Did you see the charts at the end? That is the only important part. Had to read the whole thing before I just found the compiled data.

mheath0429 wrote:

Did you see the charts at the end? That is the only important part. Had to read the whole thing before I just found the compiled data.

Yeah, I just saw that. The data is kind of all over the place. One of the products have over 80% of cases to misuse. I do see where the Hartz and other cheaper products look to have a higher rate of incidents. However, with both of our arguments, it is very difficult to find accurate data. I find that you can use data to make almost any point valid. Even if we had the actual number of pets affected, you would have to know if the pets had any other health issues, where they on other medications, did the person use the correct dosage?

Anyway, this got way off topic. I just wanted to put out there that there are so many unknowns with health issues and using topical treatments, and I don't believe that they are toxic and dangerous. You just have to know how to apply it, and if your dog has any other health issues or on medication you need to consult your vet before applying.


My original question was pretty much answered. It seems most people don't apply in the colder months due to the fact that fleas and ticks are less prevalent unless you routinely go to places with other dogs.

The most I do for my dogs is add tea tree oil in their shampoo when I bathe them. So far it's worked very well and have never had a flea issue-

I give flea/tick prevention all year. Though, the thing called 'winter' doesn't really exist down here. In fact, I found a tick on Kavik the other day I HATE those disgusting things. After dealing with a tick infestation two years ago I've tamed way down in accepting other kinds of bugs. I'll take ANY thing but ticks...or mange. Thankfully, they have a hard time getting through the undercoat. So...I'm just as interested in the best techniques to keep this things off or DEAD. I'll be following this thread.