How close do you get to your pets? Do you cuddle them? Do you sleep with them? Do you monitor and restrict what goes on them with the same diligence you do for yourself, and your family?

■ FAST FACTS ■

• The FDA is alerting pet owners and veterinarians of the potential for neurologic adverse events in dogs and cats when treated with drugs that are in the isoxazoline class.

• Although these products can and have been safely used in the majority of dogs and cats, pet owners should consult with their veterinarian to review their patients’ medical histories and determine whether a product in the isoxazoline class is appropriate for their pet.

■ WHAT SHOULD I KNOW? ■

• The FDA considers products in the isoxazoline class to be safe and effective for dogs and cats but is providing this information so that pet owners and veterinarians can take it into consideration when choosing flea and tick products for their pets.

• Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs and cats;

• Although most dogs and cats haven’t had neurologic adverse reactions, seizures may occur in animals without a prior history;

• Many products are available for prevention and control of flea and tick infestations. Some flea and tick products are regulated by the FDA and some are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. You can discuss all options with your veterinarian to choose the right product for your pet.

■ WHAT PRODUCTS ARE IN THE ISOXAZOLINE CLASS? ■

• The FDA-approved drugs in this class areBravecto (fluralaner) tablets for dogs
  Bravecto (fluralaner) topical solution for cats and dogs
  Bravecto Plus (fluralaner and moxidectin) topical solution for cats
  Bravecto 1-month (fluralaner) tablets for dogs
  Credelio (lotilaner) tablets for dogs and cats
  Nexgard (afoxolaner) tablets for dogs
  Simparica (sarolaner) tablets for dogs
  Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel) tablets for dogs
  Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner) topical solution for cats

• These products are approved for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, and the treatment and control of tick infestations. Some are also approved for treatment and control of ear mite infestations and some gastrointestinal parasite infections, and a few are also approved for prevention of heartworm disease.

[ INFORMATION ABOVE: FROM THE FDA Fact Sheet for Pet Owners and Veterinarians about Potential Adverse Events Associated with Isoxazoline Flea and Tick Products ]

SWEET ONES,

Think for a moment about how you hold your pets, the contact you have with them, the desire for longevity and health you have for them.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY.

I have not used a conventional flea or tick treatment on Eleanor EVER, nor have I on our new golden, Sadie. Nor will I.

 So, what DO I do?

• frequent bathing in AnimalScents Shampoo (dog bath, not a dog shower )

• daily tick checks

• daily grooming spray with essential oils added for extra benefit like Citronella as a repellant. (full recipe below)

 "When you know better, you do better."

 
■ DIY DOG GROOMING SPRAY ■

1 Tbsp Young Living Lavender or Lavender Mint conditioner

Purification (5)

Geranium (5)

Lavender (5)

Rosemary (5)

Citronella (5)

Cedarwood (5)

Palo Santo (5)

1oz Vodka

6 oz water

Combine in a spray bottle & spray coat as needed before going outside

*for cats, omit oils of concern and add oils only, to 1cup Brewers Yeast and brush into cat's hair

■ YL OUTDOOR DOG COLLAR ■

Mix in stainless steel bowl:

1/2 cup vodka

3 drops Young Living Cedarwood oil

9 drops Geranium oil

9 drops Lavender oil

6 drop Citronella

3 drops Thyme oil (optional at your discretion)

9 drops Orange oil

5 drops Palo Santo

Soak collar in mixture until all is absorbed. Allow to dry completely. This is good for 30 days.

■ GENERAL DO'S & DONT'S ■

 DO

• Dilute heavily with a carrier

• Start small and use in moderation

• Observe how the animal responds

• Care for each animal different

 DON'T

• Use oils near animal's eyes, mouth, nose or sensitive areas

• Use "hot" oils such as Wintergreen, Oregano, Cinnamon or Peppermint, etc

• Use high phenol oils such as Oregano, Clove, Wintergreen, and Thyme

■ GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC ANIMALS ■

 CATS

•Start with 1 drop of oil to 4 parts carrier oil

• Avoid citrus oils and tea tree oils

• Apply to paws

• Wear or diffuse near animal to acclimate them

 DOGS

• Start with 1-5 drops, depending on size of dog

• Dilute at least 75%

• Avoid using with newborn puppies

• Wear or diffuse near animal to acclimate them

• Apply to paws