Flea and Tick Control Product Almost Killed My Cat-New EPA Restrictions Confirm Toxicity
A press release on 3/17/2010, indicated that the EPA has increased restrictions for spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for cats and dogs. They caution consumers to use these products with extra care. I can appreciate the increased restrictions on these types of products since one over-the-counter flea product almost killed my cat.
Last summer an infestation of fleas affected my entire neighborhood, including my cat. In a frenzy and panic to get rid of the fleas, I grabbed a common over-the-counter flea spot-on powder at a local discount store. Not a smart move. Within 24 hours of putting the product on my cat, he became dehydrated, limp, and lifeless. Upon rushing him to the veterinarian, and after many lab tests, the vet concluded that the flea and tick powder was the culprit. The powder was immediately shampooed out and rinsed off. Within a few days my companion of ten years began to perk up. Gradually over several months his weight came back, and he resumed good health.
This was a gripping event. Ironically though, I had been warned a number of years ago from a very smart veterinarian in Ohio that some over-the-counter flea and tick products were extremely lethal to animals. Disbeliever that I am, I did not heed that warning. After much anguish and guilt, I now believe conscientious pet owners should:
1. Check with your veterinarian as to the safety of all products you plan to use on your pet. Read all labels carefully. Find out if any veterinarians have approved or not approved the product you are using. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your pet's life may depend on it.
2. Do research. Look at the product's ingredients listed on the label. You can "Google" any ingredient. Since many of the flea products contain pesticides, you can check the EPA Registration No. on the label and proceed with that number or product name to http://www.pesticideinfo.org/ for a breakdown of the chemicals used and their level of toxicity.
3. Become familiar with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website. The EPA's recent report on the evaluation of pet spot-on products, incidents, and safety tips can be found http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/petproductseval.html . This link will give you up-to-date information essential to you and your family. Understandably, I now use a safer product not only on my cat but also on our dog. It seems to be working well with no toxic effects. The natural product can be safely sprayed on the animal's bedding as well as anywhere else in the house without harm to my family. It is also naturally safe for use around children.
My last word is listen to your veterinarian; he may know what he's talking about. Read your labels, and do further research online to be an informed and responsible pet owner. Keep you and your entire family safe--including the furry ones.
A great natural product I found effective is Triple Sure. Click theTriple Sure link below.
Last summer an infestation of fleas affected my entire neighborhood, including my cat. In a frenzy and panic to get rid of the fleas, I grabbed a common over-the-counter flea spot-on powder at a local discount store. Not a smart move. Within 24 hours of putting the product on my cat, he became dehydrated, limp, and lifeless. Upon rushing him to the veterinarian, and after many lab tests, the vet concluded that the flea and tick powder was the culprit. The powder was immediately shampooed out and rinsed off. Within a few days my companion of ten years began to perk up. Gradually over several months his weight came back, and he resumed good health.
This was a gripping event. Ironically though, I had been warned a number of years ago from a very smart veterinarian in Ohio that some over-the-counter flea and tick products were extremely lethal to animals. Disbeliever that I am, I did not heed that warning. After much anguish and guilt, I now believe conscientious pet owners should:
1. Check with your veterinarian as to the safety of all products you plan to use on your pet. Read all labels carefully. Find out if any veterinarians have approved or not approved the product you are using. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your pet's life may depend on it.
2. Do research. Look at the product's ingredients listed on the label. You can "Google" any ingredient. Since many of the flea products contain pesticides, you can check the EPA Registration No. on the label and proceed with that number or product name to http://www.pesticideinfo.org/ for a breakdown of the chemicals used and their level of toxicity.
3. Become familiar with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website. The EPA's recent report on the evaluation of pet spot-on products, incidents, and safety tips can be found http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/petproductseval.html . This link will give you up-to-date information essential to you and your family. Understandably, I now use a safer product not only on my cat but also on our dog. It seems to be working well with no toxic effects. The natural product can be safely sprayed on the animal's bedding as well as anywhere else in the house without harm to my family. It is also naturally safe for use around children.
My last word is listen to your veterinarian; he may know what he's talking about. Read your labels, and do further research online to be an informed and responsible pet owner. Keep you and your entire family safe--including the furry ones.
A great natural product I found effective is Triple Sure. Click theTriple Sure link below.
Source...