(A Publication of the Environmental Protection Agency)

There are many EPA-registered pesticide products on the market today to treat your pets for common problems such as fleas and ticks. When used according to label instructions and precautions, pet products can be very effective, but when misapplied or not used according to directions, your pets may be unnecessarily exposed to pesticides and could become ill. Your pets may also be exposed to other pesticide products used or stored around the home, lawn, and garden. Protect your pets from pests and potential pesticide risks by following product label directions and understanding the precautions.

EPA is responsible for assuring that all pesticides sold in the United States do not cause unreasonable risks when they are used according to label directions and precautions. Every EPA-registered pesticide product has an EPA registration number on its packaging. If evidence arises to challenge the safety of a registered pesticide product, EPA reviews scientific data and takes action if necessary to reduce or eliminate the risks. Some flea and tick products are drugs that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Increased Scrutiny of Flea and Tick Control Products for Pets
(A Publication of the Environmental Protection Agency)

Due to a recent sharp increase in the number of incidents being reported from the use of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for pets, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is intensifying its evaluation of whether further restrictions on the use of these products are necessary to better protect pets.

Incidents with flea and tick products can involve the use of spot-on treatments, sprays, collars and shampoos. However, the majority of the potential incidents reported to EPA are related to flea and tick treatments with EPA-registered spot-on products. Spot-on products are generally sold in tubes or vials and are applied to one or more localized areas on the body of the pet, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back.

EPA-registered spot-on, topically applied flea and tick products have an EPA Registration Number on the label (look for EPA Reg. No. XXX-XX).

Incident report summary

Adverse reactions reported from the spot-on products range from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures and in some cases death. Over 44,000 potential incidents associated with registered spot-on products were reported to EPA in 2008. Pesticide registrants are required by law to submit information to EPA on adverse effects resulting from the use of any registered pesticide. The seven products in the table below represent about 80% of that total.

What types of pesticides should I use?

Using pesticides is a choice. You may not need to use pesticides at all. The most effective strategy for controlling pests may be to combine methods in an approach known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) that emphasizes pest damage management by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. If you do choose to use a pesticide, you need to know which pests are giving you problems. Then you must find the appropriate pesticide in your yard and garden store by reading the label of each to make sure that you pick the one that matches your specific pest problem.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a system of practices designed to choose the most economical and environmentally friendly course of action in controlling pests. Fundamental to IPM is the concept of "Know what the problem is before you apply pesticides." The principles of IPM can be used at home, in schools, in commercial settings, and in agriculture. Scouting the crops for pest infestation and comparing the cost of pest damage with the threshold cost of pesticide application helps to reach a decision on when to spray or not to spray. Crop rotation is also a practice in the IPM tool kit that can reduce the need for pesticides to control such damaging pests as the corn rootworm and soybean cyst nematode. Similarly, in a household or school setting, determining what pests are present at what level and trying pest prevention methods such as eliminating sources of food, water, and shelter for the problem pests often will provide adequate control. More information on Controlling Pests using IPM is available on our Web site.

Why is flea and tick control necessary?

Spot-on flea and tick products can be effective treatments for improving your pet's health. Fleas and ticks can harm you or your pet's health. For example, fleas can cause flea allergy dermatitis and deer ticks can transmit Lyme disease.

How can I make sure my pet will not be harmed when I use spot-on flea and tick products?

• When using spot-ons, it is vital that you read the product label and follow all instructions.
• Ensure that you are using the correct spot-on for your specific pet and particular pest problem.
• Spot-on products labeled for dogs must only be used on dogs (and not cats), for example.
• Also, a spot-on that only controls fleas must not be applied to a pet for tick control.
• You must observe all age and/or size restrictions and any reapplication intervals identified.
• Do not use a spot-on on weak, aged, medicated, sick, pregnant, or nursing animals without first reading the label to see if there are warnings about use on these sensitive animals and consulting a veterinarian.
• Pets have varying sensitivities to pesticides. You should closely observe your pet during and after treatment and monitor it for any signs of an adverse reaction, particularly when using these products for the first time.

What should I do if my pet has an adverse reaction to a flea and tick product?

If a pet shows any unusual reaction soon after application, immediately remove any remaining product from the pet by bathing your pet in mild soap and rinse with large amounts of water, unless the product specifically states not to or doing so would be stressful for the animal. Unusual reactions may include neurological symptoms such as distress, nervousness, tremors, and signs of skin irritation. In addition, you should immediately consult with your veterinarian.

Pet owners should also remember to report adverse effects to the product registrant, which is required by law to report it to EPA. Contact information can be found on the product label. Clearly identify the name of the product used, the EPA Registration Number, the type and breed of animal affected, symptoms observed in the pet, and any other details pertaining to the incident.

In addition, veterinarians have access to a reporting mechanism called the Veterinary Pesticide Adverse Effects Reporting portal at http://npic.orst.edu/vet to report incidents. This portal is not for use by the public.

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