Comments on: How Safe is My Pet’s Flea Preventative?

By: Dr. K

Dr. K — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:40:44 +0000

G: Calculation error noted and corrected! Thanks!

By: G

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:18:27 +0000

I think your math is off here. The “generous estimate” you mention is 1 million. The total was 100+ million. 1 in 100 is 1% (by the very definition of percentages). You can also phrase it as 0.01–but use either 0.01 OR 1%.

To get a percentage, divide incidents by total possibles and then multiply by 100%. For example:

(44,000/100,000,000) x 100% = 0.044%

Still a very small number.

By: Nici

Nici — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:56:36 +0000

Thanks. I was concerned about if Comfortis covered ticks, but I guess not. Being that we live in Florida I should probably discuss this with our vet. She is still scratching, but I believe this may be caused by mosquitoes or allergies.

Thank you for the insight. My dog did experience vomiting; however, I have found that if I feed her it reduces the chance of vomiting.

By: Dr. K

Dr. K — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:13:53 +0000

I have never used Comfortis so I cannot speak firsthand on its efficacy. Based on the research and minimal adverse effects reported, I believe this product is reasonably safe for dogs and works quickly to kill fleas. The most common adverse event reported in a study of nearly 400 dogs was vomiting. This oral flea preventative is similar to other products that have been on the market for ages. Luferon is the flea insecticide in Sentinel and Program. Nitenpyram is the active ingredient in Capstar. All of these products have proven safe over the years as well. The bigger issue in veterinary medicine is owner compliance. Pet owners are more likely to regularly use one or two products versus three products for complete parasite protection. I always recommend heartworm preventatives as well as a flea AND tick preventatives. Practicing on the east coast, tick infestations are severe. Ticks transmit Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Anaplasma, and Erhlichia. If a product eliminates fleas only, owners are required to purchase a tick collar as well as a heartworm preventative. Expense goes up, compliance goes down, and the pet is at risk for developing disease. I am more inclined to recommend products that cover both fleas and ticks, like Frontline and Advantix (in dog only households) or products that cover both fleas and heartworms, like Revolution and Advantage multi.

By: Nici

Nici — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:29:07 +0000

How do you feel about the oral preventatives, such as Comfortis?