In light of recent government scrutiny of flea and tick products, the ASPCA is cautioning pet parents to use care when applying any over-the-counter or prescription flea and tick solutions. Spot-on products—topical insecticides applied to the skin—generally kill fleas and ticks by targeting their nervous systems. But if misapplied, these products can have devastating consequences for our furry friends.
According to new data from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, when cats are treated properly and according to label directions, fewer than 2% experience major illness, while nearly 20% suffer major problems when the solution is used incorrectly.
“Cats especially are extremely sensitive to insecticides,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Veterinary Toxicologist and Senior Vice President of Animal Health Services. “Just a few drops of concentrated permethrin, present in many spot-on treatments designed for dogs, can be lethal to cats.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which regulates topical pet treatments, says the number of reported incidents from spot-on flea and tick treatments increased more than 50% in 2008. As a result of the increase, the EPA announced last month that it’s evaluating all spot-on products.
Here’s some advice for keeping your pet safe from fleas and insecticides this summer:
If you suspect your pet is having a reaction from a flea infestation or topical flea and tick product, please contact your veterinarian immediately. For more information about flea prevention this summer, please visit our pet care pages online.
Category: Pet Care
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Submitted by Nick Jolls at: November 10, 2009
Yo man!!! i dont know wat you guys do...but my animal almost got killed by a homless dude the other day... you guys should make consequences more strict!! But you guys are still doing good.
Submitted by judyc at: September 13, 2009
I used Sentry Natural Defens Fleas spray on my cats and it does not work. 1. We still had fleas and it left their coast very oily. 2. Know my 7 babies aged 6 months to 16 years old are loosing their hair they now have bald spots on their bodies. DO NOT USE if you love your babies
Submitted by Mary/Flushing at: July 14, 2009
Your title is misleading and implies that these products are a danger to animals. These products, if applied properly to health cats and dogs, protect them and theirr own vet toxicologist, Dr. Stevens, is on the record telling pet owners NOT to avoid the products but to use them with care and caution. The EPA's Q&A database states that "The safety of a pesticide depends on how it is used." The responsibility for protecting our pets is shared 50/50 by manufacturers and consumers. I'm disappointed that the ASPCA here, instead of being helpful and instructive to pet owners (as Dr. Hansen is), has fallen into the same trap as hysterical so-called journalists who scare consumers with inaccurate reporting. Treat us like intelligent beings and be straightforward and practical, treat us with the same respect you accord animals.
Submitted by Dave at: June 26, 2009
The statement "if misapplied, these products can have devastating consequences" could use a little clarification. Does "if misapplied" refer to application in such a way the the pet ingests the chemical, reapplication too soon or mixed with other products? I walk my cat so she does get outside to get exercise & keep her hunting skills up. We therefore use a topical flea & tick preventative. Reapplication is carefully monitored by using a 30 day audible/visual alarm. Is it wrong to use a flea & tick preventative before there are signs of fleas? The article is a little vague about that and eludes to the use of treatment only when fleas are suspected. Could you please clarify this? Thank you.
Submitted by amanda c. at: June 12, 2009
i use cat shampoo to help kill fleas as well as a flea calor and by reading this it got me to thinking are they also a harm to my cats becuse i dont think i read anything about these products unless i dont understand what there taking about
Submitted by Antney at: June 10, 2009
To say "These peole could care less about animals" implies that you know they DO care about animals. (By the way, it is spelled "people") So YOU chose to take care of the dog but you are mad that an organization that does so much for so many (and with so little to work with) did not conveniently match YOUR schedule? It isn't all about YOU, Chris. I certainly appreciate you helping the dog but using a public forum to condemn the organization for having an established schedule is ridiculous! Please be sure you have had all your shots before taking in any more strays- stupidity is contagious.
Submitted by Ginny at: June 9, 2009
It's better than nothing! Do you have any idea how hard it is to run a profiting organization, let alone a non-profit one? Especially one whose work is never done and never will be done as long as people keep abusing and neglecting their animal counterparts. They're trying, which is more than I can say for just about everyone else. So you had to wait a couple of days and take care of the dog, you already have animals what difference did it make? Can't you just be happy that you got the chance to help? Nobody takes in my baby pigeons when I find them and you will never hear me complain, except that it's a shame other people who don't know how to or can't care for them don't have a place to bring them. I just consider myself lucky to have the chance to help.
Submitted by Chris rinehart at: June 8, 2009
I found a dog in NYV yesterday. I have two gods and two cats already. I called the ASPCA yesterday but they do not take animals on the weekend. I give her a bath, feed her and arrange for them to pick her up today. I'm still waiting on the phone, it has been 20 minutes. These peole could care less about animals.