Flea & tick prevention for aussies
MDR1 drug sensitivity actually affects virtually all herding dogs, along with some random breeds. We do a genetic test for that sensitivity we have in our Aussies, so we can educate our puppy families. It is called MDR1. You can read about it under Genetic Testing. Worming, Heart worm, Flea and tick prevention fall under this category. There are some flea and tick medications that Aussies should never have ever. Once that drug is in their body, if there is a reaction, to what the makers call “safe levels” of, lets say, Fluralaner, ivermectin, it is too late. You can’t get it out of them. That is why we are against the ingestible types. At least with the topical type, if there is a reaction, you can wash it off and limit or stop the reaction. So we say no to Bravecto, Heartguard, Nexguard, Proheart, Iverheart, Iverheart plus, Simparica, and ingestible Revolution. What we do use is topicals. We use either revolution topical or Advantage II. Advantage II is cheaper and you can buy it without a vet prescription or visit.
We also do not put any flea or tick medication on monthly to prevent fleas. If you dog gets fleas, usually one dose gets rid of them. Why expose your dog to the poison every month and spend the money? We see fleas on our pack, we treat everyone once. Fleas gone!! If we see a tick, we take it off. If there are many, then we treat. We do not treat for an occasional tick. These drug might make your life convenient, they are very bad chemicals to be used every month and are not good for your dog.
This website gives a great breakdown as to what heart worm, flea meds to use and not use. You must be very careful with Aussies (herding dogs) when it comes to the drugs they can have.