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| My Siberian Husky, Icy, communing with nature in the backyard, but she could be communing with fleas and ticks too! |
I was rubbing Icy's belly and she was in heaven. I started massaging her neck when suddenly I felt something. Something that shouldn't be there. A round, smooth thing that was stuck to her neck. Panic set in, I knew immediately what it was. A tick! My poor, sweet dog had a tick on her neck! I frantically dug into her thick Husky fur to get to The Disgusting Thing. It was a tick all right. A fat, full tick that had attached itself to Icy's neck, and had obviously been feasting on her blood!
This post is sponsored by BRAVECTO® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about BRAVECTO. But we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Intervet Inc., nor Merck & Co Inc., are responsible for the content of this article and have not written, reviewed, or edited it in any fashion. For more information about BRAVECTO please click here.
Here's a photo of the hateful tick I pulled out of Icy's neck. You can see stains from the blood that came out of the tick when I squished it, YUK!
Here's a photo of the hateful tick I pulled out of Icy's neck. You can see stains from the blood that came out of the tick when I squished it, YUK!
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| The ugly tick I pulled out of Icy's neck |
I felt so guilty, how could I have been negligent with her flea and tick protection? After I thought about it for awhile, I remembered that we spent a month packing up our house and moving across the country from Phoenix to New York. Then we had a family crisis and that month was kind of a blur. Well, life happens and stuff falls through the cracks, right? The scary thing is, Fleas and ticks carry diseases that can be harmful to you and your pet so effective flea and tick control is a must!
I knew it was time for longer lasting prescription flea and tick control! When I heard about BRAVECTO® (Fluralaner) it sounded like just what I needed to make flea and tick protection a whole lot easier, so I asked my Veterinarian about it (see 5 Key Questions to ask your Vet about flea and tick control below). We talked for awhile and decided that BRAVECTO was a good fit for my lifestyle and for my dogs, so I got a prescription and started both my dogs on it. I already knew that:
> BRAVECTO is a tasty chew that provides up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks*
> BRAVECTO starts killing fleas within 2 hours and kills 100% of fleas in 12 hours
> BRAVECTO is easy and convenient to use. 1 tasty chew provides up to 12 weeks of flea and tick protection*
> BRAVECTO is FDA approved and only available by prescription. BRAVECTO is only approved for dogs 6 months and older since it's prescribed based on weight and puppies under 6 months grow so quickly their weights change too much over the 12 week treatment period.
BRAVECTO® is so easy and convenient. Icy and Phoebe think it's a treat, they love the taste! I feel more confident using a prescription flea and tick product because of the increased requirements around safety and effectiveness for prescription products needed for FDA approval.
* BRAVECTO kills fleas, prevents flea infestations, and kills ticks (black-legged tick or "deer tick", American dog tick and brown dog tick) for 12 weeks. It also kills lone star ticks for 8 weeks.
FOLLOW BRAVECTO on Facebook and Twitter
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:The most common adverse reactions recorded in clinical trials of BRAVECTO were vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, polydipsia, and flatulence. BRAVECTO has not been shown to be effective for 12 weeks' duration in puppies less than 6 months of age. BRAVECTO is not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 weeks after dosing.
If you enjoyed this blog post, you may also like these two posts on BRAVECTO :
Learn more about the 4 stages of the Flea lifecycle and see why just a few fleas on your dog can mean there are many more are hiding!
In my first BRAVECTO blog post, you'll find a link for $50 Cash Back when you purchase BRAVECTO from your Veterinarian!
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published. However, it remains the responsibility of the readers to familiarize themselves with the product information contained on the USA product label or package. More product information is available here: https://intervetus.naccvp.com/product/view/1047512?e=d97b22ed63e734e84c1a5910a9c8f531z1688
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published. However, it remains the responsibility of the readers to familiarize themselves with the product information contained on the USA product label or package. More product information is available here: https://intervetus.naccvp.com/product/view/1047512?e=d97b22ed63e734e84c1a5910a9c8f531z1688
I knew it was time for longer lasting prescription flea and tick control! When I heard about BRAVECTO® (Fluralaner) it sounded like just what I needed to make flea and tick protection a whole lot easier, so I asked my Veterinarian about it (see 5 Key Questions to ask your Vet about flea and tick control below). We talked for awhile and decided that BRAVECTO was a good fit for my lifestyle and for my dogs, so I got a prescription and started both my dogs on it. I already knew that:
> BRAVECTO is a tasty chew that provides up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks*
> BRAVECTO starts killing fleas within 2 hours and kills 100% of fleas in 12 hours
> BRAVECTO is easy and convenient to use. 1 tasty chew provides up to 12 weeks of flea and tick protection*
> BRAVECTO is FDA approved and only available by prescription. BRAVECTO is only approved for dogs 6 months and older since it's prescribed based on weight and puppies under 6 months grow so quickly their weights change too much over the 12 week treatment period.
