Well, I personally have not but my mom and dad have a JRT who is on it. Olive (the JRT) got real lethargic and ran a temp. after the first dose. They took her to the vet who kept her over night. No problem was found and she was find by the next day. So they don't know if it was the Trifexis for sure or not. I told mom on the phone that if she does that again with the next dose to ask the vet to change the heartworm meds.

They also have another large mixed breed, about the size of a lab. She had no reaction at all.

 

I give it to Quinn, an 80 pound doberman. He has only been on it for two months. You have to give it with a meal, so he gets it with his dinner. He has not had any problems with it. He has been getting comfortis for the past year or so, no problems with that either.

 

TYVM for all your reviews.
I'd really love it if anyone else could add their own experience

 

I love trifexis. I have used it for my F/S 40lb Border collie (she had to be pts at the age of 7 not long ago due to an unrelated illness), and still use it for my 9yo Female Spayed Lab/Coonhound mix (70lbs) with great results (***See First Caveat***). I am also military and move alot so I have been in several climate areas in the states. During usage: Texas, Alabama, and currently Pennsylvania. I have used it since it first became available. For fleas and ticks it works well, even though it is not marketed for ticks it does work and has tested well against ticks in studies done by the company prior to release. I never had to use tick protection (Until my move to PA ***see Second Caveat below***). In Texas-known for horrible flea infestation and Heart worms -she never had an issue with Mosquitoes or Fleas.

*First Caveat: DEFINITELY feed the pill with food. I feed my Lab her morning 1.5 cups of food, and then add the pill to a treat mixture with some broth-or give it with a giant spoonful of peanut butter after her meal. The ingredient in it for heartworm prevention is Interceptor/milbemycin oxime and it does upset stomachs if not given with food. .

*Second Caveat: if you are in the upper Northeast area of the US (Such as PA) where ticks are bad...you will want to add a second form of protection for ticks. No matter WHAT product you use you will need/want to use it for extra tick protection to prevent Lymes disease. Prior to adding a Preventic collar to Mckenzie's regimen, I noticed no ticks for 3 out of 4 weeks of Trifexis use. After the 3rd week I did notice a tick or two on her and decided after conferring with my new vet (since I was new to the area) to add a second form of protection-which is common and recommended in the NorthEast US. Prior to that I never noticed Ticks on her in Alabama or Texas for 4 out of 4 weeks of Trifexis use.

Mckenzie (lab/coonhound) has been on it for 1.5 years with no issues. I do have to order it online since NE PA does not carry it in any vet clinic nearby, but I prefer it over any topical/other product. She swims alot and topicals are not practical for that reason.

Riley was on it for nearly 1 year until her sudden death (Unrelated to any medications)-she had no issues with it at all. She also used to swim frequenly and it was better to avoid topicals due to effectiveness. For that reason Trifexis was preferred.

 

Semunky, I am so sorry to hear about your losses. Can you please share with us what symptoms they had before they passed, if you are able?

 

Her death was unrelated to the medication. It was behavioral and physical in nature-the combination of the two resulting in recommendations for such. She had previous medical issues that would result in her instability-but with treatments and love was very stable for most of her life. When things deteriorated again with her not responding well to the last medical issues...It was recommended to consider her happiness/comfort level and I made the very very difficult decision to have her PTS. She was very unhappy and in pain at the end.

 

I've lately stopped using any "medication" form of flea or tick control on Emma. About a month(maybe) ago we started using Apple cider vinegar. It seems to be working to repel the fleas.(my apartment complex is RUNNING with fleas) and i haven't seen a tick on her yet. We maybe going camping with her here soon. so it maybe a true test to see if it repels ticks. I maybe doubling her dosage while we're camping or creating a spray for her.

ETA: I used too many "maybe"s in that post xD

 

It has worked very well for Harleigh. She has had no ill-reactions to it, but she definitely doesn't like to take it. I give it to her with her meal, but I have to wrap it in peanut butter to get her to take it, LOL.

