Beware of spot-on flea products

Beware of spot-on flea treatments

As though the spot-on flea treatments don’t cost enough, now 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.” About time is what I have to say!

If you read the instructions on the package, it states you should not get this stuff on your skin… however, make sure you part your dog’s hair so you get the product on their skin. Hmmm… what am I missing here? Add to that the fact that this stuff will literally melt the latex paint off the floor and you should pause to reconsider the effects of these products. I kid you not about the paint. I can show you several spots throughout my house where spot-on flea treatments have melted the paint just like paint stripper does.

And what about the pet that takes off running like it has a monkey on it’s back after you apply the product? Or the pet that develops a bald spot where you applied the product?

Fortunately for me, I have too many pets to be able to afford this kind of flea medication so my limitation to using these products has been forced upon me. But if you are still using spot-on products, be aware of the investigation and look for alternate options.

Two options that come to mind immediately and that go further for less money are diatomeous earth (there is even a human grade, edible version used in our grains) and nematodes. I have used both in my yard with great success.

You can read more about the investigation of seven products on the EPA website and see a list of the products included in the investigation.

Be safe with your pets.

May 4, 2009 — I notice the EPA website has temporarily removed the list of flea products under review. I remember that the list DID NOT include Bayer. Bayer makes the Advantage products. However, Frontline was on the list. This is not to say that Advantage will not be added. The EPA website says the revised list will be posted as soon as the review is complete.