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Updated: 11:43 AM Jun 25, 2009
EPA Increases Scrutiny of Flea and Tick Products
Lincoln Lincoln family's dog rushed to ER following dose of flea and tick product being investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Posted: 10:23 PM Jun 24, 2009Reporter: Keller Russell Email Address: Keller.Russell@kolnkgin.com |
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7 Comments 
Three-and-a-half year old Posh and her brother Beckham are the light of Russell and Jennifer Nowotny's life, so when one of the two dogs became violently ill Monday evening, the Nowotny's were beside themselves.
"She was choking, gasping for air, vomitting in the vehicle..I mean her mouth was just gaping..you could tell..she was just..I thought she was going to expire," said Russell. "It was pretty scary."
They had just treated their two dogs with an over-the-counter flea and tick medicine -- one they soon learned is on a long list of "spot-on" products being investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency, following 44,000 reports of "adverse reactions".
The EPA website says the reactions range from mild effects such as skin irritation to serious serious effects such as seizures and in some cases, death of a pet.
The list of products being investigated is long, and includes a number of name brands like Hartz, Advantage, Frontline and Omaha based Sergeant's Pet Care Products.
The EPA said none of the products are being recalled as of now, and that flea and tick products can be "appropriate treatment for protecting your pet and family's health". The agency urges consumers to exercise caution when using products and to monitor their pet's behavior.
Dr. Chris Carr with Veterinary Emergency Services of Lincoln said,"flea and tick products are pesticides and they are known to have reactions, typically used as directed they are pretty safe."
Carr said its best to chose vet recommended products.
"Because there are products out there that are more safe than other products. Absolutely you have to read the label carefully and use only as directed."
Carr said her clinic doesn't have an official way of tracking reactions but notes the clinic has found about a dozen cases within the last year, and three to four so far this summer.
A spokesperson for Omaha based Sergeant Pet Care Products, which is just one of the numerous companies with products on the EPA investigation list said "its hard for anyone to make any judgment on whether this was just a product issue -- misapplication has and continues to be a problem with products.."
The spokesperson went on to say the company "doesn't want any animals to have any adverse reactions that would make them sick and we encourage customers to contact us so we can properly investigate."
The Nowotny's believe they did correctly follow directions for the product they used, they didn't however, know about the EPA's investigation into the products.
Russell said he hopes their close call will save others similar agony.
"The main thing I want people to know is they really need to investigate these products they're applying to their animals."
For more information on what to look for when applying products, you can visit www.lookatthelabel.com. The site is part of an awareness campaign sponsored by Sergeant Pet Care.
To report any incidents to Sergeant's, call 1-800-224-PETS.
To report any pesticide related effects with the EPA, visit http://pesticides.custhelp.com.
Latest Comments
We used Sergeant's gold for our dogs and all three had a reaction. Our two labs had skin rashes and increased itching - which led to bleeding. Our little Chihuahua, was poisoned and it affected her central nervous system. Constant twitching, fever, no eating/drinking. She's scared and has little nerve jolts especially in her hind leg. We've taken her to the vet and we're in a waiting game now. Our package for 9-20 lb dogs (she's 12 lbs)did NOT indicate this could be a side effect. I think the warning label should be corrected and possibly the formula re-worked. This has been a horrible experience for all involved, in all aspects - animals, time, money, and especially our two little girls.
Front Line is the only thing that has ever worked on our and our nieghbors dogs on the farm that live out side and do so by choice. If you have a house dog don't use a systemic, you don't need it. Don't ruin it for us that need it.
I applied Sergeants Gold Flee & Tick squeeze on for dogs on my 4 year old Shihtchon early this month. She had an allergic reaction to it. I applied it according to the directions on the package and even called the hot line number on the back of the package after I had given her a bath to wash it off of her. They said to bath her three more times with dish detergent soap. I still ended up taking her to the vet to receive a shot to help her breath normally again.
I used a ___ product on my cat a few years ago and she had the same reaction. I rushed her to emergency vet and they put her on oxygen and iv's and she still didn't make it. They said she would probably have had brain damage due to lack of oxygen. It was scary and heart breaking. I called the company and they wanted me to send her body for testing so I did and they found every way to make it sound like my fault. I used it just like the bottle said and the way I always had. I will never buy another ____ product and hope no one else does either. They wouldn't even call to tell me about their findings they sent me a letter that said it was due to my lack of care. It made me so angry because I was already upset and then to make me feel worse they tried to blame me!!
I work at a local Veterinary clinic. Products sold by vets, such as Frontline, Advandtage, etc., have not been proven to cause harm to pets. For more information visit http://us.merial.com/merial_corporate/news/press_releases/04-22-2009_Statement_to_EPA_Announcement.asp. I am very dissapointed with the research done by Keller Russell for this particular artical.
Spot-on type flea and tick control products contain high concentrations of pesticides - often comprising 40% to 85% of the ingredients. These products are dangerous, even when they are used according to the directions. They also pose risks to small children whenever they touch a pet that is treated with these products. For more information on adverse reactions caused by flea and tick products, visit www.BioSpotVictims.org
Folks, there was a governement to handle this, and it was not the best. We voted for you know who, and this is the result.
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