Frontline or stronghold - which works?

[debbie321]

I took my cats for their vaccinations and check ups last week.  The vet searched through my white cats fur and produced a fair amount of flea dirt    I said that I didn't understand that as she'd been frontlined two weeks previously.  He said that frontline was ineffective and that I should get a prescription treatment as frontline was sold anywhere these days.  I said that the surgery had sold it to me in the first place - his response was that fleas had built up a resistance and that stronghold was the recommended one these days. 

I then said that I'd been sold frontline for my dog about 4 weeks ago by them - he responded by saying that it was cat fleas that had built the resistance up!

Are they having a laugh?  Do they just want me to get my flea treatment from them or is frontline now useless?  I've checked Ben and there is flea dirt there + he gets ticks and they are usually still alive when I find them 

I paid a small fortune for the frontline combo and can't retreat him for another month - I feel like taking the rest back and demanding a replacement pack of stronghold.

What are your thoughts / experiences or preferences?

[cazza]

I have found a more natural one - but I can't remember the name at the mo (short version on name is DE, hopefully someone will know - but I will go off and see if I can find it for you  )

[bibathediva]

My vets rececptionist told me Frontline was not very good   and recommended Advantix for the little blighters  

[cazza]

Right found it        Diatomaceous Earth  http://www.holisticpetsupplies.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=476

What ever you do if getting this MAKE SURE IT IS FOOD GRADE you get 

[Helen]

Advantix is the only one that will kill ticks fairly instantly but it has been known to give awful side effects to *some* dogs.  If I was in an endemic tick area I would use it, but for the 2 or 3 ticks a day areas I would seriously do some research on it and side effects 

Cazza, am investing in DE - will let you know how we get on 

[Penelope]

I spoke to my vet about this yesterday - he has recommended a new product called PRACTIC - he gave me a leaflet about it and according to the literature it lasts longer than either Frontline or Stronghold.  Haven't tried it yet (or even bought it yet!) but will do so next month when they all need doing!
Good luck.

[cazza]

Advantix is the only one that will kill ticks fairly instantly but it has been known to give awful side effects to *some* dogs.  If I was in an endemic tick area I would use it, but for the 2 or 3 ticks a day areas I would seriously do some research on it and side effects 

Cazza, am investing in DE - will let you know how we get on 

Good luck - I've heard it is brilliant and can be used also as a more natural wormer too 

[supaspaniel]

Right found it        Diatomaceous Earth  http://www.holisticpetsupplies.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=476

What ever you do if getting this MAKE SURE IT IS FOOD GRADE you get 

ok.....I'm 'sort of' seeing a fella...but thats another story and he's a herbalist, so I just asked him about this...his reply........

Never seen that idea before. Using it as a powder externally would be safe. Internally though, I'm not too sure. There is some evidence that long term use of that stuff may change the lining of your gut.
When it comes to worms and parasites though, best advice is always drugs, cos they can run rampant and recur constantly if not eradicated all at once at the same time.
 
One of the best all round anti-parasite thingies is Neem oil, and it's safe.

I trust him.....so hope that helps

[cazza]

I know of a few people who use it as a wormer, think I'm right in saying they feed BARF too

[Mazame]

Actually, Frontline doesn't work a lot anymore. There are 2 types of fleas and the cat carries dog's ones but supports them well. The cats are often the problem when the dogs have fleas. You should treat your home too.

Advantix is the only one that will kill ticks fairly instantly but it has been known to give awful side effects to *some* dogs.

It's rather Scalibor that is known to give awful skin effects. I bought Duowin (against ticks & fleas) for my rottweiler. I don't know if it is sold in GB.

I heard lavender worked well but haven't tried it yet.

[Cob-Web]

Has anyone had a problem with Frontline?  I have been using it for the last few months as I can buy it online without a prescription and so-far, so-good; no sign of fleas despite being in kennels and regular contact with other dogs 

 
One of the best all round anti-parasite thingies is Neem oil, and it's safe.[/i]

I trust him.....so hope that helps

I use Neem Oil on my guinea pig as a shampoo; can you buy it in quantities suitable for dogs and how would you administer it? 

[mezzamo]

I have always used Frontline as initially recommended and purchased from my Vets by I now buy it online.  I have so far never had any problems and it appears to have worked well though I now have my concerns after reading this thread.

[starboy]

I'm sure you can't use Advantix if you have cats if the house. If frontline isn't any good any more then why are the vets still selling it? I was offered it at the vets last week but I had already bought some on line It does make you worry about what is best to use.

[joanne_v]

Used advantix last week on my lot and all is fine and dandy and tick free 

[175brown]

iv just been given prac-tic by my new vet she said it was the same as frontline just cheaper.
i had know idea frontline was being ineffective