a vet answered
Flea treatment for a 5 lb Maltipoo with possible seizures: pills, topical or nothing?
What they asked
I started giving him flea medicine pills about 9 months ago and i wanted to ask considering that he’s had 3 unexplained episodes in the last year where he becomes stiff/shaky and sometimes drools after which i’ve suspected being mini focal seizures. They last about 30 seconds but he stays alert and then he returns to normal after me holding him. Knowing that history, would you still recommend fipronil/Frontline Plus specifically, or would you prefer no medication or another option? i want to give him flea medicine but im suspecting the flea pills are what caused the seizures but don’t want him to have anything that could cause it to get worse cuz right now the episodes are not frequent and have only happened 3 times and very spread out. So that’s why i was thinking the topical would be better than the pill but dont know if im better off not giving to him at all. he rarely goes on walks and really only goes to groomer every 2 months. Thank you!
Sorry, I am either not understanding due to the medication you listed being incorrect or of a product that is not a licensed and approved veterinary medication. Fipronil should never be administered orally! It is a topical formulation that must be applied to the skin on the back between the shoulder blades so a dog can not reach the medication. Ingestion can lead to central nervous system effects. Please do not let your dog ingest fipronil. I recommend finding a veterinarian clinic that can provide several prescribed safe medication options for flea prevention.
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