WARNING about seresto flea/tick collars

8 years ago

i did a copy/paste of my facebook post from yesterday. wanted to put this out there for anybody considering these collars...

WARNING to any dog moms and dads out there in facebookland who are thinking about trying the seresto flea/tick collars. i put these on my 3 danes 4 days ago. yesterday, olivia was exhibiting signs of discomfort, lethargy, air licking, restlessness, insisting on going outside and eating grass, etc. today, destiny has been exhibiting the very same symptoms. both times, i gave them a pepcid and some gas-x as these are all early signs of bloat. the meds did not seem to be of much help to olivia nor are they helping destiny today.

now, i used these collars last summer and swore by them. however, perhaps something has changed in the formula? perhaps my dogs have suddenly developed some sort of intolerance to them? i don't know but i just wanted to put this out there so that anybody who is thinking about using them or is already using them, beware!

i went to the official seresto wesite and had i read the reviews, i NEVER would have ordered these collars. for every good review, there are 10 very bad ones!

i ordered mine from chewy.com and just got off the phone with them. without question, their customer service surpasses just about any other i have dealt with. the woman was very polite and without hesitation, credited my card and told me returning the collars was not necessary and to just throw them away.

hopefully, destiny will settle before bedtime and i won't be up all night watching her like a hawk!

Featured Answer

Jiima Bufilewa

5 years ago

Just a point of perspective. If every person who has a positive Seresto story to tell posted their stories, these horror stories would be outnumbered 1,000,000 : 1. Sometimes coincidence is mistaken for causality. Does anyone have any clinical data?

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Comments (34)