Visit your Veterinarian and ask about flea and tick control. It's a good idea to bring a list of questions with you to ask about what flea and tick control is best for your lifestyle and your pet. Here are 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR VET to get your conversation started:
1. What's new in flea and tick control?
This is important because many products currently being used have been around for 10 to 20 years or more and you may not know the differences or benefits of some of the newer products. For instance, there are now oral products that kill both fleas and ticks. One such product, BRAVECTO® (Fluralaner) lasts for up to 12 weeks* with just one tasty chew!
2. What product is best for my dog and my lifestyle?
There are many products available and your veterinarian is the right person to ask which product is best for your specific pet. Some products are easier to administer, dosed more or less frequently, have different types of side effects and even different expectations for effectiveness. You should feel comfortable asking your veterinarian to explain some of these differences.
3. Should I use a prescription product or just get a product over-the-counter?
Your Veterinarian can explain some of the differences so you can make an educated decision. For instance, prescription products have more in depth safety and effectiveness study requirements for approval.
4. What should I expect from my flea and tick control?
You may think your current product is not working because you see fleas and ticks on occasion, but should that be expected with the product you are using? On the flip side, you may think your current product is doing a great job because you don't see ticks and fleas that often. But can you expect more?
You may think your current product is not working because you see fleas and ticks on occasion, but should that be expected with the product you are using? On the flip side, you may think your current product is doing a great job because you don't see ticks and fleas that often. But can you expect more?
5. Lastly, ask to get more information on BRAVECTO if you are interested in treating less often with a tasty chew without compromising on safety or effectiveness.
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| Boxes of BRAVECTO, which I now give to both my dogs, Icy and Phoebe. |
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| BRAVECTO tablet in it's individual packet |
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| A BRAVECTO chew, in the size for dogs 44 - 88 lbs. One tasty chew provides 12 week protection against fleas and ticks*. |
Don't let FLEAS & TICKS make a meal out of your precious dog, ask your Veterinarian about BRAVECTO today! Click here to find a Veterinarian near you that can provide BRAVECTO .
* BRAVECTO kills fleas, prevents flea infestations, and kills ticks (black-legged tick or "deer tick", American dog tick and brown dog tick) for 12 weeks. It also kills lone star ticks for 8 weeks.
FOLLOW BRAVECTO on Facebook and Twitter
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:The most common adverse reactions recorded in clinical trials of BRAVECTO were vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, polydipsia, and flatulence. BRAVECTO has not been shown to be effective for 12 weeks' duration in puppies less than 6 months of age. BRAVECTO is not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 weeks after dosing.
If you enjoyed this blog post, you may also like these two posts on BRAVECTO :
Learn more about the 4 stages of the Flea lifecycle and see why just a few fleas on your dog can mean there are many more are hiding!
In my first BRAVECTO blog post, you'll find a link for $50 Cash Back when you purchase BRAVECTO from your Veterinarian!
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published. However, it remains the responsibility of the readers to familiarize themselves with the product information contained on the USA product label or package. More product information is available here: https://intervetus.naccvp.com/product/view/1047512?e=d97b22ed63e734e84c1a5910a9c8f531z1688
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published. However, it remains the responsibility of the readers to familiarize themselves with the product information contained on the USA product label or package. More product information is available here: https://intervetus.naccvp.com/product/view/1047512?e=d97b22ed63e734e84c1a5910a9c8f531z1688
80 comments:
Those ticks are frightening. We hear that's a good preventive
Lily & Edward
It must have been scary to find a parasite like a tick buried in your dog's skin. Ticks can do a lot of damage including paralysis if they aren't removed. I'm glad this medication solved your problem.
Fleas and ticks can be a nightmare. Thanks for this review!
Oh yuck ticks. Hate those things. So gad you found something that works for your pups.
Yes, it sent a chill up my spine when I felt it! Bravecto is working great for us.
Ugh, it was a chilling feeling when I felt that wretched tick! I'm glad to have the girls on Bravecto now.
They sure are a nightmare, you have to protect the furbabies!
Hateful things, aren't they!? I'm really glad to have found Bravecto, thanks.
It's great that these last so long, at 12 weeks, pretty cool. That's just 4 per year!
Ticks and fleas can be so nasty - thankfully the cats have never had either.
I so want to try but my little one has had really adverse reactions to anything ingestible in the tick and flea prevention world. I wonder if it may have to do with them not having the right dosage for the tiny ones? Hate those parasites!
Fleas and ticks are just evil. Fortunately we've been free of both, knock on wood!
The Feline Tribe of Five, although indoor kitties say that fleas and ticks need to be taken seriously.
I just love that these are chews! So much more pleasant and easy than the topical stuff. Fortunately, we haven't had issues with fleas or ticks with Ruby, but we are still VERY careful.