She has been on it for at least 6 months, but it may be closer to a year. Can't remember when we started using it. Oh, Harleigh is 66 pounds and a Lab

ETA: Just realized this was a old(er) post. Oops! lol

 

Bandit, my 5 yr old male Akita has been on Trifexis for 3 mos. He refused to take it today. After he took it the first 3 times everything he peed on died! I hope interceptor comes back soon. He did well on that. I am at a loss as to what to use, have heard good things about Heartgard, but also heard it was not good for Akitas. Any suggestions?

 

Interceptor is still on the market-perhaps your vet doesn't have it only at his clinic? I would call around to other locations and see if they have it. Your vet can also write a prescription and you can contact some of the online pet pharmacies. The main one-1800 pet meds express - is good. Sometimes you can contact the vendor itself and try to get the product via them-they will frequently help out. Google "interceptor" and go to their website and you can contact them.

As far as urine killing everything....most urine-especially from male dogs-DOES kill things and it isn't related to any meds a dog may be on except in specific instances...not associated with flea/heartworm medicines. Alot of it has to do with the concentration of the urine and whether they are peeing in the exact same spot. I frequently notice if my dogs had peed in one spot-it would die. That was prior to Trifexis, and back when I used frontline or advantage topical. Again it has to do with the concentration of the urine-if the dog has been drinking alot of water or holding their urine for long periods of time, etc...your vet can explain in more detail, though and you can discuss whether it is due to the meds or not.

I really would talk to your veterinarian for alternative medicine choices.

As for refusal to take the Trifexis-the spinosad in the medicine is what the dogs don't always like. Comfortis is the same product minus the heartworm preventative (interceptor). Spinosad is derived from a aerobic bacteria-a byproduct of the fermentation process I believe. Alot of dogs find the smell of it unappealing-and thats why I-like others on this topic-give it with treats. If you like the product you can always just crush it up and put it in a little bouillon (chicken or beef) broth mixed with the regular food (or just use broth). Slathering in peanut butter or a big piece of meat also works.

Hope this helps!

 

We've only used one ingredient in that, and that was Spinosad, never had any bad reactions with it... kept the fleas at bay.

 

I just wanted to share my experience with Trifexis. I love it. For the past few years I would just do the 6 month shot with my girls and have it over with then buy additional flea tablets for monthly flea care (Mostly for Snow since she is allergic to fleas). When I obtained Jud, I decided to try the Trifexis.

Okay let me back track a little bit. When I found Jud he was covered in fleas and infested with hookworms. I had to give him two flea baths to kill the fleas and when I took him to the vet, had him treated for the hookworms. Okay, while there I decided to go a head and try the Trifexis. I want you to know, he has not had fleas since and this is his second month on it. He has also tested negative two test a week apart for intestinal parasites. Jud has done so well on this I have decided to put the two girls on it.

Nothing like a working flea treatment that also protects against parasites (heart and intestinal). This is def a treatment I'd recommend.

ETA: Because Jud no longer has fleas, Snow doesn't have them either and is healing up very nicely from her reactions. I now have her on Comfortis as well for the fleas.

 

I got three to try for Kofi. She is a 60 lb bulldog. The first month I had trouble getting her to eat. I broke pill up and hid it in cheese, but I'm still not sure if she ate it all.
The next month I ground it up and mixed with her favorite raw meat. She was hesitant to eat and I think she even left some.
The smell is horrible.
This morning, I mixed it with salmon and raw egg, ground the pill up first.
Half of this is still sitting in her bowl.
I'm going to have to try something else. The odor is just too hard to hide what she is getting, and I don't blame her for not wanting her breakfast.

 

Lol....stubborn girl but unless you are willing to pill your dog physically-getting it past her tongue and down her throat-then no sense continuing if you can't get it down her.

I love trifexis and think its great-but sometimes there are points where things just won't work .

Switch the meds to something else then Also try contacting the company that makes Trifexis-they can get you a refund usually for all 3 pills-or just tell your vet and they may refund you. I haven't seen a drug company yet NOT try their best to make good on things when they go wrong with owners and their pets. I think it's Elanco-the parent company.

