The EPA made an announcement on March 17, 2010 concerning their investigation of topical flea and tick products.  They announced that new labeling requirements, public education, and monitoring for adverse events will become part of increased regulatory efforts to combat the rise in reactions seen with these “spot on” products.

This comes after a year of investigations following an increase in the number of reactions (nearly double) from 2007 to 2008.  Though the majority of reactions reported were minor, a small percentage of them included seizures and rarely death.  The more severe reactions were mostly from inadvertently placing canine spot-ons to cats, or from small dogs receiving too much product (say from a vial meant for a larger dog).

EPA spokesman Steve Owens said, “These products are safe and effective, but the labeling is inadequate”.  Of note, products sold through veterinarians had a much lower percentage of cat incidences compared to dog incidences.  The reason for this relatively low occurrence may be that since this product is sold through veterinarians that there is a higher compliance rate for proper use and/or the product has a lower percentage of the active ingredient.  It is good to know that the overall reaction percentage in these cases was about 1.6 incidences per 10,000 doses.

These products are meant to repel and kill fleas and ticks, and they do a good job.  Still, they have to be used with caution and understanding.  If a cat accidentally receives a permethrin-based topical preventive, it can have seizures and possibly die.  Also, if a small dog receives too much products, it can cause a local irritation or possibly burn.

The alternatives are few.  You can try mild, safe products like Avon Skin-So-Soft, but that are only somewhat effective in protecting against fleas, and especially ticks.  You can try oral products that protect against fleas, and vaccinate against Lyme Disease.  Or you can do nothing and hope that your dog doesn’t get bitten by a tick and contract Lyme Disease (which is currently an epidemic in Loudoun County).  Personally, I use the spot-ons that we sell on my dogs and am totally confident that they are doing their job in a safe and effective way with no side effects.

I hope this helped answer some of your questions, but if you have any more, please feel free to contact us!

Till next time,     Dr. Steve,        ashburnanimals.com 703-729-0700

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