Jun 18, 2009 11:57 pm US/Eastern
EPA Issues Warning On Pet Flea & Tick Medications
Adverse Reactions Possible With Use Of Many Of The Leading Brands, Including Frontline, Hartz And Advantage
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Adult female (left) and male (right) deer ticks, which can carry lyme disease.
AP
The Environmental Protection Agency has launched an investigation into all liquid "Top Spot" flea and tick treatments for dogs and cats. It follows a major uptick in adverse reactions among pets.
The EPA has gathered 44,000 reports of side effects. Most of them were mild, but some were serious and even fatal. Now all top spot products are under investigation, including ones by Hartz, Sergeants, Zodiac, Frontline and Advantage. That worries West Side dog owner Dana Levine.
"I'm very aware of chemicals in the environment and I was worried about her but because I do take her to the park I really don't have a choice," Levine said.
Levine gives her 8-year-old Shepherd "Phantom" a once monthly dose of topical flea control. The liquid is delivered between the shoulder blades and so far Phantom has reacted well to the chemicals.
East Side veterinarian Ann Hohenhaus said she has seen some pets get very ill from the products. She said the biggest problem is the people who don't follow the directions. People often put the wrong doses on pets or use dog products on cats and vice versa.
"It's important to have a conversation with your veterinarian about your concerns and to select just the right medication for your pet," Hohenhaus said.
She added a city pet may only require flea treatments, while country dogs need protection against fleas, ticks and other creepy crawlers. She advises pet owners to keep using the products.
So far there have been no recalls. When the EPA's investigation wraps up in the fall there may be changes in the formulas and tougher restrictions. But in the meantime always apply the correct dose and make sure the medication fully dries before allowing people or other animals to come in to contact with your pet.
If your pet has a bad reaction get to a vet. Consumers may call the National Pesticide Information Center at (800) 858-7378 to report a problem with the products.
For links leading to the different brands of topical medicines, please click here.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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