The Safety of Flea and Tick Products Questioned by the EPA

Flea and tick products have been around for years. Easy to use and effective against a tiny blood sucking pest, these medications are also known to cause some pets to react with varying degrees that range from mild skin irritations to death. I've used spot on flea and tick products for years with no apparent harm, but, like a lot of pet owners, I've been concerned every time I apply a tube on my pets. With increasing concerns over pets who have become sick or died after being treated with spot on flea and tick medications, the EPA has finally decided to take a look at these medications.

The Environmental Protection Agency has heard pet owner's complaints and concerns and have initiated new label requirements they hope will help pet owners better understand exactly how to use these products with easier to read instructions and cautions on product packaging.

The EPA conducted a year long study and found a 53% increase in 2008 in adverse reactions to pets. Over 44,000 cases were reported by pet owners. Skin irritations, neurological and gastrointestinal problems were reported around the country by pet owners using flea and tick products. Their main focus during this study was spot on flea and tick medications, but all flea control products are now on the radar of the EPA. In the last 5 years, there's been a reported 1,600 pet deaths related to the use of flea and tick control. And that doesn't take into account pets that died and were never reported or owners who weren't aware it was the flea medication that caused their pet's death.

For pet owners, this means the federal government will now be monitoring companies who produce flea and tick products more closely. Recommendations with clearer and easier to read instructions on how to use the product will hopefully reduce the number of pets having adverse reactions to the flea control. It's unclear how many pets may have died from an accidental overdose applied to them by well meaning pet owners. To save money, owners with multiple pets will buy a larger dose and then split it up between two or more dogs, but the problem with that is it's difficult to divide it evenly on each dog. Also, some owners have put flea control meant for dogs on cats which can produce tragic results for cats. Never use any flea medication made for dogs on cats. New packaging labels will be more clear as to which pet the medication is for.

Along with clearer instructions for use, the EPA has also recommended changes to labels that will make the proper dosage per animal weight more exact. There will be clear markings on labels so consumers can tell the difference between flea and tick products meant for dogs and those only for cats and eliminates the use of similar product names for cats and dogs all of which will aid pet owners in knowing exactly what they are buying and how to properly use the medications.

It's important to remember all flea and tick products contain pesticides which are the same chemicals used to control pests on crops and in our yards. Anytime you use any kind of flea product on your pet, keep a close eye on them for the first couple of hours, just in case your pet has a reaction to them. Never treat your pet before going to work, leaving the house to run errands or just before bed. Even if they've never had problems before, there's always a chance for a reaction which could turn deadly if you aren't around to help your pet. If you've treated your pet and notice any drooling, anxiousness, labored breathing, is wide eyed, drinking a lot of water, vomits or doesn't act normal, immediately give him a bath with mild soap and warm water and wash as much of the flea control off as you can using a large amount of water. In most cases, after a bath, he will recover on his own, but you need to report your pet's reaction to your vet and have him give your pet a checkup just to be on the safe side.

If you have an older pet, have a pet who has reacted to flea and tick medication before, your pet is on medication for an illness or condition, is a nursing mother, a pregnant pet or one that is sick, DO NOT put any flea and tick products on them. Talk to your vet first for alternatives that may be available.

The study found smaller dogs 10 - 20 pounds are most likely to have adverse reactions which can include diarrhea, seizures, vomiting or skin rashes. If you're a pet owner who buys one large tube to divide between smaller dogs, be very careful you don't give one too much.

Flea and tick products, for the most part, are safe when used properly. Be sure to read all directions, cautions and understand the proper dose per weight before applying and monitor your pet after every application.

Animal Health, AVMA

Pesticides: Topical and Chemical Fact Sheets, EPA.gov

Marla Crone, Pet Flea Treatments Can Be Dangerous, More Safety Steps in the Works, EPA Says, Environmental Health News