Pet Poison Helpline Responds to EPA Investigation

Posted on April 27, 2010 by Kim Nguyen

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Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control based out of Minneapolis, looked into the EPA’s investigation of spot-on flea/tick preventive products. After compiling, reviewing and analyzing much of the data provided to the EPA, Pet Poison Helpline experts concur with the EPA’s assessment that when used correctly, the incidence of severe fatal effects resulting from the application of flea and tick products is extremely low as compared to the number of applications that Pet owners apply each year. And when serious events occur, it is commonly a result of misuse. For example, when dog products are applied to cats or when owners misread, misuse or miscalculate the dose or product that is appropriate for their Pet.

“Data can [portray] a disproportionate view of the issue, since the majority of reported incidents represent minor or non life-threatening events,” said Dr. Rick Kingston, president of regulatory and scientific affairs for SafetyCall International and Pet Poison Helpline. “Owners may think that serious adverse reactions are common and expected, but fortunately, the data does not show that animals are being seriously injured when flea and tick products are being applied properly.”

However, Pet Poison Helpline does think there are a few things you should keep in mind. For instance, treatment with a fast-acting topical flea and tick medication on a Pet can cause itching or brief irritation at the application site as the product does its job and kills pests, possibly causing the Pet to fidget or scratch.

In addition, for some flea and tick products, a small proportion of treated animals may also develop a side effect called paresthesia – a tingling sensation at the application site. Fortunately, in the majority of cases it is a mild and self-limiting effect, but it does account for a large number of the reported incidents, and small breed dogs are commonly involved. Still, the occurrence of any adverse effect for any treated animal with a Spot-On product remains low across the board. Adverse reactions in dogs and cats resulting from misapplication can include skin effects such as irritation or redness; gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea; or more serious effects to the nervous system such as trembling, appearing depressed or seizures.

Lynn Hovda, DVM, DACVIM, director of veterinary services for Pet Poison Helpline, recommends the following tips when applying spot-on treatments:

  • Read and follow the directions on the product.
  • Know the exact size and weight of your animal and use the correct dose amount. Don’t guess.
  • Use a product for the animal in which the product was intended, i.e., do not use a dog product on a cat.
  • Consult a veterinarian before using flea and tick products on weak, aged, sick, pregnant or nursing pets.

Always monitor your Pet for signs of adverse reactions, especially when using products for the first time. When in doubt, consult a veterinarian, the manufacturer (most offer emergency medical information numbers on the label), or call the Pet Poison Helpline for treatment recommendations and general assistance.

If you suspect your Pet has been poisoned, it is best to immediately take your Pet to your Banfield veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian. In the event that you are unable to do that, you can contact Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 for initial information about the potential toxin your Pet may have been exposed to. Pet Poison Helpline is a service available 24 hours, seven days a week for Pet owners, veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Staff can provide treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s fee of $35 per incident includes follow-up consultation for the duration of the poison case. You can also find additional information on poisonings at http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/.



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