[eggy]

I've heard rumblings that pesticides used in some dog shampoos have been linked to autism in children. This is not to say that these chemicals are the cause, but they've raised some suspicion, just like so many other things. To put my mind at ease (and to cultivate some tenuous, even imagined sense of control over things), I'd like to avoid contact with any chemicals that might be hazardous in this way.

That said, our dog's shampoo is free of those pesticides, but we do use Frontline Plus on him, which makes a huge difference in these warmer months, when he loves to sunbathe in the yard among all those friendly fleas that find him so delicious.

My understanding is that the chemical pyrethrin is the alleged cause for concern, but it does not seem to be present in Frontline. Still, is there any reason I should be concerned about using Frontline Plus on my dog? Does anyone else use it? Any thoughts?

[stayingpositive]

Hi I'm not sure about Frontline in particular (we give our dog Advantix Multi) but our vet told us to have DH apply the meds and for me not to get close to it. I have a big snuggly dog so this is hard to do, but we leave it in for a day or two to absorb and then he gets a bath. I'd ask your vet's office just to be sure!

[eggy]

Lea, your dog is so adorable. I also have a snuggly dog (though not as big as yours), so it's difficult to avoid touching him after applying the Frontline. My dog is pretty good about sitting still while I apply it, so I've been doing this myself (none of it touches my hands, and I wash my hands immediately afterwards). I do it early in the morning so that it sinks in fully before bedtime. (When he sleeps in our bed with us.) Then, he also gets a bath about two days later. No one voiced any concerns about the Frontline to me and I assumed that since it's safe for pregnant dogs, it wouldn't be hazardous for pregnant women. That said, I should follow your advice and make the husband do the application....