I love the pic of the two sitting next to each other! So Sherm has a terrible flea allergy and we also have to give our guys a preventive medication every month. it's been really hot here so we're having an especially bad season for fleas.
Few things gross me out as much as a tick! I'm choosing to go with all natural prevention for Rugby, but I'm glad to know that this is working well for your dogs.
I still don't know whether it's the fleas and ticks or the preventives I fear more. Cookie had a reaction to her tick preventive. Fortunately, we never had a problem with fleas *knock on wood, and only find the odd tick every now and then.
How scary- hate ticks and fleas! Just awful. Important to talk to a vet and get protection.
Ticks, ugh! Always a concern and not easy to spot on a Husky! Icy is so lucky you felt that one! We use prevention here, too, but still always worry about those nasty buggers. Thanks for the review!
We have had a flea infestation (long story and a blog post) so we never want that to happen again! Mom puts stuff on us regularly. This sounds interesting for dogs.
We just got some Bravecto from our vet. Its weird not giving a topical monthly. I am a bit skeptical but so far so good. It is nice they they take it just like a treat! Makes it easier!
Fleas and ticks are nasty little creatures! I'm glad you found it and were able to carry on with treatment. Things happen - you're a great pet parent don't beat yourself up over missing application or being late with it.
Ugh ticks and fleas! So scary! Simba hasn't had a problem with them luckily. Thanks for this review...very informative!
Truffle and Brulee get a monthly flea/tick/heartworm treatment
I would have been really upset to find a tick on my pets too. Those are so gross! I love that this preventative protects for 12 weeks at a time. That's most of a summer season!
-Purrs from your friends at www.PlayfulKitty.net
This sounds a great development for dog parents. Having something so easy to feed a pup 'OOOH a treat" must be more appealing than tablets, drips and drops
*shudder* Ticks look so gross %-( It needs a vigilant pet parent to be constantly alert all year round to keep the family pet tick free.
That tick looks quite engorged! Did you have to test for Lyme disease?
Thanks for the reminder about Bravecto... While it's cooling down for you, Spring is just a few short days away here! Thanks, Annette
I love that you are sharing how to help pet parents prevent nasty ticks and fleas. Years ago before we discovered a preventative that works for us, my Dex showed anaplasma positive on blood test. He is fine now but it sure scared me.
Oh my gosh, that tick was yucky for sure. The treats sound like a great way to fight fleas.
UGH! Ugly tick is right!
I love that and the fact that it's a delicious chew. My dogs think they're treats!
They really are so awful, and they carry diseases too!
Oh that's too bad your dog has had negative reactions to flea & tick meds before. Talk with your Vet more about that, some of these meds have come a long way in the last several years. You do need to be cautious and work with your Vet on the right type of product.
They sure are! Not only do they drain your pet of energy by sucking their blood but they can carry diseases too!
Yes, they do! Fleas can actually live indoors and can catch a ride on humans as they go indoors and then latch on to your precious kitties! Although they're indoor kitties, definitely check for any sign of "flea dirt". Fall is actually peak flea/tick season in many areas of the country.
Oh me too! I was so glad my dogs took them right away and loved the taste, they actually looked at me like "what, only one!?"
Aww, thanks, I love that one too! Poor Sherm! That is so awful, he must be miserable.
Same here! It was so disgusting, especially when I squished it! I feel so relieved now that I have good solid protection for both of them.
Some pets do have negative reaction to medications, which makes it more difficult. I'm glad you've not had an issue and I hope you never do. You must have to be so hyper-vigilant in checking Cookie over for fleas or ticks. They need to be caught really early or they'll wreak havoc.
They really are awful, and ticks scare the heck out of me. They can both carry diseases though. I'm just so glad I talked to my Vet about Bravecto and now both dogs are on it.
Oh my goodness, I can't believe how hard it is to find anything in that thick Husky fur! I was so stunned when I found a tick on Icy, I just couldn't believe I must have missed a dose of the topical stuff - OR perish the thought - the topical didn't work well or didn't last the whole month, I just don't even know! I'm just happy I've got them both on Bravecto now. We must keep the Sibes safe from the ugly parasites!
Oh man, that must have really been awful! A flea infestation is such a pain and not easy to get rid of. We have to be so vigilant in fighting these nasty pests.
I am so happy to be rid of the topicals, they're so messy and oily and my Husky just hates when I put it on! They both loved the Bravecto chew though. I feel very confident, especially since it's made by Merck Pharma. a leader in both human and animal Pharmaceuticals. I trust that company, always have!
Thank you so much for the kind words, I really did feel terrible. It was such a tough time for us, I need to cut myself some slack! I'm so glad this opportunity with Bravecto came up, it's just what we needed! Simple, convenient, and easy to administer since the dogs love the taste!