Heartgard and the like still work. Also I hear Interceptor is starting up production again-though their pills might not be QUITE available yet.

 

PunkyPug,Trifexis protects dogs from parasites. Trifexis is once for month tablet that kills fleas, avoids heartworm sickness and treats and supervises full-grown hookworm, roundworm and whipworm diseases. And while it's beef-flavored, you can present it as a treat.Trifexis unites two great functional elements that are harmless and efficient at guarding against three types of hazardous parasites. And while it is given orally, there is no necessity to separate your dog from other pets or children.
We rear two Feral dogs. Their names are Zona and Rio. Zona's weight is 15kg and Rio's weight is 10kg. We did not give Trifexis to any dog.

 

I didn't ask for information on the product. I can find that on my own. I was looking for personal experiences. And since most people had neutral to negative reviews with Trifexis and small dogs, I think I'm going to stick with my tried and true HeartGard.

 

I have a 60 lb boxer and a 50 lb. pit, both were given Trifexis by recommendation of our vet. The first dose , my pit was very sickly the next day , just laid around all day and refused to eat, which was very unusual for her. After 24 hours she was fine. The next month I gave them another dose, the next day my boxer was very lethargic, his back legs were very shakey and he just looked out of it. I put 2+2 together and I know it was the trifexis that caused these reactions. It was just too coincidental. I will never give them trifexis again. I wish I would have done my research before I gave them a dose. I will go back to heart guard, they did fine on that.

 

Yes unfortunately I did use Trifexis on my 11 pound 7 month old Cavachon. I did look at some reviews on google but agreed that medicine does effect dogs differently and decided to use it anyway. BIG MISTAKE-that I can't undo My dog did seem a little weak on her legs a few hours after giving her the pill-it did kill all the fleas- However, a big however-she started scratching uncontrollably about a week after her first dose and has not stopped scratching her skin since I gave her the medicine 1 1/2 months ago. I have not given her anymore of Trifexis. I contacted my Vet and Elanco to inform them of the adverse reaction. Neither one will admit that her scratching has anything to do with the product. Nothing has changed in her environment or food except for giving her one dose of Trifexis. I have never went on line and complained about a product. But the reaction from Elanco has outraged me and most importantly I believe that my puppy's immune system has been compromised. Of course neither the company nor my vet will concur with me the effect of the Trifexis on my dog. My vet did prescribe anehistamine which helps her only for the few hours the drug is in her system. I googled building the immune system in your dog and I am going to start giving her Omega-3 in hopes of building her immune system this week. If you LOVE your pet===DON'T GIVE IT TRIFEXIS! If you tried Trifexis and experienced the adverse results call FDA 1-800-FDA-PETS and COMPLAIN. Elanco's number (which will be of no help you will just get a case number is 888-545-5973.

 

i have a 65 lb english bulldog male.. this product smells and tastes like dog poop.. i have a hard time getting it down his throat.. i would not want it in my mouth!!! i will try peant butter next time.. also this stuff is very expensive.... probably too expensive for some people to purchase...

 

I had a 16 week old merle Great Dane puppy who I allowed the vet tech give the Trifexis at his ear rolling visit. I noticed that lethargy set in and it lasted a week on my puppy. Navarre weighed 65 Lbs and was raw fed from the day I purchased him and brought him home from the breeders. He was very healthy.

Anyway, the following week when I took Navarre in to have his ears rolled again they also gave him sedative, ACE, which I will never allow anyone to do again just for such simple procedure. However, Navarre had been kind of acting a little under since the dose of Trifexis and I told myself he would not receive it again the following month. Within 30 minutes of leaving my Vets office after the second Ear Roll and Taping (and sedative) Navarre died in my arms on the way home.

Now, the Trifexis does stay in the system of course for the month, or longer. He was also given a sedative, which was the same sedative he was given after his ear crop with no problems. So, the question remains on what stopped his breathing. He was eating well and acting sort of normal, just slower and I did contribute that to his ears maybe healing. But when he died his ears were healed and were just being rolled. His sutures were taken out the day he died. But his ears were well and healed with no issues. I use a wonderful experienced vet (52 yrs experience) who I drive 2 hours one way to see just for the simple reason of his experience with Danes. I felt very comfortable with him.

