Dogs dx'ed with Idiopathic Epilepsy and Flea Prevention - Page 1

My Precious St. Bernard was dx'ed with idiopathic epilepsy and is on 3 anti-seizure meds per Neuro Vet since the age of 2. She is now age 5 1/2. She stays in our home most of the time (hot summer) except for short early morning walks on leash. (Town Law) This summer we experienced fleas on her. We are in a conundrum. She cannot take any oral or topical flea products including the Seresto Flea Collar. All cause her to have seizures once used. She will be seizure free for 3 months then once given a flea medication, aforementioned, will have cluster seizures 2-3 days after. I have asked my Neuro Vet and Local Vet what to use. They just don't know. Any suggestions would be most helpful. Thank You. Sincerely, SnowysMom

Have you tried one of the Natural flea killers. This is one

I make my own using Pyrethrins as the killing ingredient, you can buy a premade if you want.  Don't know what the ingredient was in the product you used that caused your problem but if not one of these then they may work for your dog.

My dog has developed epilepsy (at 5.5 yrs old), and he has been treated for the past 3 yrs during tick season (only for 4 months/year) with Biospot topical. He had his first seizure in March, before being given his first dose of the year, so I do not believe there is an association between the Biospot and his seizures.

http://www.biospotactivecare.com/

Another product you can consider for your house and yard is diatomaceous earth.    It works by destroying the exoskeleton of the fleas, and you can get it in big bags fairly inexpensively.    

 

if that weed (official name artemisia) growing in your location, you may use it. 
this weed has quite strong odor and very effective in killing fleas and other insect parasites. 
we have used this with our dogs. no side effects.

 

Artemesia is usually regarded as a herbal plant, not a 'weed', so you should be able to obtain it from garden suppliers. Provided you have the right growing conditions in your locality, it can't hurt. Not sure anyone could claim it is 100% effective against fleas on pets, though.

Here is what we use since my youngest has an autoimmune disease:

Beneficial nematodes for the yard and I use the "Triple Threat" because it takes care of EVERYTHING including fleas, ticks, etc.  Nematodes are great for keeping your lawn looking good by eradicating grubs and other such pests.  I swear by nematodes.

https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/beneficial-nematodes

I use human grade organic therapeutic essential oils.  Lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, geranium, cedar, patchouli, eucalyptus, Clary sage.  ALWAYS let your dog smell each capped bottle first to see if they are ok with it.  If your dog shies away, then don't use it.  My old senior who is no longer with me HATED lavender oil while my youngest doesn't mind it.  ALWAYS dilute with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil.  Don't spray around muzzle, eyes, ears. 

https://www.doterra.com/US/en

Add organic apple cider vinegar to your dog's food.  Build up very gradually to a 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (I add organic chicken broth to hide the taste).  This will have so many extra benefits as well as make your dog's blood unpalatable to mosquitos and fleas and ticks.

If you think you may have flea eggs or fleas in your pet's bedding, carpets, furniture, spread some food grade diatomaceous earth and let sit for a couple hours then vacuum it up.

Good luck, hope your pup is seizure free for a long time.

Hundmutter
Not sure anyone could claim it is 100% effective against fleas on pets, though.

i already did it and can assure you it works well :)
and also no one have grow that plant in their gardens in my home country but plenty of it grows uncultivated in wild.

salt can be used on carpets. Had friend w very persistent flea problem and salt finally did the trick.

On my recommendation she also supplements w garlic powder so no reoccurence. see  https://www.springtimeinc.com/product/bug-off-garlic-chewables-dogs-natural-flea-tick-prevention-supplements/Natural-Dog-Supplements?gclid=Cj0KCQjw753rBRCVARIsANe3o470je9wCietZZgFrTJr9lgWiSsdLWDAjx-lWKBrm2NK5VC1dfC5Kt4aAjE_EALw_wcB

Good company Also like their tonic blend for me and the dogs.

I don't use chemicals on my dogs...I use "DE" for my dogs...I use the "Food Grade" and give them a spoonful every day in their food...If needed I also use it in the yard and anywhere I'm having a problem...The "Food Grade" can be taken internally by dogs and humans both...I've used this for a number of years don't have a problem...

"DE"=Diatomaceous Earth...Which can be found at Tractor Supply in 10 or 20 lbs bags...It's very reasonable...

People say it's not for ticks...but I've been in heavy tick areas before and although some ticks would get on my dogs but they fall off...

I live in Florida and use "DE" everyday...12 months a year...

~Bob~

Bob - how does DE taken internally, affect fleas & ticks? I can see it useful for internal parasites when taken with their food, but the only way to kill fleas/ticks with DE is for the DE to come into contact with the pests, as the DE will scour/destroy their exoskeleton, AFAIK.