Using the Wrong Flea Treatment Can be Harmful to Pets
Always Use the Appropriate Flea Drops for Your Pet
A recent story from NBC warns of the dangers that can arise from improper use of “spot-on” flea treatments, such as Frontline and Advantage. Veterinarians have been prescribing these treatments for years because they’re quite effective and easy to use.
Outdoor time for dogs and their owners is a welcomed break after a long winter, but it’s a field day for ticks and fleas looking to make a home on your pet.
That’s why many pet owners have turned to “spot on” treatments applied once a month to keep fleas and ticks away.
Veterinarians have been prescribing them for years because they are so good at keeping fleas and ticks from feeding on your pets, not to mention they’re easy to use.
Unfortunately, just a little bit of product can turn to poison. The EPA reports 44,000 sick pets in 2008 because of spot-on products. That’s about 50 percent more than the year before, and 600 of those animals died.
The EPA says reactions include vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, depression and seizures.
“We don’t believe it was a bad batch. We do believe it was a misuse because labels weren’t clear,” said Mary Monell of the EPA.
For example, using a dog product on a cat or using a product for a large dog on a small dog.
The EPA says to increase the safety of these products it will “begin reviewing labels to determine which ones needs stronger and clearer labeling statements.”
The EPA doesn’t think these reactions were due to defective products, but rather improper use, such as using a dog product on a cat, or a product designed for a large dog on a small dog. The EPA plans to begin reviewing labels in order to determine how clear and concise the usage directions are.
One important note to keep in mind: flea and tick treatments made for dogs can contain permethrin, which can be fatal to cats. Never use a treatment designed for one species on another. And, when in doubt, consult your veterinarian. Used properly, spot-on flea treatments are quite safe, but they are still toxic. So, exercise caution, and read those labels carefully.
Get the free eBook
Enter your first name and email address below to receive the free eBook How to Get Rid of Fleas. The eBook is a condensed version of the information contained on this website.
Leave a Reply
2 Responses to “Using the Wrong Flea Treatment Can be Harmful to Pets”
Enter your name and email address below to receive our free eBook How to Get Rid of Fleas.
How can you say it’s safe but toxic ? These are very strong poisons that will make you and your pet ill with continued use as any toxin will.
I can’t stress enough on the importance of reading the product labels carefully. Many pet owners simply grab a anti-flea product when they hear from others that this is effective without finding out if it is safe for use on their own pets first. Products that are meant for dogs may not be safe for cats or it may be toxic when used on young animals.
Also, pet owners should always be on the lookout for signs of adverse reactions on their pets after the application of any flea products on them. It’s better to intervene and send them immediately to the vet for treatment once side effects are seen.
Ann