10 Things to Consider When Buying Praziquantel Toxicity Dogs

The lack of accessible information on the topic of safe parasite protection for dogs with the MDR1 gene (Multidrug Resistance gene) left me so frustrated that I decided to write my own article. So here’s the culmination of my research: information gathered from laboratory case studies, veterinarians, and Collie owners, breeders, and exhibitors. It was somehow both boring and interesting work, but it yielded helpful information.

I have an Aussie mix, plus three Rough Collies who have 1 copy of the MDR1 gene (carriers/mildly affected), so I have a vested interest in everything I’ve researched. I’ll list products I’ve looked into – several of which I’ve personally tried – along with whether they’re generally considered safe to use or should be used with caution. Technically, they’re all supposed to be safe, but some products are undoubtedly better and more consumer-trusted than others. (Follow this link for official problem drugs.)

If you’re hoping for a quick, easy skim and just want to know which pest protections are rated safest and best, I’ll give those first under each category. In fact, in full expectation most people will skim, I repeat myself a lot. Sincere apologies to those who read this article start to finish… But hey, repetition is the key to retention, right?

This is not an exhaustive listing of every product out there, but it will provide tools to identify which meds are related to each other or essentially the same as major brands. It’s all based off active ingredients. For instance, Heartgard’s main ingredient is Ivermectin, so any product containing Ivermectin falls under the same category. If you want to know about a specific product, read the active ingredients on the front of the box and compare to one of the products listed in this article. Or check the 100+ comments below this post!

For those who want more in-depth information, I’ve created embedded links throughout for further reading. (Some of the links lead to peer-reviewed scientific articles, so have fun with those if you want the bare, dusty facts.)

Disclaimer: even parasite protection products officially labeled safe – for an MDR1 dog or any dog – should really be designated “safe-ish.” But parasite preventives are chemical compounds – some of which are used in pesticides – and thus have more potential to cause a reaction than just, well, water. Any dog can be sensitive to a certain substance and should always be monitored for reactions after a new product has been administered. However, Collies and associated breeds, with or without an MDR1 status (officially the AbCb1 gene), simply have a reputation for being generally sensitive and prone to side effects from parasite preventives.

I’ll also discuss organic topicals I’ve found somewhat effective as repellents. Unfortunately I have not learned of any natural pest control products as effective as chemical-based ones. This article from Your Dog Advisor gives natural prevention options and explains how to mix your own parasite preventives using essential oils. However, dogs can also be sensitive to essential oils – like my friend who is allergic to lavender – so “natural” doesn’t automatically mean “best” for your dog either. You should still keep an eye on your pet when introducing new organic products.