Other Survivors

Miscellaneous Warnings

Flea Products

"Toby"

 

While Toby seems fine, who knows if there was any long term affects.

 

Toby is my two-year-old Shih Tzu that I just adore. He is about 10 Lbs. of pure love. After using advantage on Toby with no noticeable problems I thought I would try a more economic flea medication. BAD IDEA! I purchased Zodiac Spot On for Small Dogs from PETCO. I thought it must be safe if PETCO carries it and if I had never heard of any problems. I was very wrong and I learned the hard way.

Within fifteen minutes of applying the medication to Toby he began to act erratically and became very restless. I knew something was not right- this was not normal for my dog. I called the 24-hour emergency number on the box as I was washing the poison off of Toby. They claimed that these reactions are very uncommon and not to worry. They said washing the stuff off with dish soap would be enough.

Again I trusted these "experts" and watched my dog twitch and convulse all night. I took him to the Vet in the morning and as soon as I mentioned what I had used the staff informed me that this happens all the time! I was actually the second case that morning!

The Vet checked Toby into the hospital for tremors and irregular heartbeat. I was devastated! I called the manufacture Wellmark International and I was livid. They informed me that this is very rare and the particular rep said she had never heard of this. What a bunch of liars. I did my own research and came across proof that proves otherwise.

Toby was hospitalized for three days and made a full recovery after a week of hell. He was unable to sleep and continued to have convulsions for four days. Wellmark treated me like an idiot. They imply that if these things happen it must be "user error." They ended up paying for Toby's medical bills and refunding me for the poison.

It was never about the money for me. I want these products containing permethrin taken off the shelves. The EPA is understaffed and inept and our pets are getting sick and dying as a result. I have talked to numerous people who have had the same experience. Yet these products are still being sold. While Toby seems fine who knows if there was any long term affects.

 

Kelli

 

"Marmalade" Deceased 2/21/05

Please keep Marmalade in your prayers!

 

Marmaduke is a 5 yr. old hairy hairless Chinese Crested. I used Advantage on her and within two weeks she was in liver failure.

She pulled through and seemed to be okay. The vet felt she had gotten into something toxic, but I knew she did not as there was nothing inside or outside that was toxic.

I truly believed it was the Advantage, even though the vets said it was safe.

Three months later, I used Frontline (Plus) because I did not want to use the Advantage and within one week, she was again very, very ill and diagnosed with chronic hepatitis as a result of a second assault on her liver. Again they said it was not the Frontline.

Marmalade was basically given a death sentence, but is on 7 meds a day and hanging in there. Each day is a struggle to get her to eat, etc. But she does seem to be improving slightly.

I know, without a doubt in my mind, that those two products caused her problem. I have used both on my other dogs and cats, but because of her hairless skin, I think she could not tolerate it. She has also had fainting spells when given an antibiotic.

So, if you have this type of dog, or a dog that is very fragile and susceptible to things, please think twice about using flea products on them. If you wish to contact me, please do. Please keep Marmalade in your prayers! Thanks.


Gail