Heartbroken pet owner says popular flea medication Simparica Trio killed his adorable dog
A heartbroken pet owner claims a popular flea medication killed his adorable dog.
Ted DeSalvo of Windham, Ohio, suddenly lost his beloved three-year-old boxer Greta after she had to be euthanized on June 2 due to severe seizures, a day after taking Simparica Trio medication.
The chewable tablet is intended for dogs and cats to protect against ticks, fleas and heartworm disease.
DeSalvo said Greta took the medication every month for two years and that his vet initially didn’t warn him about the complications associated with the pill.
“She was murdered, in my opinion. She was murdered by this product,” DeSalvo said WWII.
Greta, a three-year-old boxer, had to be euthanized after she developed seizures a day after taking Simparica Trio
The chewable tablet is for dogs and cats to help protect against ticks, fleas and heartworm disease. DeSalvo said Greta has taken one every month for the past two years
After DeSalvo gave Greta her monthly dose of Simparica Trio on June 1, she quickly realized his dog wasn’t acting like himself.
“Usually she runs out of her crate, but this time she didn’t run out, she hesitated and we looked in and she was shaking. She was having seizures,” he said.
DeSalvo then rushed Greta to the vet, where the doctor told him she had a “neurological problem.”
“We then asked about the medication and she admitted that she had called my wife and me at the time and that she had seen the product have the same effect in other dogs,” DeSalvo recalled.
The young dog’s condition did not improve and he eventually had to be put down.
On the back of the popular pet medicine, Zoetis, the company that makes the drug, lists possible complications that can occur in animals taking the drug.
The drug (pictured) can cause ataxia, tremors and seizures due to the ingredient in the tablet, Sarolaner
DeSalvo said Greta, whom he called his “companion,” was not acting like herself the day after he gave her the medication
The drug can cause ataxia, tremors and seizures due to the ingredient in the tablet, Sarolaner. Owners of dogs with a history of seizures or neurological disorders are advised to use Simparica Trio with caution.
DeSalvo wondered, “Why put those warnings on the packaging if it’s safe?”
He said Greta had no previous health problems and he was not aware the medication carried any risks.
“This was not explained to us. This is inexplicable, it was neurological and it was not the product,” he said.
The Food and Drug Administration published a 2023 fact sheet on the side effects of isoxazoline flea and tick products, including Simparica Trio.
“She was murdered, in my opinion. She was murdered by this product,” DeSalvo (pictured) said.
The agency said that while these products have been used safely in dogs and cats, pet owners should exercise caution and consult a veterinarian to determine if it is best for their animal.
In 2022, Zoetis released a statement after another dog owner blamed Simparica Trio on social media.
“We are confident that Simparica Trio, which has been prescribed to more than 10 million dogs since its introduction to the U.S. market in 2020, remains an effective and safe preventive option against parasites for most dogs,” the company said.
Zoetis added that it is “very rare” for animals to experience neurological signs, vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea.
DeSalvo posted a photo of Greta and his other dog Emma on Facebook, with his loved ones expressing their deepest condolences.
“Greta died today. Please never use Simparica Trio, it’s a killer. It has insecticide in it,” he said.
DailyMail.com has contacted Zoetis for comment.