Pet deaths prompt tougher rules for flea, tick items
More dogs and cats are becoming ill - and in some cases even dying - from flea and tick control products, prompting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to place tougher restrictions on the insecticide treatments commonly used on pets and to require revisions to labeling to help pet owners use the products properly.
Spot-on pesticide products, generally sold in tubes or vials and applied in between a pet's shoulders or in a stripe along the back, have been the focus of "high-priority" monitoring by the EPA after some pets developed skin irritations, had seizures or have died.
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A book about a rescue dog
that will touch your heart
that will touch your heart
THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.
For more details and to order, go to the
Also find The Hunt of Her Life on:
Facebook/thehuntofherlife
Amazon.com
CLICK HERE TO LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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Steve Owens, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, says the agency is committed to better protecting the health and safety of pets and families. “New restrictions will be placed on these products, and pet owners need to carefully read and follow all labeling before exposing your pet to a pesticide,” he states in a media release.
Better labeling is particularly important because some incidents of illness and death have been linked to misuse such as a dog product being applied to a cat or a dosage meant for a large dog being applied to a smaller dog, according to the EPA.
Most people use the products with no harm to their pets, the EPA said, but the an analysis determined that smaller dogs tend to be disproportionately affected by some products and that the exposure of cats to some dog products is a concern.Among immediate actions that EPA will pursue are:
- Developing more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for existing and new products to help prevent adverse reactions.
- Restricting the use of certain inert ingredients that EPA finds may contribute to the incidents.
- Requiring manufacturers of spot-on pesticide products to improve labeling, making instructions clearer to prevent product misuse.
- Requiring more precise label instructions to ensure proper dosage per pet weight.
- Requiring clear markings to differentiate between dog and cat products, and disallowing similar brand names for dog and cat products. Similar names may have led to misuse.
- Launching a consumer information campaign to explain new label directions and to help users avoid making medication errors.
The EPA recently met with officials from 13 companies that make flea and tick products as part of its evaluation of the products. According to a summary report of the meeting, the EPA established a team of veterinarians to review the incidents and the ingredients used in the products.
According to the report:
- Death occurred in 560 pets in 2007 and 640 in 2008 related to the use of flea and tick products.
- Major illnesses occurred in 610 pets in 2007 and 740 in 2008.
- Minor illnesses occurred in 5,100 pets in 2007 and and 27,000 in 2008.
Some problems also have occurred involving sprays, collars and shampoos, the EPA reports, and it recommends that pet parents take precautions and consult a veterinarian when using flea and tick products on their dogs and cats. It says people should carefully follow label directions and monitor their pets for signs of reaction after application, particularly when using these products for the first time.
When using flea-and-tick control products on pets, the EPA recommends:
- Consulting a veterinarian before using on weak, older, medicated, sick, pregnant, or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to pesticide products.
- Reading the product label carefully before applying a spot-on product or any other pesticide on your pet.
- Using products only on the animal specified by the product label; dog products for dogs only and cat products for cats only.
- Applying only the amount indicated for the size of the animal being treated.
- Not applying to kittens or puppies unless the product label specifically allows this treatment.
- Monitoring your pet for side effects or signs of sensitivity after applying the product, particularly when using the product for the first time.
- Not applying spot-ons to pets known to be sensitive to pesticide products.
The best time to treat a pet is at the beginning of flea and tick season, according to the EPA's Dr. Stohlman. The length of flea season, which peaks during warm weather months, varies depending on where you live. “It can last four months in some places, but in other places, like Florida, fleas can live all year long,” she states.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ticks are found in some places year-round. In most parts of the United States, the greatest chance of infection by a tick bite is spring and summer.
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More reports about dogs and health
Use of flea, tick products a must despite pet deaths
Stop ticks from dogging - or killing - your pet
Your dog may have you sleeping with thousands of fleas
Get pets ready for invasion of blood-sucking insects
Reports about dogs and oral health:
The stinking truth behind smelly dog breath
Simple home remedy can add year's to a pet's life
Reports about dogs and cancer:
Major breakthrough in canine cancer treatment
First-ever canine cancer drug developed
Making strides in fight against canine cancer
Worldwide effort to cure canine cancer
Reports about dogs and health:
A wonder drug guaranteed to help your pet
Try this fountain of youth for your pet
For pets, your dirty hands are really sickening
This formula is certain to sicken your pet
For your pet, there's a rash of trouble in the air
Only saps let their dogs play fetch with sticks
Your dog is at risk of getting the flu, too
Purebred dogs needlessly suffering, report says
Alarming rise in heartworm a threat to pets
'Speak' to your primary care veterinarian
Dog heart medicine research results promising
Cushing's drug receives FDA approval
Paralyzing diseases of dogs, people linked
More reports about dogs and health
The Natural Resources Defense Council, an advocacy group for the environment, urges pet parents to use natural flea and tick control methods rather than products containing pesticides. It recommends frequently using a flea comb, regular bathing of pets, and regular vacuuming and washing of a pet's bedding.
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