annztoo
8 years ago
nina,

I know of no collars that are safe for pets to wear. Did you give them a bath to make sure any residue has been removed....especially around their neck?
Suzieque
8 years ago
I agree - I wouldn't put a flea collar on any of my pets - ever.
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USDA Studies: Ivermectin for Tick Control http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8667385&dopt=Abstract Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX 78028-9184, USA. Whole-kernel corn was treated with 10 mg ivermectin per 0.45 kg corn and fed at rate of approximately .45 kg/deer per day to white-tailed deer confined in the treatment pasture, whereas deer in an adjacent control pasture received a similar ration of untreated corn. Treatments were dispensed from February through September of 1992 and 1993, and free-living populations of lone star ticks. Amblyomma americanum (L.), were monitored in both pastures using dry-ice traps to quantify nymphs and adults and flip-cloths to assay the relative abundance of larval masses. Control values that were calculated for all ticks collected in both pastures during 1993 showed 83.4% fewer adults, 92.4% fewer nymphs and 100.0% fewer larval masses in the treatment versus control pasture. Serum ivermectin concentrations in treated deer averaged 21.7 and 28.3 ppb during 1992 and 1993, respectively. These values compared favorably with the goal concentration of 30.0 ppb which was anticipated under ideal conditions. This study demonstrates that a freely consumed, systemically active acaricidal bait ingested by white-tailed deer under nearly wild conditions can significantly reduce the abundance of all stages of free-living lone star ticks. http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_115=115671 The effectiveness of the endectocide, ivermectin administered daily to cattle infested with all life stages of B. microplus was evaluated. Cattle were treated at dose rates of 25 and 50 mcg of ivermectin per kg of body weight for a period of 21 days. While both ivermectin treatment doses were highly effective (>99% control), the 50 mcg/kg/d dose was more effective than the 25 mcg/kg/d dose against all life stages of the tick. The presence of ivermectin in the blood of the cattle caused high mortality in the ticks, as well as producing dramatic adverse effects in the reproductive capability of the ticks that were able to survive and detach from the cattle. Based on the results of this study, the potential for use of ivermectin and other acaricides with similar chemistries is encouraging. The use of these types of acaricides applied by different delivery systems, such as long-term boluses or medicated feed systems has great promise for future applicability in the Boophilus eradication program.... ...overall control achieved at both doses of ivermectin was >99% against all parasitic stages, the 50 mcg/kg/d dose was more effective (P http://www.afpmb.org/pubs/misc/researchreview2004/4b-Pound.ppt http://live.psu.edu/story/19217 Deer-free areas may be haven for ticks, disease Wednesday, August 30, 2006 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University Park, Pa. -- Excluding deer could be a counterproductive strategy for controlling tick-borne infections, because the absence of deer from small areas may lead to an increase in ticks, rapidly turning the area into a potential disease hotspot, according to a team of U.S. and Italian researchers. "Deer are referred to as dilution hosts or dead-end hosts," says Sarah Perkins, a postdoctoral researcher at Penn Stateâs Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics. "They get bitten by ticks but never get infected with tick-borne pathogens, such as the bacteria causing Lyme disease." However, deer are critical to adult female ticks in the last stages of their three-part lifecycle. Ticks use them for a final blood meal before dropping off to produce thousands of eggs, Perkins explains. Currently, health officials believe that removing deer from the equation could disrupt the tick lifecycle and leave fewer ticks to feed on rodents, which, unlike deer, can transfer a range of tick-borne pathogens. Ultimately the tick-borne disease will fade out. However, previous field studies show that removing deer sometimes leads to higher tick densities and sometimes lower, and the outcome seems dependent on the size of area from which deer are excluded. "Very few studies have looked at how removing the deer affects the intensity of tick bites on rodents, and how it relates to the size of the area from where the deer are excluded," explains Perkins, whose findings are published in the current issue of the journal Ecology. Researchers first collected data from published information on tick densities in deer excluded areas ranging in size from roughly 2.5 acres to 18 acres. Next, over a six-month period, they captured rodents from a 2.5-acre deer excluded area in the Italian Alps in a known hotspot for tick-borne encephalitis -- a disease passed to humans through the bite of an infected tick. "From previous studies we found that tick densities decreased in (geographically) large areas and increased dramatically in smaller areas," suggesting that there is a threshold area - from where deer are excluded - for tick populations to either increase or decrease, notes the Penn State researcher. Statistical analyses of ticks on the captured rodents indicated that compared to the control areas, the deer-excluded areas hosted a significantly higher number of nymph and adult female ticks, as well as a high prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis. Because tick-borne encephalitis is transmitted only between ticks feeding on these rodents, the findings suggest how small deer-free areas could quickly turn into a disease hotspot. "This goes somewhat against conventional wisdom. When you remove deer, it does not always reduce the tick population," says Perkins. "If you were to exclude deer from hundreds of acres, tick numbers will fall. But in an area less than 2.5 acres, you are more likely to increase tick density and probably create tick-borne hotspots." Researchers say the study demonstrates how the strategy of keeping deer away may work only for large areas but is likely to amplify tick populations in smaller areas. Fragmented patches of forest and small parks that are off-limits to deer could also turn into a disease reservoir, they caution. "We need to be cautious about keeping deer away from small areas, even peopleâs backyards, as it might only lead to more ticks that are infected with tick-borne pathogens," says Perkins. She adds that forest areas deer consistently avoid also have the potential of turning into a haven for tick-borne disease. Other authors of the paper include Isabella M. Cattadori, postdoctoral scholar, and Peter J. Hudson, the Willaman Professor of Biology, both at Penn State University, and Valentina Tagliapietra and Annapaola P. Rizzoli, Centro di Ecologia Alpina, Italy. A grant from the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy, supported this work. The Penn State Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics is at http://www.cidd.psu.edu/. Contact Amit Avasthi axa47@psu.edu http://live.psu.edu 814-865-9481 Contact Vicki Fong vfong@psu.edu http://live.psu.edu 814-865-9481 The Pennsylvania State University Â© 2006 http://www.wildlifeprotein.com/index.cfm/fa/categories.main/parentcat/16705
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Cats and puppies are far more likely to experience adverse reactions to flea products. Years ago it was recommended that only flea powders be used and that they be used with caution and washed away once they did the job. Even flea baths were deemed too harsh. Another thing many people don't realize is that many heartworm tablets also have flea preventative. So some people who use both may be unknowingly overdosing their pets. Ask if you pet is already receiving flea protection through their heart worm meds. Flea and heart worm preventatives are a wonderful science for animals that need them. If you live in a mosquito invested area heartworm meds are a must. But too many pets are on heart worm meds year round when they might only need them at specific times of the year,when traveling or never depending on where they live. The same can be said for flea medications. Once the fleas and eggs have been dealt with then enough of the treatments already. There are some environments where regular flea maintenance may be required but not every household pet needs to be dosed with pesticide every month. I have two large dogs. Both had fleas just once in their lives. The Lab as a puppy and the Rot when she first came to us in her later life because she was often at the dog park. These dogs have "natural" flea prevention. I leave their coats alone except for brushing. All the dogs I know that have skin and flea problems are constantly being bathed as if they were children. They are dogs. They have natural skin oils that need not be washed away. A muddy dog can be simply hosed down if needed but the full bath thing with shampoo, conditioner and cologne etc. is way over the top for many dogs. My dogs get a bath maybe twice a year or if they roll in something really disgusting. They don't smell, they don't have skin problems and they don't have fleas. They are brushed and their ears are cleaned. Their nails are kept short, one by nature and one who needs regular clipping and dremeling. Please take a look at what you are doing to your pets. If there is a medical reason for doing something like extra bathing then fine. But don't just do things because every says so. I am extremely lucky to have an honest vet who doesn't push unnecessary things but even some practices out there are really pushing products for profit these days. I'll get off my soapbox now.
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socks
8 years ago
You must be so worried, Nina. I hope they improve overnight. Did any of their symptoms match those shown on the website?
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Ninapearl
Original Author
8 years ago
yes, washed all necks/shoulders. destiny finally returned to normal by last night. this was so scary as all of these symptoms are the same symptoms you see with bloat.

