Flea & tick prevention for aussies

MDR1 drug sensitivity actually affects virtually all herding dogs, along with some random breeds. We do a genetic test for that sensitivity we have in our Aussies to ensure we are not doubling up on that gene. It is called MDR1. You can read about it under Genetic Testing. Worming, Heart worm, Flea and tick prevention fall under this category. There are some flea and tick medications that Aussies should never have ever. Once that drug is in their body, if there is a reaction, to what the makers call “safe levels” of, lets say, Fluralaner, ivermectin, it is too late. You can’t get it out of them. That is why we are against the ingestible types of flea and tick medications. At least with the topical type, if there is a reaction, you can wash it off and limit or stop the reaction. So we say no to Bravecto, Heartguard, Nexguard, Proheart, Iverheart, Iverheart plus, Simparica. What we do use is topicals only when needed, not as a monthly preventative. We use either revolution topical or Advantage II. Advantage II is cheaper and you can buy it without a vet prescription or visit.

We also do not put any flea or tick medication on monthly to prevent fleas. If you dog gets fleas, we usually start with trying a Dawn Dish Soap bath. It works really well to kill fleas and ticks. If that doesn’t work we do one dose of topical flea and tick medication. Why expose your dog to the poison every month and spend the money? We see fleas on our pack, we treat everyone once. Fleas gone!! If we see a tick, we take it off, we don’t automatically medicate. If there are many, then we treat. These drug might make your life convenient, they are proven to be very bad cancer cancer causing chemicals.

This website gives a great breakdown as to what heart worm, flea meds to use and not use. You must be very careful with Aussies (herding dogs) when it comes to the drugs they can have.