Flea and tick season is approaching and pet owners are searching for effective flea control options. When deciding on flea products, your veterinarian is the best source of advice about prescription flea products, especially if your pet has any condition that warrants special consideration.
Many over the counter products at grocery and discount stores can be dangerous to pets, even when using according to labeled instructions. The pesticides contained can cause adverse reactions including drooling, panting, skin irritation, and even seizures and neurological damage. Most over the counter flea collars do not protect the entire pet, only the immediate area around the collar. Beware of prescription or veterinary-only products for sale in stores- they are not available for retail sales so there is no way of knowing where they were obtained and if they are the actual product.
Pet owners are looking for natural or herbal products to keep fleas off their pets, and there are several products available. There is little research to show whether any of these are effective or safe, although many pet owners use them successfully. Keep in mind that natural does not always mean safe; these products have the same potential to interfere with medications and medical conditions that prescription products do. Some pets, especially cats, can be sensitive to the essential oils in natural or herbal flea remedies.
When choosing any flea and tick prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency has these tips to help protect your pet:
-Only use the product on the type of pet specified on the label.
-NEVER apply a product specifically labeled for dogs to your cat. Certain ingredients that are safe for dogs can be harmful or fatal to cats.
-Always read the entire label and follow the instructions.
-Use the appropriate dose for the size and age of your pet.
-Use caution with very young, senior, pregnant, nursing, ill, immune compromised, or medicated pets. Do not use the product if the label warns against use on these animals.
-Consult your veterinarian before using any products if your pet has had reactions to flea and tick products in the past.
-Monitor your pet after application for signs of side effects or sensitivities and seek medical attention if necessary.
-Keep the package of the product. If there is a reaction, the information will be very helpful to your vet in quickly treating your pet.
If your pet has a reaction to any topical product, immediately bath him or her with mild soap and rinse well. Consult your veterinarian for treatment if the reaction is moderate to severe or continues after bathing. Also, report the reaction to the manufacturer. Symptoms of adverse reactions include drooling, skin irritation, nausea or vomiting, agitation, lethargy, weakness, distress, tremors, seizures, or any unusual sign after treatment.
Keep in mind that all flea products are not created equal. Some are labeled to prevent or control fleas, while others actually kill fleas and/or flea eggs. Others prevent or kill certain species of ticks. It is important to be aware of these differences when choosing a product. A preventative will not necessarily rid your pet of existing fleas. Similarly, a product only labeled for fleas may not have the desired effect on ticks. Most prescription products kill fleas, but vary regarding flea development and ticks. The majority of natural and herbal products repels fleas and ticks rather than kills them.
ARF has investigated several natural flea and tick products and is pleased to offer these options to our clients:
–EasyDefense is a monthly topical “spot-on” for dogs that repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
–Vetri Repel Spray for dogs and cats that repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and flies.
–Wondercide Flea and Tick Control Spray, for dogs, cats, and home, kills and repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and flies. It is used as needed
– Bug Off Garlic is a daily chewable for dogs that repels biting insects and fleas and ticks.
–Tick Twister is a device to safely remove ticks from pets and people.
Written by Carla McNulty LVT, CCRP
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