and yes, socks, reading the negative reviews, many of them showed the same symptoms. many of the dogs even suffered seizures! ugh!!
christine 5b
8 years ago
Happy to read they are both OK, thanks for the heads up Nina, I havent used flea collars for over 25 years, I dont even like having to use any flea & tick meds but where I live we have to worry about deer ticks UGH I hate them!!
Suzieque
8 years ago
So glad that everybody's ok!
Myrna Villarreal
5 years ago
For those that have to deal with fleas on your pets, what do you use or do so you don’t worry about them getting into your homes?
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nannygoat18
5 years ago
I have used Nexgard and Bravecto (3 month chewable) with mixed results. My new vet just recommended SIMPARICA which she uses on her own dogs. It's relatively new and has less (if any) side effects than the others. It's chewable and lasts a month.
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eccentric
5 years ago
nannygoat18 - thanks for info re Simparica. We started off using Bravecto and then were switched to Nexgard. I googled Simparica and it seems to be available in Canada (I only buy from our vet - but it is "new" here - not certain how new).

I will ask our vet about it the next time we are in. All of our vets have dogs and are currently using Nexgard so will see what she says. We will need to purchase more Heartworm and Nexgard (unless Simparica is recommended) at beginning of August.

Happy to hear that Simparica is a chewable - an extra treat for the always starving Eskie on hypothryoid meds.

