Ticked Off With Dangerous Flea (and Tick) Control Products?

"Spring is here, the grass has riz! I wonder where the birdies iz?"

Once again Spring Equinox has arrived releasing winter's heavy grip of cold and ice. Trees are sprouting their finest greenery, flowers are growing and blossoming and our happy hearts may just beat just a little faster welcoming this joyous season.

But for those of us who have pets, spring has its dark side. Lurking in the growing grass and blossoming trees are those pesky fleas, ticks and mosquitoes which can wreak havoc with our furry family members. Now is the time that we must prepare ourselves for battle, and arm our pets with the most effective and safe armor. With the wide variety of products on the market today, extreme caution is needed and care taken to prevent possible tragic outcomes which can result from using toxic products in our zeal to protect our pets.

According to "The LA News" investigation of flea and tick products, dated March 20, 2009, over the counter shampoos and drops sold by major companies such as Sergeant's, Bio Spot and Hartz, all contained pyrethrins or the synthetic version, pyrethroids, which are identical to those pesticides used in common household products such as "Raid" used to kill bugs in our homes. "LA News" reported that sales persons in several stores where they purchased these products told them that the products were completely safe for pets.

"LA News" continued their report sharing the misfortunate experience which Heidi Woehler of Santa Clarita had when using Bio Spot Flea and Tick Shampoo for her two cats, Hummer and Samson. Ms. Woehler followed package instructions to the letter, but minutes after applying the shampoo, both of her cats started having seizures. Hummer was most affected.

Ms. Woehler said, "He's shaking, he can't breathe." And while an emergency room veterinarian saved Samson, Hummer succumbed to the poisons in the product. "I read the directions and I followed them thoroughly. He died a horrible, violent, fast death."

"LA News" read the reported incidents which involved domestic animals who were exposed to all products containing pyrethrins and pyrethroids, from the EPA data base.

They learned of many animals whose skin was burned, who suffered seizures and vomiting. They actually found tens of thousands of reported incidents which including the death of thousands. The EPA admitted that even they are not fully sure of precisely how many animals have been hurt by products with these pesticides as a base.
What is most frightening is how many of these products line the shelves of pet stores and supermarkets.

These products are widely advertised as safe and their familiar names give people a false sense of security. People like Rich Parsons who resides in La Quinta, California, bought and applied a flea and tick drops made by Hartz to his dog, Duffy. Mr. Parsons reports that Duffy started having seizures the next day, and two days later died in an animal hospital. He was devastated by the loss.

These incidents are not unique. There are now even websites, such as http://www.hartzvictims.org/ where pet owners report illnesses and deaths after using these products. They are warning other pet owners to avoid these products, and spreading the word about the dangers associated with them.

"LA News" spoke with veterinarians about this issue. One of them, Dr. Jeff Werber added that an unknown percentage of animals do have adverse reactions to these products. He said, "We do know that some of these products can be toxic. We don't know as to what degree. There are absolutely safer alternatives generally across the board." There are over- the- counter products that do not contain the toxic pesticides but those companies that make the pesticide- based products continue to claim that they are safe. They refuse to take responsibility for the injuries and deaths which all too frequently are reported. They blame these incidents on underlying medical conditions and not following directions on the package correctly.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told LA News that it has started a major review of these flea and tick products to ensure their safety. Based on their review, the EPA could require new labeling or removing some of these products off the shelves.
Please talk with your veterinarians before using any flea and tick products to ensure your pet's safety.Read more about these products by visiting the recently published investigations into these flea and tick products, by the non-profit Center for Public Integrity:
http://www.publicintegrity.org/investigations/pesticides/
http://www.publicintegrity.org/investigations/pesticides/articles/entry/1080/

Visit the Humane Society of the United State's information and warning about over- the- counter tick and flea control products at: http://www.hsus.org/

Watch this informative video uploaded to YouTube by cpiweb.

What products do you consider safe? Leave a comment and share.