Evaluation of a plant-based food supplement to control flea populations in dogs: a prospective double-blind randomized study

Publication date: Available online 15 February 2020Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug ResistanceAuthor(s): Fabien MOOG, Gaetan Vetea PLICHART, B.L.U.A. Jean-Louis, C.A.D.I.E.R.G.U.E.S. Marie-ChristineAbstractA prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study evaluated the tolerance and efficacy of the biological plant-based food supplement Bioticks® (extracts of thyme, rosemary, melissa, fenugreek, absinthe and lemongrass) as a flea-control product. Twelve dogs were used as placebo controls (group A). Ten dogs under similar housing conditions received the same food daily but supplemented with Bioticks® (group B). Flea counts were performed on D0 and 14, then 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months after the beginning of the study. No flea treatment was given or environmental modifications made during the 6 months prior to beginning and throughout the duration of the study. Efficacy was calculated according to Abbott’s formula. No adverse event was recorded. At inclusion, dogs in groups A and B hosted a mean±standard deviation of 7.9±3.3 and 9.5±3.6 fleas, respectively. The mean flea population in group A steadily increased until 4 months after D0 (21.5±4.9 fleas/dog). Meanwhile, the mean flea population in group B dogs remained stable for the first month but then steadily decreased to reach an average of 3.1±1.7 fleas/dog at D0+5 months. The percentage efficacy in the treated group as compared to the non-treated group was 33%, 51%, 71%, 80% an...
Source: International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance - Category: Parasitology Source Type: research