Fortunately, we do not use collars - of any sort. Collars do not work well on a double coated dog with a lot of fur around his neck!
Kaillean (zone 8, Vancouver)
5 years ago
I don’t know how they can still sell flea collars when so many animals have been adversely affected. The once a month options are more effective and less dangerous.
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eccentric
5 years ago
Ninapearl - I thought of you the other day when I saw a commercial on TV for the seresto collars. Normally if a program is simulcast in Canada from the U.S. we are shown Cdn. commercials so I have no idea if the collars are sold here or not - but some types of flea collars are sold here but not where I buy our guy's stuff.
Ninapearl
Original Author
5 years ago
i went with bravecto chewables this summer. i mostly need to treat for ticks, i've never seen a flea out here. i've been told they don't like the sand. anyway, olivia had a reaction in that she vomited all of her meals for 2 days. it didn't start until a couple of days after i gave her the stuff. by the time they are due for another dose, the ticks will be pretty much gone. doubt i'll use this again so next summer, probably back to the frontline plus.
Diane DelVecchio
5 years ago
Did you purchase them from a reputable place, like a vet or local pet store? They could be counterfeits if not.
Diane DelVecchio
5 years ago
Spray your yards organically and you never have to put anything on your furbabies.
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Diane DelVecchio
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Kaillean, the spot-ons are not safer, they are neurotoxins. Once you put them on, you can't take them off if they have a reaction, same thing with pills. At least a collar can be removed. I used the Seresto collars on my 6 pets for many years without one issue. I stopped when I started having my property sprayed.
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Ninapearl
Original Author
5 years ago
yes, they were purchased through chewy.com where i get pretty much all of my dog supplies. i consider them very reputable.

as for spraying, my "yard" is 20+ acres so that isn't gonna happen.
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Ninapearl
Original Author
5 years ago
totally agree with you, jiima. the only reason i started this discussion was to give a warning especially to those with senior dogs. i could consider it a logical coincidence if only one of my dogs had the symptoms but with both of them within 24 hours of each other, i was pretty convinced.
HU-357862002
5 years ago
I have been looking for comments on the Seresta flea collars possibly causing LYMPHOMA in cats.I have found all kinds of info reporting negative occurances after applying the collars to their pets.I purchased a Seresta collar for one of my cats at the insistance of a newly hired vet at the veterinary hospital I use. The cat got scabby lesions under the collar and was advised to remove the collar and apply an OTC antibiotic cream to the lesions. I returned the collar and was given a refund That was November 2017. In June 2018, I took the same cat for a yearly check up -no problems ,blood tests fine. With in a couple of weeks, the cat developed lumps around his neck,was diagnosed with LYMPHOMA.I opted to give him medications because he hated being in a carrier,I was told there was no promise of a more aggressive plan working to save him.Two weeks later I had to have him euthanized.I am still traumatized and absolutely HEARTBROKEN by his death. I should have listened to my heart and instincts to say NO to that collar, but I trusted. I'm not blaming the vet, I'm blaming the Bayer Company. I have contacted them twice, being told that no problem exists with the collar I feel that the consumers are the testing "guinea pigs" for this product. I realize that 7 months went by before the cat's cancer developed, but I feel that the cancer was caused by the chemicals in the collar, possibly not the strength of them,but the COMBINATION of those particular ones.I'm not the only person who has had a pet develop LYMPHOMA after short term use of this product. If you love your pets, is it worth the risk of causing their suffering and yours? Is a little more inconvenience on your part by applying drops or buying "Dawn" dish liquid or shampoo for fleas,etc. to bathe your pet too much trouble(and a lot cheaper) ? I can't prove any of this,however, it seems to me that since my sweet Julius had an excellent health report, then developed lymphoma around his neck for no other obvious reason(he was an inside cat since I rescued him 7 years ago) I obviously believe it was caused by use of the Seresta collar.If I had known I certainly would never have taken the chance and I probably would still have my beloved darling cat!
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Ninapearl
Original Author
5 years ago
I have contacted them twice, being told that no problem exists with the collar

i don't know how they can say there are no problems when the side effects are listed right on the package unless they have done away with that part.

i'm so sorry for the loss of your kitty. :(
HU-770606425
5 years ago
I bought one of these collars about a week ago for my indoor cat who had developed a bad flea infestation. The cat is 12 yrs. Within a couple of days I noticed the fleas dying off nicely but then it seems my kitty developed a turn for the worst, becoming very lethargic and not eating. I'm not sure what would happen if I removed the collar. You can't put it back on since it has to be cut off, and it was costly, but I don't care about that. My cat is very weak. Would it be better to cut it off then hope for the best?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Ninapearl
Original Author
5 years ago
HU-770606425, after the experience you went through only 6 weeks ago with this same collar with your other cat, you chose to buy it again??

