frontline tick and fles products

[thegasman]

I would like anyone's input on front line products for flea and tick control. I have been using for 4 yrs minced garlic for fle and tick control with great results. My vet said he would recommend using frontline products instead of garlic. I do not want to put chemicals on my mini-schnauzer's. Has anyone ever questioned using frontline on your dogs?

[Gail]

Here is a quote from Shard's article on dog seizures
"Flea collars, flea sprays, air fresheners, carpet powders and yard control products are not recommended to be anywhere near your dog because they are considered to be toxic." Why would your vet recommend using a toxic substance when the garlic is working. The only reason I can think of is that he doesn't make a profit from the garlic.
I know that Dr. Andrew Jones (I think Sarah has reprinted some of his newsletters on the forum) who writes a newsletter on dog health doesn't recommend the use of flea medications because they can cause serious side effects.

[Sarah]

Here's the article from Dr. Andrew Jones regarding getting rid of fleas naturally.

How to Get Rid of Fleas Naturally | Veterinary Secrets Blog with Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM

thegasman, if you live in an area where mosquitos are heavy, and your dog has to be on heartwarm pills, you can get a heartwarm pill, flea and tick medicine all in one pill. Ask your vet about this medication...

The Vets usually sponsor or support in some way frontline where they may get paid for having their clients use the product. Because a Vet says to use something, it doesn't mean that it's good for your dog.

[mia]

Hi Gasman,

If the garlic is working I would continue with that. My dogs have never had fleas but a friend used that frontline and his dog started having seizures and I also heard about another dog that had the same reaction. I will not use that stuff, if I ever see a flea I will do anything but not use that or any chemical. How much garlic do you give your little one and how often? Thanks and good luck.