| Ask The Vet -
Q&A |
Question
I have an 8 year old Jack Russell who has always been wormed
and flea treated. My friend also has the above, but has never had
her dog wormed on the advice of her vet who said that this is not
necessary because she has flea treatment (Stronghold). Why is this,
and why do I have to do both for my dog? We use Drontall worming
and Frontline flea treatment.
Julie Kershaw - London
|
Answering questions:
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS from
Vet
Help Direct |
| Answer |
Hi
Julie,
First of all well done, by using Drontal and Frontline at the recommended
time intervals you are providing excellent cover for your dog against
both fleas and worms.
Frontline
and Stronghold both provide good protection against fleas and biting
lice. As your friend’s vet has pointed out, unlike Frontline,
Stronghold is also active against intestinal roundworms. Stronghold
does not affect tapeworms, so if your dog’s lifestyle means
it is at risk of tapeworms you need to treat separately for these
if you are using Stronghold. Drontal treats for roundworms and tapeworms.
Risk factors for tapeworms include your dog eating raw meat or hunting,
having had fleas since he was last treated for tapeworm, living
in Powys or the surrounding area or living in the Hebrides.
There are other pros and cons for both medications and it is a case
of deciding with your vet the best product for you and your dog.
Stronghold also treats and protects against ear mites and mange,
it protects against heartworm which is not found in Britain but
may be necessary if you decide to take your dog abroad. Importantly
for some, unlike Stronghold, Frontline does provide some protection
against ticks if used monthly. It does not prevent the tick attaching
but will kill it within 48 hours. Stronghold has no action against
ticks.
In summary by using Drontal and Frontline you are protecting against
roundworms, tapeworms, fleas, ticks and lice. If this combination
suits your dog there is no need to change it. If you think Stronghold
might be a good option for your dog contact your vet and check that
they are in agreement. Stronghold needs to be administered where
as Frontline lasts up to 8 weeks unless your dog is allergic to
fleas or is exposed to a particularly high level of fleas. If you
have not already done so you need to get individual advice on how
often your dog needs treating for worms.
I hope this helps. I should also mention that there are various
other flea treatments available. Always ask your vet for advice
as some of the non prescription treatments are not particularly
effective.
Kind regards,
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS www.vethelpdirect.com |
| ©
D for Dog www.dfordog.com |
| |
Only
one question per week will be answered. Unanswered questions will
be retained and may be selected at a later date at the vet's discretion.
Disclaimer:
'Ask The Vet' is not intended to be used for as a substitute for
visiting your vet. If your dog is showing any sign of poor health
or discomfort please contact your own veterinary surgeon. If you
are not sure how urgent the condition is use www.vethelpdirect.com
to help you decide. Any opinions given in the answers to these questions
are Ms Samuel's, they may not necessarily reflect the views of the
veterinary profession in general or any other individual veterinary
surgeon. |
| |
Joint
Support for
Dogs |
|
Nervous
Support for Dogs |
|
Herbal
Throat Syrup for Dogs |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
