Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 12/3/2011

Question
I have 1 year old local dog from Philippines. i ask vet about what's the best i can apply for fleas because it getting worst, he recommend Taktic for him and that's i use for him. But before i use it i ask them how to use, he goes after shower rinse then apply and don't use towel, so i did.  shower and put shampoo, rinse as well then apply Taktic that around 4pm then after a while when i trying to gave him food he stand up and fall down i worried about what happen to him after i gave him Taktic so i called the vet and ask. HE goes why you let him lick the Taktic? so i told him, you told me don't use towel so i did, he goes he will feel dizzy and don't like to eat. This morning i gave him nutri vet because he don't like to eat. right now i'm worried because he look like he has anemia his color is not good i think he lick so much the medicine. can u please advise me what can i do.

Answer
Taktic is an insecticide called amitraz.  This does not kill fleas!!!  It is used in dogs to kill demodex and sarcoptic mites.  It is very toxic and affects the brain of the dogs as well as people!!!  There is an antidote called Yohimbine that can reverse the brain effects of amitraz.