Bethers wrote:Anne, I'm so sorry that happened to you. I've done the research and believe this is the right path. I know the signs and will have no problem stopping it if necessary. It took a long time before I forgave myself for listening to the vet that put Peaches on subq fluids which ultimately hastened her death. He pretty much laughed at me when I blamed the fluids and I gave her one more dose which almost killed her right then. It was too late to reverse some of the damage, but yes, I learned my lesson. There are dangers to everything. I just did more research on this after reading your post and I feel even more informed, but also feel I know what to watch for and I have no problem calling it quits to anything. Thank you for making me look even closer.
Beth, I am always happy to put my oar in, busybody that I am!!
The only thing I might add is that. . . it only took one dose to destroy her pancreas. So it was already too late "to call it quits" after this first dose. The damage was already done, although it took me a bit to figure out why a really healthy dog was quite suddenly so very very ill. Long story - I'm stopping now.
Fleas and ticks can be very bad here, because the climate is (fairly) warm all year, and also because my neighborhood is infested with feral cats. One can't keep them out of one's yard (because they climb fences) and they leave their excrement (and fleas) behind.
I found my flea problem was MUCH worse when I had lovely, green grass. Since the drought of the last several years, I just let my grass turn brown and die in the summer (because I don't water it) and have found that the flea problem is notably less when Joe doesn't have luxurious green grass to romp through.
I have found that about the only time Joe gets fleas (for some unknown reason) is in June. Joe is a smooth-coated dog (unlike your boy) so when combing him it is easy to find a flea or two. I just give him a bath with Dawn dishwashing soap, which usually takes care of the problem. If they persist, I will give him
one topical (drops on the skin) flea treatment.
For the last several years, just this one treatment once per year has been all it takes. And, like I say, fleas can be BAD here because it doesn't have repeated hard freezes during the winter. Sometimes no hard freeze at all.
Anyway, I'm stopping now as I don't want to kick up a ruckus. If you (or anyone) has any more questions on this topic, please PM me.
And, I readily acknowledge, we all have to do whatever it is we are comfortable with.
Good luck.
Anne