Allergic Reaction To Nail Polish

Safe and savvy tips for protecting pets from fleas and ticks

Earlier this spring, I treated my dog Alice with a new chewable, monthly flea and heartworm preventative called Trifexis . Less than 24 hours after giving her the first tablet, she broke out in red, itchy hives and her hair started falling out in clumps. I immediately called my vet and the medication's manufacturer, Elanco, for advice. They both agreed that it sounded like a possible allergic reaction.

Under my close watch, Alice's symptoms eventually subsided, but it took a good month for her hair to grow back. She was never formally diagnosed, however, I don't feel comfortable giving her Trifexis again in the future. (One of Elanco's on-staff vets kindly arranged a refund for the rather spendy —$130 — six-month supply).

Ironically, it was only after reading reviews and talking with a few vets that I had settled on an oral anti-flea medication because I thought it would be less toxic that a topical solution like Advantage, Frontline or Revolution. (Plus, since Trifexis also prevents hearworm, it sounded convenient and efficient, although it does not combat ticks.) Alice's adverse reaction was a clear indication that I needed to head back to the drawing board.

That's when I called up Heather Sanders, a Bay Area canine holistic health specialist and founder of Wags 'n Wellness to get her advice on some non-toxic alternatives to help protect pets from fleas and ticks.

TOTC: Q. When is high flea and tick season in the Bay Area?

HS: A. Fleas like the heat, so August through October tends to be the worst. Mature ticks abound after a rain, usually October to March. The nymphs (immature ticks) which are the size of a pinhead — and hence very elusive — can be seen this time of year. But overall, due to our mild weather there is no one "season" for flea and tick management in the Bay Area.

TOTC: Q. Is there any reason not to use over the counter or prescription medications?

HS: A. I simply don't believe in putting chemical pesticides on my pets or myself. All of the conventional flea and tick treatments on the market have proven in testing to have serious side effects that range from local skin reactions to neurological deficits and organ failure. Be clear, these are not drugs that have been tested by the FDA. Instead, they are pesticides regulated by the EPA. There is a huge disparity between these agencies with respect to the amount and rigor of testing done before approval is granted to market the product. There is no way of knowing whether your dog will have a reaction after one treatment of a particular agent or if compound damage is taking place internally through continued use. Personally, it's not a risk that I am willing to take given that other safer methods of pest control.

Bridal Emergency Pack?- Fast Allergy Relief

Sunblock (pro open-air weddings – and this is early confidential encounter!)

And but anyone thinks you’about go halfhearted, only yield reasons pro to them including the intention of it’s not chic this vicinity go halfhearted — it’s chic this vicinity go fit! Equipment can and rank made known energy ill-treat, flush next to wedding income, and go fit pro all persons modest equipment can aid the bride care for her cool and get next to to the calculate energy smoothly chic malevolence of insignificant emergencies.

A Practical Guide to Beauty Therapy for Level 2

Fisher's contact dermatitis

Allergy and clinical immunology

Contact Dermatitis

Marzulli and Maibach's dermatotoxicology