PetScoop: EPA To Tighten Standards on Flea and Tick Meds for Cats and Dogs

Some of our dogs and cats have been suffering adverse reactions from pet spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control -- skin irritation, redness, gastrointestinal problems (vomiting or diarrhea), or effects to the nervous system, such as trembling, appearing depressed, seizures. The majority of the problems apparently involved overdosing small dogs in the 10 to 20 lb range and cats who took meds intended for dogs.

Beginning immediately, the EPA will increase scrutiny of these spot-on pesticide products to ensure their safety. The EPA will begin reviewing labels for clarity and will develop more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for both existing and new products. From the press release:

Among immediate actions that EPA will pursue are:

· Requiring manufacturers of spot-on pesticide products to improve labeling, making instructions clearer to prevent product misuse.

· Requiring more precise label instructions to ensure proper dosage per pet weight.

· Requiring clear markings to differentiate between dog and cat products, and disallowing similar brand names for dog and cat products. Similar names may have led to misuse.

· Requiring additional changes for specific products, as needed, based on product-specific evaluations.

· When new products are registered, granting only conditional, time-limited registrations to allow for post-marketing product surveillance. If there are incidents of concern associated with the product, EPA will take appropriate regulatory action.

· Restricting the use of certain inert ingredients that EPA finds may contribute to the incidents.

· Launching a consumer information campaign to explain new label directions and to help users avoid making medication errors.

Read entire press release.

Read More in: Cats | Dogs | Health and Safety | Pet News

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