quality diet), and in part because many raw feeders include such things as garlic in the diet - which is a natural flea/tick deterrent.

 

[RachS]

A little off topic - but can what is the risk in using flea/tick control like frontline? We haven't used it bc our breeder said that she didnt recommend it and we wanted to do things as naturally as possible with Tyler but i kind of freaked out when he got a tick this weekend and i just started wondering what is bad about those repellants? What's the risk? I'm still not planning on using them, i just want to have an educated reason to justify to myself why we're not! Thanks!

 

[Roxy'sNewMom]

We do RAW and Frontline.......
Shaunna

 

[totallyhip]

We do raw. Luke had fleas last year. I don't think he had the eggs. I think it was just a matter that a few had jumped on him when he was outside. We only ever saw 1 or 2. But dogs on raw can get fleas and ticks. Our vet recommended Program. We don't use it just strictly for personal reasons

If you give them garlic it helps.

 

[gmacleod]

...i just started wondering what is bad about those repellants? What's the risk? I'm still not planning on using them, i just want to have an educated reason to justify to myself why we're not! Thanks!

They're not 'repellents'. They're killers. That is, toxic chemicals that kill the fleas/ticks - insecticide, in other words. When we apply those chemicals to our pets, we're slathering them in insecticide - most of which kill insects by interfering with the nerve cell transmissions from the brain, resulting in paralysis then death. In most cases, the dose is low enough that we don't notice ill-effects on the dog, but the fleas are killed. It is only "sensitive" individuals who have obvious ill effects.

That is one of the reasons why ALL of those products carry warnings that they are not to be used on animals who're already unwell, and specific veterinary advice should be sought before using them on pups, seniors, pregnant or lactating animals.

But you know, things are usually quite extreme by the time we notice physical effects in others. The dog can't tell you about his tummy ache, or his migraine. It's only if it's severe enough to have him obviously unwell that we are aware there is any effect at all.

Some of the listed side effects include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, itching, difficulty breathing, or reddened skin. Fortunately, reactions that severe aren't common. But as above - the dog can't tell you about lesser symptoms. And he may be getting this treatment regularly.

Then there are the oral types that either kill the fleas, or like Program that inhibit insect development (so in effect, it kills the larvae). These are generally safer, because they're attacking a growth process unique to insects. But the dog still had to consume that.

So that's basically what you need to think about with flea/tick treatments. And that's NOT to say don't use them. Flea infestations and ticks have their own health effects. But we all have the responsibility to understand what we're putting on our pets, and the effects it may have - especially if we're doing it monthly for an extended period. No toxic chemical is without some effects, even in relatively small doses - and effects can build up over time too.

So you just need to weigh up the relative risk and benefits. Do you happen to live somewhere where fleas and ticks are a significant problem? Where nasty diseases spread by those insects are rife? If you do, then regular flea and tick treatment is probably the lesser of the two evils.

If things aren't that extreme where you are - then you might consider natural deterrents (like garlic) and treating any actual infestations on an "as needed" basis. Or treating only during the worst risk months.

But what none of us should do is just mindlessly pump our dogs full of insecticide for fleas, and pesticide for possible parasites, without a thought to the actual need for it or the long term effects it can have on the dog. And some people do! There hasn't been a flea seen in years in their area, yet the dog is still treated. It's never had worms - but they de-worm every three months like clockwork. IMO, it's better all round to just maintain an awareness of the possible effects of chemicals on your dog - and simultaneously, an awareness of the risks for where you live. Then make decisions on what treatments to use (if any) according to those conditions. And if you're lucky enough not to have to use any (or many) treatments at all - that's good news for all concerned (dog included).

A couple of short veterinary articles on various flea/tick treatments, and on the active ingredients:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1588&articleid=2627
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1588&articleid=598

 

[SoCal Angela]

I don't know if it's true but my two don't get them either and they spend a moderate amount of time outside. Although it only really gets bad here in the summer so I'm considering adding garlic to their diets...I just try to keep things natural when I can.

But if my dogs had them bad, I would use fla control, like GM said, it's the lesser of two evils.

 

[totallyhip]

You have to remember to that even tho your dog is on Frontline/Program they can still get fleas. Those pills only kill the eggs that the fleas lay. Fleas can still jump onto your dog from outside or other dogs.

 

[rupertpeeter]

My dog reacts horribly to Advantix. It looked like nuclear explosion on his back - and took 4 months to clear up.

He is on raw and since the switch I did notice that the ticks don't like him any more.

I put Advantix on him only once because we went to Italy. Now I have no idea what we'll do next time. I'm done with these pesticides, but garlic is out because he gets skin reactions from plants. Scalibor collar is a pesticide too and it will surely bring on another surprise...

 

[MaggienDeuce]

Great thread. I have been wondering about this as my research on raw continues. We are planning on making the switch in a few weeks (still gearing up to be ready). I had been wondering how effective the garlic is and if we are unneccesarily putting pesticides on them. I guess I just need to get more information on the probability of fleas/ticks in our areas before deciding.