One of the saddest things that can happen to you as a dog
guardian is to place your trust in a product or service such as a
food, med or health care provider and learn later that your best pal
was harmed as a result of that choice.
We often go on rants about dog food, vets, vaccinations and anything
that we learn or believe may be harmful to Fido…your dog’s best
interest and the well being of all dogs everywhere being our
primary concern.
Time to raise the alarm again about a problem that has caused
more than 44,000 adverse reactions and is critically important to the
health of your dog no matter where you live.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,(EPA) has warned dog owners
about potential health risks to their animals from a variety of spot-on
flea and tick medications.
Spot-on products typically are applied to one or more areas on the dog’s
body, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back.
More than 44,000 pet health-related incidents from spot-on treatments
were reported to the EPA, ranging from mild skin irritations to death.
As a result, the EPA recently announced it was intensifying its
evaluation of these products.
Here’s some info from the EPA( Environmental Protection Agency)
website @ http://www.epa.gov
“EPA found that the products could be used safely but that some
additional restrictions are needed. EPA’s team of veterinarians
learned that most incidents were minor, but unfortunately there
were some pet deaths and “major incidents” reported.
The Agency learned that the most commonly affected organ systems were
dermal, gastrointestinal, and nervous.
Dog Findings:
EPA’s expert veterinarian team found that small breed dogs were
affected more than larger breeds for some products the amount of
product in a single dose needed to vary more for small to large dogs
– that is, how much the dog weighs matters a lot in deciding how much
of a product should be used.
The EPA investigation will center on incidents with spot-on treatments,
sprays, collars, and shampoos. “However, the majority of the
potential incidents reported to EPA are related to flea and tick
treatments with EPA-registered spot-on products,”
For our dogs, I trust NONE of the over the counter or even prescriptive
flea meds ..I believe them to be immune suppressing and as an alternative
we give frequent baths during flea season, comb thoroughly and make sure
that any flea has been drowned or removed.
Additionally be sure to wash all bedding that Fido sleeps on
and thoroughly vacuum your house.
Dr. Pitcairin, DVM, author of “Natural Health for Dogs and Cats,”
http://tinyurl.com/45bz6so recommends making a flea powder with one
part each eucalyptus, rosemary, fennel, yellow dock, wormwood, and rue.
Put them in a shaker bottle and use as needed.
I am sure that are many other options as well.
The choice is yours. But now you have the facts that can help you to be
vigilant and protect you best friend.
P.S. From Dr. Jones, DVM- “I advise that you DO NOT use these medications
monthly- ONLY use them in severe infestations. Talk to your Veterinarian
about doses, and be VERY cautious…. Animals have died”