|
Here
in New England, we rejoice when winter loosens it’s grip and
spring finally arrives.
But along with the warmth of the season, comes pests that make both our
lives and our pets miserable: fleas and ticks. Fleas can be both a
nuisance and a health hazard to you and your pets. Not only are their bites
itchy and painful, but many animals have flea allergies causing severe
itching; chewing and biting of their tail, hips, and legs; oozing lesions
from the chewing; and hot spots. Along with fleas, here in New England we
also have the highest number of some tick diseases in the US.
Where tick-borne diseases are found
Tick
diseases, such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis
cause pets and people untold suffering
from these debilitating diseases. They may cause stiff painful joints,
lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, kidney failure, depression, and
neurological signs (infrequently) resulting in seizures and neck pain,
weight loss and even death.
http://www.dogsandticks.com/ has a list of tick diseases, their
symptoms, and also maps that highlight the number of reported positive cases
in dogs across all regions of the United States. Take a look at your state.
In the past, to combat
these pests, we've reached for spot-on treatments like the ones sold in
tubes or vials. But in light of the new EPA news release, included in part
below, we’ll be using those products with caution and researching
alternatives.
EPA Increases Scrutiny
of Flea and Tick Pet Products
(Washington, DC - April 16, 2009) “The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency is intensifying its evaluation of spot-on
pesticide products for flea and tick control for pets due to recent
increases in the number of reported incidents. Adverse reactions reported
range from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such
as seizures and, in some cases, the death of pets.
Flea and tick products can be appropriate treatments for protecting your
pets and your family's health because fleas and ticks can transmit disease.
While many people use the products with no harm to their pets, EPA
recommends that pet owners take precautions when using these products.
People should carefully follow label directions and monitor their pets for
any signs of an adverse reaction after application, particularly when using
these products for the first time. Pet owners may also want to consult a
veterinarian about the responsible and effective use of flea and tick
products.
Incidents with flea and tick products can involve the use of spot-on
treatments, sprays, collars and shampoos. However, the majority of the
incidents reported to EPA are related to flea and tick treatments with
EPA-registered spot-on products. Spot-on products are generally sold in
tubes or vials and are applied to one or more localized areas on the body of
the pet, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back.
This advisory pertains only to EPA-registered spot-on flea and tick
products; these products have an EPA registration number on the label.”
How
can we protect our animals?
 Fleas can be kept off your dog by using these products every 3 months as
directed so you are not dosing your dog as often, and using alternative
means to keep your home free from infestations.
Comb your pet regularly with a flea comb,
vacuum frequently and dispose of the bags immediately after use, mow areas
of the lawn where your dog spends time, wash pet bedding weekly, and wash
your pet with a pesticide-free pet shampoo.
Marie Thomas,
Freelance science & health writer, tells us that “for concerned owners,
there is a natural product made by Cedarcide, Inc, that contains primarily
oil of Texas cedar trees. This company advertises their product as a safe
alternative to chemical spot-on flea killers for pets. It is safe to use
inside the house and out, to stop fleas, ticks, lice, and even bed bug
infestations using cedar oil sprays, cedar powders, and cedar granules.
There is more information on their web site
http://www.CedarCide.com
.”
(Note:
not recommended for
direct application on your pet. Pure Texas cedar oil may be hazardous to
cats. Use another
Cedar oil if you have
cats in the home)
 For
ticks, check your animals daily and invest in a manual tick remover, such as
Ticked Off! Tick Remover, that safely and easily remove
ticks without chemicals! These can be found online, in pet stores and in
many grocery stores. Ticks don’t drown, so once you remove them from your
pet, either take them outside and use a rock to kill them, or keep a small
jar of alcohol and drop the ticks in there.
The EPA is not advising pet owners to stop using spot-ons, but is asking
them to exercise caution and make informed decisions when selecting
treatment methods.
Though
approximately 70 products are included in the warning, most of the adverse
reactions have been from the 7 most popular products:
Frontline, Advantage, K-9 Advantix, Promeris, Revolution, and Biospot.
They have taken these brand names off their website while they research
other products to insure they have
a complete list.
While many
people use the products with no harmful effects to their pets,
EPA
recommends that pet owners take precautions
when using
these products.
In the meantime, here
are some of their safety tips:
·
Carefully
read and follow the product label
·
Use flea
and tick control products only on the animal specified
─ for example, dog products for dogs only
·
Only apply
the amount indicated for the size of the animal being treated
·
Pay
attention to the age restrictions. Use caution with aged dogs
·
Do not
apply to kittens or puppies unless the product label specifically allows
this treatment.
·
Monitor
your pet for side effects
·
If your pet
has an adverse reaction call your vet immediately. Bathe your pet with mild
soap and rinse with large amounts of water.
·
Keep the
package with the product container (such as individual applicator tubes).
Also keep the package after treatment in case adverse effects occur so you
have the instructions at hand, as well as contact information for the
manufacturer.
For the full release, check
out their website at:
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/flea-tick-control.html
More information on pet products and safety
tips, including the EPA's Q&A database:
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/pets.htm
|
