Dear Old Trainer: I have not had a dog for 20 years but just got a beautiful little Maltese named Lori that has changed my life. A friend told me there is now a product that kills flees and ticks on dogs. What is the product and does it pose any health risks?
Happy, Carmel, California
A: There are a number of products now available that work like magic to kill fleas, Happy. Whether they are totally safe is unclear.
All the products work the same way. You apply a small amount of a chemical compound to the skin of your dog. In a short time it works its way around the dog and kills all the fleas and ticks. It also kills the eggs so that no new fleas are hatched, and it lasts anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the dog.
These products contain powerful pesticides, and that is where the questions arise. The instructions on the box warn of how dangerous these chemicals can be. No one really knows what the long-term effects of these products will be. Some dogs have adverse reactions immediately.
The Old Trainer has used the products on his dogs for years with no adverse effects, but he is very careful with it. He knows there is always a danger any time you are dealing with pesticides. He follows the instructions carefully, and only uses them in the warm months when fleas and ticks are at their worst.
Fleas, and especially ticks, can cause serious, sometimes fatal, diseases, so it is a question of balancing the concerns with the pesticides with the health of the pet.
There are thousands of pages concerning these products on the Internet. Take the time to research the products and the safety issues, then discuss them with your vet.
Dear Old Trainer: I just adopted a one-year old Lab that I dearly love. My brother in Oklahoma told me I should give him heartworm pills. What is heartworm, and does Rocco really need the pills?
Wondering, Denver, Colorado
A: Heartworm is a deadly disease that is communicated to dogs by mosquito bite. It kills large numbers of dogs each year, and is present in all 50 states. It can be prevented by giving Rocco a pill each month during the time mosquitoes are present. If Rocco is outside during the summer it is wise to discuss the issue with your vet and take steps to protect Rocco.
Dear Old Trainer: I read your column every week and the way you describe the fun of having a dog has inspired me to get one. What are the best breeds, and which do you recommend? Colin, Merced
A: All breeds are good, Colin, but the "best breed" is the one that fits your life the best and that makes you happiest. It takes a lot of thought because it is like selecting a spouse (except that your dog will love you more than your spouse and will be more loyal). Here is the AKC's Top 10 list of most popular dogs for 2009:
1. Labrador retriever
2. German shepherd
3. Yorkshire terrier
4. Golden retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Bulldog
8. Dachshund
9. Poodle
10. Shih tzu
There are some good animal rescue organizations in Merced, Colin. Call them and explain that you want to rescue a dog. They will help you find a dog that is perfect for you.