how about cut it off and take your cat to the vet!!!
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HU-770606425
5 years ago
Ninapearl, not my post you read and this was my first experience with the Seresto collar.
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Ninapearl
Original Author
5 years ago
sorry for the confusion. they are both unusual usernames and similar early in the morning. lol
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arkansas girl
5 years ago
I just saw an article that says the problem lies in buying counterfeit ones. Only trust buying stuff like this from the vet.
Ninapearl
Original Author
5 years ago
that may be true, and likely is, with the products bought at local pet stores or walmart. these i ordered from chewy.com who i trust as much as i do my vet. plus, had i read the warnings as far as side effects in senior dogs, i never would have used it. lesson learned!
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arkansas girl
5 years ago
Well, I am not so sure that chewy is all that trustworthy, they are owned by, I think petsmart(or petco) now and they aren't the same old chewy they once were. I once had an issue with Frontline, I had purchased it from Sam's Club, if you cannot trust Sam's Club, who can you trust...right? Well, when I called the Frontline company, they told me that since I purchased it from a source other than the veterinarian's office, they COULD NOT guarantee it! Just sayin'.....
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HU-531788926
3 years ago
The collars work but unfortunately there is also fake ones out there that come from China . Many have reported that they ordered seresto collars from amazon market place and their dogs got sick due to them being counterfeit versions . If U do a web search they explain how to distinguish the fake from the real seresto collars 👍🏻
Sonja Gavio
3 years ago
I ordered Seresto from seller on big company site and they were counterfeit. If it's not made by Bayer and has a slash through to o in Seresto it's not same ingredients as in Walmart, etc. Seresto brand. There are many of the tins the collars come in that are almost a perfect copy of real Seresto brand by Bayer.
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HU-679994275
3 years ago
Diane DelVecchio can you please tell me what organic spray you use in your yard?
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boldtruth11
3 years ago
I rescue cats so typically have ten at my house at a time. I have NEVER had any problem with Seresto collars and have been using them for 7 years. Every animal is different, with different genetic sensitivities so I would not use if you see immediate symptoms. If you buy them, make sure you DO NOT GET A FAKE ONE. Look at online videos to spot the difference.
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HU-177061724
3 years ago
Someone posted the seresto collars have to be cut off. They have a break away feature the causes them to break away if the pet gets caught on something. I think some of these negative comments about the collar are just nonsense. The person who made that comment doesn't know what he/she is talking about.
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innisfreed
3 years ago
My elderly cat died of massive neck cancer less than 6 months after i put this collar on her fur the first time ever. Bought it at a local pet store. Counterfeit is a BS story - these collars are the work of the devil himself. Never again. Spray your yard with cedar oil instead.
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HU-252314676
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Arkansas girl: I was told same thing that it was only fake Soresto collars, so being a fool I listened to my vet and put the collar on my Bichon that I purchased from the vet. I diligently watched for any signs of an allergic reaction and after only 1 week I noted some serousanguinous drainage under my dogs collar. He has thick curley hair so I did not notice he had a severe reaction under his neck. When the vet shaved his neck the entire neck underneath was excoriated and swollen. Now my poor baby is miserable and on antibiotics and antihistamines. His breathing is rapid when he sleeps and I pray there is no internal damage. I immediately took the collars off of both my pets and threw these $160 worth of collars in the garbage. I am going back to vet today because swelling is still bad and my dog’s breathing is rapid when he sleeps. Do not use these if you love your pets. My Bichon had a very severe reaction and I personally wish I had listened to reviews and not Enlanco who I called nor my vet. EPA has multiple reports of deaths and should take these off the market. I am going to do my best to make sure they do!
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WARNING about seresto flea/tick collars

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