I was under the assumption that the sedative maybe had stopped his heart or breathing while he slept on the way home, however, I also feel that maybe the Trifexis maybe played a role in his death. Would never know unless a necropsy was performed on Navarre. My vet did want to perform the Necropsy after I called him, in tears obviously (I was devastated beyond words could ever explain) but Navarre had already been buried. They wanted me to put my puppy in the refrigerator and bring him in on Monday for the Necropsy (Navarre died on Saturday). I just could not put my baby into my fridge, sorry. I have two boys that I did not want to see their puppy dead in the fridge every time they opened it for a glass of milk.

Anyway, the debate is out in my case. I will never use Trifexis in the future and I should not of agreed with Navarre trying it. I just liked the idea of what it had to offer. But it is not an option for my furries ever.

Please, do not be scared about what I have written here. This is just Navarres case and I just wanted to share his story. There was nothing wrong with this beautiful puppy and he was very healthy and praised upon by my vet and staff every time we drove up there for a visit, which was weekly for a while. All went downhill after the Trifexis was given to him.

It is a personal decision and I do think that Great Danes are just more sensitive to medication no matter what it is being given. It could of very well been the sedative they gave him. Boy was I upset they gave him a sedative for such a simple procedure of ear taping and rolling. Maybe because he was a big boy? I do not think this should be the norm and I did let the vet know this by all means. The vet was adamant on having a necropsy done on Navarre, but as a family, we had to let him rest and start our healing. Other times, I sure wish I could of had the necropsy done but that was just not an option for us.

There is good news out of Navarre's death though. I really didn't want to go through finding a puppy again from the searching of a reputable breeder and all at that point of losing my baby so fast. The financial investment and emotional investment in Navarre was tremendous and I just was not ready for that "new puppy" again. We decided to rescue in honor of Navarre's death.

I look at it this way: if my boy Navarre had not died, I would not have found Jakee and saved his life. So in Navarre's death a life was saved that would not of been otherwise. I really believe that and it makes things easier to say that Navarre's untimely death did not go in vain. So, that is my experience with Trifexis. Although there are a lot of circumstantial evidence as you will, I do believe that Trifexis may not be for every dog. Just like anything else out there. But, if it is already ingested, what in the world can you do?

Just my input and by all means, my case is more than likely not the norm. But I did have to share since it was asked.

I am going to try and insert a picture if I can and you will see this beautiful amazing animal I was allowed to spend nine wonderful weeks of my life with.

 

I started Joey (Greyhound) on Trifexis at 4 months. No issue. He eats the pill. I give it after he finishes the food.

Jack (Boston), Rocky (Frenchie) and Pongo (JRT mix) all take Comfortis. Jack and Rocky eat the pill as is, I mix in can cat food for Pongo. No issues. I give it to them after they finish their food. Rocky is highly allergic to fleas and this is the only product that keeps him completely flea free.

Casper (Dogo) has taken it too, but we had a tick issue so I started him back on Advantix. He wonders farther in the woods than the other dogs.

 

I was just like you and was curious about Trifexis. We got a new Shih-tzu puppy and was horrified by all the bad reviews, but dug a little deeper. My mom's 20lb mixed Yorkie has been on it for a year and the dog next door to them (lab mix) has been on it for 8 months without any issues. Our friends boxer has also been on it for quite some time without issues, so thought I would try it keeping my fingers crosses we didn't encounter the horrible stories I found online. Our 4 month old shih-tzu has been on it for 2 months and has no issues. I love it because we are flee free and don't have to worry about my toddler touching spot on treatments. I make sure he has a really full tummy (give lots of chicken) before he eats it and coat it in liver sausage. No vomiting, no diareah, no lethargy, no sezures, nothing! I beleive dogs are like people, they can have reactions to meds. If he exhibits a reaction then stop. I also believe a lot of dogs having issues also have underlying problems, some of which maybe the ower didn't realize. Other cases are probably due to something other than the medication and gets mistaken for the meds due to coincidence. I, along with others family and friends heve no issues. If your dog has no underlying conditions then I recommend it. Three important things is DONT'T over does, keep an eye out for reactions for a few days following, and give lots of food. I wouldn't doubt some reactions are due to overdosing, always know the weight. However, my now 7lb shih-tzu is doing great and had him on it ince 5lbs.

