Reaction to Sergeant's Gold flea medicine

[88Keys]

As money was tight, I bought some OTC flea preventative called Sergeant's Gold for Rusty, our 16 month-old chocolate lab. He's been itchy, and we've found a few fleas on him. I put the stuff on him this morning around 8:30 or so. He seemed fine. Most of it went more into his fur than his skin (as usual; you know how the lab's coat is!). I left for work around 10:30, got home by 4. Again, he seemed fine.

This evening, he started rubbing his right shoulder up against everything (cabinet, doorframe, floor). He was also more energetic and active than usual. Like he couldn't sit still, kept running to the door and back. I did a google search for Sergeant's and was horrified to hear of all the dogs who have had bad reactions to it!

We have now washed Rusty three times with Dawn and given him half a Benadryl. The E-vet advised keeping confined, in a darkened room to cut down on stimulus. He is resting in his kennel now, and seems pretty calm. He is whining a bit, but I think that's just because he wants out. Thankfully, his skin is not red or blistered, and he's not drooling or shaking like some of the cases I've read about. I think the stuff is kind of like Icy Hot, and he doesn't know how to deal with the tingling (I got a bit on my cheek and can definately feel it). I feel really, really awful that I did this to him. I'm also stunned and angered that this product is still on the shelves. I have read of much worse reactions, usually in small dogs.

Bottom line- PLEASE avoid Sergeant's Gold!

[Puck'sMom]

I'm glad you posted this. We have to be so careful with these insecticides. I hope Rusty has improved since the washing!

[88Keys]

He is still restless this morning. He kind of alternates between trotting around and trying to scratch his right shoulder, then laying down because he has worn himself out. I gave him a little Benadryl and put him in the kennel to calm him down, and I will be applying some vitamin E to his coat shortly. I think he will be OK, but I hate seeing him so obviously feeling bad.

[PATEX]

I hope he is feeling better soon. I tried a cheaper flea medicine on one of the kitties a long time ago, and it just ran like it was water. Since it didn't stay where it was supposed to stay, he was able to lick it, and he did. Then he vomitted -- a lot. Then I had to bathe him, and bathing a cat is no picnic. So, I stick with the Frontline for the dogs and Revolution for the cats after that incident. It's just one of those things that is worth the extra cost.

[MySprockette]

I posted a while back about my mom's dogs. She did the same thing and her smallest peekapoo landed in the vets because of her severe reaction to it. The vet said that she may have licked it off of the other dogs. I'm glad you didn't have to go through a severe reaction.

[88Keys]

By Tuesday evening, he was back to normal. And, thanks to the Dawn, his coat is softer and shinier than ever! (No, I'm not going to keep using it, but I thought it was kind of funny)

Hi,

I'm writing to you on behalf of Sergeant's as my company has been retained to help provide information and support to pet owners like yourself who have had a less than positive experience with Sergeant’s flea and tick products. I’m very sorry to hear about Rusty’s recent experience. Because of his reaction, washing Rusty in dish soap was a very good idea.

Since a few of the statements you made in your post are similar to other posts I’ve seen online, I greatly encourage you to visit Look at The Label, a website dedicated to answering questions pertaining to experiences such as yours:
www{dot}lookatthelabel{dot}com
*remove {dot} and add "."

Please visit the Look at the Label website and let me know if it answers questions you might be having. I do think you will find the information very useful. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to let me know as I would be more than happy to assist you further!

Julie

[ZenCat]

Since the active ingredient in Sergeant's Gold is Cyphenothrin, which is a synthetic pyrethrin (Pyrethroids), you might want to watch Rusty for reaction to other flea/tick products using pyrethroids. The article linked below gives an overview of the various types of pesticides used in flea/tick products, and their relative safety.

Pyrethroids (e.g.; Permethrin, Phenothrin, Etofenprox)

Pyrethroids are synthetic pyrethrin compounds. That means they are made in a laboratory and are not natural plant extracts. Common synthetic pyrethrins are allethrin, resmethrin, phenothrin, etofenprox, and permethrin. Allethrin and resmethrin are commonly used as flying insect killers, while phenothrin, etofenprox, and permethrin are used to control fleas and ticks. These may be slower in action than the natural pyrethrins, but have a longer effect.

Mode of Action: Pyrethroids, like pyrethrin, affect the nervous system of the insect, causing repetitive nerve firings.

Use: Pyrethroids are used for the control of ticks, fleas, lice, Cheyletiella mites, and mosquitoes. In addition to killing these parasites, they also repel them. Because permethrins last longer than natural pyrethrins, they are commonly found in premise sprays and in products intended for slower, but sustained action. Permethrins are soluble in oils, but not in water. This is used to advantage in products that use an oil carrier to enhance distribution of the pyrethroid over the animal's body and prolong his activity, e.g., once-a-month BioSpot Spot On for Dogs, Defend, and K9 Advantix. Permethrin should NOT be used on kittens or cats. Bio Spot-Spot On for Cats, which contains etofenprox, is labeled for use in cats.

A pyrethroid that is often used in the environment is fenvalerate.

Safety: Pyrethroids are less easily broken down than pyrethrin, so this makes their toxicity, though low, higher than that of pyrethrin. As with any pesticide, some animals may show a temporary sensitivity where the product is applied. A patient with pyrethroid toxicity will salivate, tremor, vomit, and may seizure. If these signs occur, consult your veterinarian.

When pyrethroids are used in the outdoor environment, there is virtually no leaching into the soil, and when used properly, pyrethroids are very safe. The World Health Organization states fenvalerate 'will only cause a problem if spilled.' Permethrin and most other pyrethroids should NOT be used on kittens or cats.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=598

[Labman]

I have little experience with them, but have heard a lot of negative things about OTC products. I think I will continue working with my vet especially now my yard is contaminated with whip worms.