Using Spot-on Flea Control

Yesterday we talked about checking your dog for fleas. (Yes, it is that time of year!) If you find fleas, you’ll need to get rid of them and prevent their return either organically or using flea products.

In recent years, spot-on products (the kind you put onto your dog’s neck to prevent fleas throughout the month) have become increasingly popular. However, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently stated on their web site that they are intensifying their scrutiny of topical spot-on products.

Currently they are not recalling any products but have some safety tips on the use of these products including:

• read the label directions carefully before you use the spot-on flea products
• follow those label directions
• pay special attention to age restrictions
• use dog products on dogs ONLY and cat products on cats ONLY
• after you apply the product, monitor your pet for any signs of an adverse reaction after application, especially when using these products for the first time
• before you use these products on weak, aged, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to pesticide products, check with your vet.
• save the package (including the product tubes) after you use the product in case of any problems

In response to all the recent focus on spot-on products, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has released data collected by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The data indicates that the overwhelming majority of animal illnesses associated with proper use of spot-on flea and tick control products are mild.

“Products labeled for dogs must never be used on cats–doing so can result in serious illness and even death,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Medical Director of the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “A veterinarian must always be consulted before using spot-on flea and tick treatments on very young, old, sick or pregnant pets.”

The ASPCA receives more than 700 calls daily from veterinarians and pet parents, resulting in over 150,000 annual cases involving medications, insecticides, plants and foods. ASPCA epidemiologist Dr. Margaret Slater analyzed data from public calls managed by the ASPCA regarding flea and tick products and found that when dogs and cats were treated correctly (per label directions), the likelihood of severe adverse reaction was significantly less: no illness despite a call to the ASPCA (7%), mild illness (69%), moderate illness (22%), major illness (2%), and death (0.1%).

“The important take home message is that although adverse reactions can occur with all flea and tick products, most effects are relatively mild and include skin irritation and stomach upset,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA veterinary toxicologist and Senior Vice President Animal Health Services. “Pet parents should not discontinue using products as directed by the product label when faced with a flea infestation.”

The ASPCA also points out the health problems that fleas themselves create and says the risk to pets from these diseases is greater than the risk of adverse reactions when products are use appropriately. Fleas cause anemia (low blood counts), carry tapeworms, and can transmit infections such as Bartonella; ticks transmit many diseases including Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

What will you be using to control fleas this summer? Please share your tips on flea control in the comments box below!

Related posts:

1. Checking for Fleas
2. Preventing Fleas
3. Staying Flea-Free Naturally
4. Vacuuming Up Fleas
5. Speaking for Spot by Dr. Nancy Kay