I'm glad you found it informative. Fleas & Ticks really are such a pain, and they can be dangerous for pets since they carry diseases.
Oh excellent! I'm so happy to hear that.
It really was upsetting, I consider myself to be such a diligent pet parent so this really threw me. I love that Bravecto lasts up to 12 weeks and that I can go all Summer with one dose!
It really is such a great development, I'm loving it. I've got the next dose marked in my calendar with a reminder 12 weeks after the first dose, it's so easy!
I know right!? Gosh I didn't think about testing her for Lyme - UGH! She doesn't have any weird symptoms or anything but I need to ask my Vet about that. I didn't tell him I found a tick - I guess I was too embarrassed. I need to call him right away, thanks for that reminder!
It's a great product, so convenient and easy to use and tastes great. My dogs did so well with it. Enjoy the beautiful Spring weather that's heading your way and protect the furkids!
Oh no! That's a potential indication of a nasty tickborne disease, right? Poor Dexter, I'm so glad he is ok. I need to talk to my Vet again about that tick I found on Icy - it's been a few months now but I should still have a conversation about it. We do have deer close by now, which we never did before.
It sure was! Scared the heck out of me too. I love that this medication comes in the form of a tasty chew.
Yeah, I almost threw up when I found it!
Yikes, how scary! We also use Bravecto, mostly for fleas since I don't have to worry about ticks.
Such critical information. We have been bombarded with fleas lately and need a new solution. Thanks for this!!
loved the informative article. Too many people dont realize the dangers that illnesses like tick fever etc can pose
very informative post. Most pet parents dont use preventive measures against ticks and fleas because they dont understand the implications of the illnesses such as tick fever etc which can be fatal
I use Braveco on my dog Victor, but I do not find the tablets 'chewable' I have to cut them in half and cover them with Cheese Whiz (the miracle pill pocket) to get him to eat them.
Pippa had a tick a few weeks ago! Ugh, so disgusting!! I use spot on liquids for the moment. But I would love to try the chews!!
So important to keep our dogs protected all year long! So sorry you found that nasty critter!
I hd no idea how prevalent ticks were until I started blogging and meeting dog owners. We do not get mny ticks here in NZ (well I have not found sny on ours and a UK friend only found one tick on his cats in years!) I can imagine it would be difficult to pill a dog with something that would be an effective tick prevention - so making the medicine a treat is a tremendous piece of inspiration. I love the idea!
Ticks and fleas are two of my least favorite creatures! I'm glad you found something that works so well for your dogs.
I am going to tweet this to get the word out, too.
How scary and with all that fluff its hard to see and feel them!!!
Yes, Finn nommed it down fast when I tried Bravecto last year, and I loved the months of coverage. Another important point (but sad), is that if Lyme Disease is contracted by Australian, it is not covered by our medical system... how pathetic is that!?
Ugh, ticks are just horrible. One of my Huskies was diagnosed with anaplasmosis even after years of being on a preventative! I heard good things about this preventive. Thanks for the review - and so glad you got that nasty off of beautiful Icy.
Fleas and ticks are just horrid!!! UGH!
You're so right! It really is important to protect pets against fleas & ticks, Many people don't understand that they can carry diseases that can harm their pet!
Tick fever is nasty!
That's interesting, my dogs love these chews. I normally have to slather meds with peanut butter for them to eat it, but not these, they take it willingly. But hey, whatever you have to do to get them to eat the medication!
I'm crazy about Bravecto, it's so easy and lasts for 12 weeks. I just re-ordered Bravecto for the whole year for both my dogs.
Yes, very important to protect them all year round. I felt awful finding that tick on her, we were just so busy for a month or two I guess giving them their flea/tick treatments fell through the cracks. )- :
You are so lucky not to have many ticks in NZ, I hope they never start multiplying over there to extreme levels. In the Northeastern US ticks are a big problem, especially "deer ticks", they are everywhere! Fleas are a big issue too. I love that this is in the form of a treat, my dogs took it right away and really liked it!
I loathe fleas and ticks! They can make our pets so miserable.
Thank you so much Carol! I really appreciate any shares on this important topic.
Yes, it's so difficult to spot anything on Icy's fur, it's so dense! I was lucky to find that awful tick and get it out, although I wish I'd gotten it out a lot sooner, before it made a meal out of my poor girl!
Wow, I can't believe Lyme disease isn't covered under your medical system! How awful. It's a nasty disease and if you don't catch it quick it can really get ugly! I love the months of coverage too and that it's just so easy to give my dogs. I hate the messy, oily topicals - they smell bad too!
Oh my goodness! I can't believe one of the Sibes got a nasty tickborne disease even while using a preventative. Flea/tick meds have come a long way in the last few years, they've gotten more sophisticated. I hope your dog got good treatment and was ok?
Disgusting parasites! I loathe them.
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