There are at least 21
topical or "spot on" type products to control fleas on your dog
or cat. Although they are applied in the same manner, they are not
all the same chemical. The bottom line is to read the active
ingredient on the label (not just the trade name). This tells the
real story of what you are applying.
Of
these 21 plus products, at least 15 are "permethrins" as the
active ingredient. Permethrins, tetramethrins, allemethins and other
"methrins" are in the same class of synthetic pyrethrins and are
used to control insects on animals, house or gardens, and in
agriculture. If you read the active ingredient label on wasp &
hornet killer, flying insect killer, ant & roach killer, house foggers
and fumigators, yard sprays, and commercial insect killers, you will see
you may be applying the same chemical to your pet. (Although at
different concentrations depending on the product.)
Flea
control products are a primary source of exposure that leads to poisoning
in small animals. The difference and problem with permethrin
products, for instance, is that after application, these are absorbed into
the animal's bloodstream. On insects, these chemicals stimulate the
central nervous system resulting in convulsions, muscle tremors,
paralysis, and death. In small animals, at the toxic dose, you may
see some of the following: depression, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of
appetite, incoordination, respiratory distress, convulsions, muscle
tremors, or even death. There is no antidote for permethrin
toxicity, and this class of chemicals is listed in the top 25 agents
causing poisoning in animals by the National Animal Poison Control
Center. In a recent article in the Journal of The American
Veterinary Medical Association July 1999, was a report of toxicosis in
cats treated with permethrin products. Thousands of reports of
poisonings reported to the Environmental Protection Agency were
analyzed. Besides improper application it was noteworthy that some
cats became toxic from rubbing up against, or grooming, a dog that had a
permethrin applied to it. (Granting cats are much more sensitive
than dogs due to lower rate of liver processing of the chemical.)
There
are 2 flea products that are not absorbed into your pet's bloodstream, and
are considered by authorities to be more effective and safer
alternatives. These products are only supplied to veterinarians but
are often illegally diverted and found elsewhere due to their
desirability. These products work so well they have eliminated the
need to treat the house and yard for fleas, saving time and money on
additional products. They are safe on puppies and kittens (read
label directions). Since fleas obtain the chemical by contact (not
from biting) plus the quick elimination of fleas may help resolve flea
allergy dermatitis.
-
Advantage
(active ingredient: imidacloprid) has exhibited that a single dose will
kill 98% to 100% of fleas (and flea larvae) on dogs within one day and
prevent further infestation for at least 4 weeks. Additionally,
Advantage has proved to kill flea larvae in the environment at greater
than 2 months post application to pet, due to normal hair shedding and
debris falling off into the environment.
-
Frontline
(active ingredient: ftpronil) kills fleas for up to 3 months, ticks and
earmites for 1 month and is touted as being waterproof due to its
localization in the sebacious glands in the skin. This product
requires "normal body oils" so no bathing can be given for 3
days prior and 3 days after application. It also may not work as
well on animals with very dry skin.
Revolution
(active ingredient: selamectin) is a topical parasiticide for dogs and
cats that protects against heartworm (in both species), treats and
protects against fleas, sarcoptic mange, earmites, intestinal parasites,
and ticks (with possibly more applications to come with FDA
approval). Although this product does absorb into the bloodstream,
it is extremely safe even for puppies and kittens at 6 weeks old, as well
as pregnant and nursing pets. This product is a heartworm
preventative, not a treatment (animals should be tested prior to use).
Check
with your veterinarian for more information on any of these
products. Remember to read the "active ingredient" part of
the label and label directions, your pet is worth it and is counting on
you to treat them safely.
The above is a reprint of an article
written by Jack Landess, D.V.M., as a public service. Reprint
permission was obtained from the Florida
Pet Pages.