 

Just started Trifexis 1 month ago.

I have a 2 year old toy poodle who I breed and a 3 year old schnoodle. I started both on Trifexis March 23, 2013. I was using Comfortis and Heartguard before. The vet recommended I switch to Trifexis because it has the heartworm preventative and flea treatment. I have had no problems so far. I just saw a commercial on tv for this product so I decided to read more stuff online. The side effects it mentioned were kinda scary. I live in Texas and before I started them on flea medication they were full of fleas and FrontLine does not work! I am so sorry for people that have had problems with this. I will continue to use it and I hope they don't react to it. God bless the world.

 

I used Comfortis and heartguard until about a year ago. I loved it. I gave them a few bites of food to eat before I gave them the rest with Comfortis crumbled on top. This was to keep them from vomiting. My dogs took the heartguard as if it was a treat. I am going back to this combo because Trifexis doesn't seem to work on fleas for the whole month. That worries me. If it is not working on the fleas the entire month, is it working on the heartworm defense?
It is time for their annually vet check. I am asking to go back to the old combo.

I have 2 Dixie-poos(6# & 10#), and one dachshund (18#).

 

My rescued mixed breed, Janie Dog has been on TRIFEXIS for at least five years. It has been a miracle treatment for fleas as I was constantly treating, bathing and spraying. Nothing else worked. She hates the taste so I crush it in peanut butter and mix with her food. Great results for us. We spend a lot of time camping and hiking and she is healthy and comfortable.

 

I used trifexis on my 9 yr old ridgeback and assurity on my 8 yr old cat for 6 month no problems except lethargy for a few hours the first dose. I ran out and did not purchase again, instead using topicals because of the price. My ridgeback passed at 11 from a heart attack? He stopped breathing in hubbys arms one day with nothing having changed in his world. I now have 2 small chihuahua mixes and am worried about their reactions. They both weigh under 10 lbs. I rescued them from families that got them for children under 5....grrr. I'm interested in feedback from those with super small dogs and their experiences.

 

I have a 14 lb Chihuahua/Jack Russell who is 7 yrs old, very healthy and active. His name is Dakine. He had been taking Comfortis for flea control. We live on Kauai and fleas are bad here. My vet recommended Trifexis for heartworm control. Since taking the med for the last 9 months I have seen him have 4 seizures, could be more that I have not witnessed. He becomes very lethargic, seems to have vertigo, and does not breathe properly. Thought the first one may have been heat exhaustion/dehydration. Its quite scary when it happens. Does not respond to anything and lasts about 5 minutes. The last vet visit was 6 weeks ago. I told them of the seizures. hey did blood work, and did say that Trifexis can cause some healthy issues. The blood work revealed no problems. Taking him back today to try another medication for heartworm. Pretty sure its the meds causing the seizures

 

I have 3 dogs all on Trifexis for over a year. I have a JRT, 15 years old, about 18 pounds; a JRT, 8 years old, about 25 pounds; and a Rat Terrier, 7 years old, 12 pounds. All have been on Trifexis for around 14 months. I do give them their meds in the morning with their food. I have never had a problem. I hope that Trifexis is NOT the cause for others having sick pets and some fatalities. This is a real concern and very sad. Our dogs are our kids and I would not want to take a chance on hurting my babies. I have not talked to my vet about this but I will during their check ups that are coming due. For now, I will continue with Trifexis as I believe that all these meds can have side effects. Even Hearguard which has been around for many years has side effects. I will be watching this post closely for updates.