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PETS AND POISONS
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Information on this page may change without notice to ThePetCenter.com. 
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 such as your veterinarian, local physician and emergency care offices.

Pets and Flea Control Products

Presented by ThePetCenter.com
 With permission from Dana Farbman, Senior
Manager of Client & Professional Relations
 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

          The following are some guidelines for pet owners to follow when choosing and applying a flea control product:

1.         Never use insecticides on very young, pregnant, debilitated, or elderly animals without consulting your veterinarian. You may want to consider avoiding the use of some insecticides directly on your pet. Instead, you could comb the fleas off the animal with a flea comb then submerge the fleas in a small container of soapy water. This would also be a good alternative for pets that love being groomed but who violently refuse baths or the application of a spray.

2.         Before using ANY product on your pet read the label instructions completely. If you do not completely understand the instructions, you should contact the manufacturer or your veterinarian for clarification. Observe the species and age requirements listed on the label. NEVER use a product labeled "for use on dogs only" on your cats.

3.         Always use caution when using shampoos, sprays, topical spot-ons, or mousse near your pet's eyes, ears, and genitalia. Inactive ingredients could cause irritation to these sensitive tissues.

4.         When using a fogger or a home premise spray, make sure to remove all pets from the house for the time period specified on the container. Food and water bowls should be removed from the area. Allow time for the product to dry completely before returning your animals to your home. Open windows or use fans to "air out" the household before returning your pets to the treated area. Strong fumes can be irritating to your animal’s eyes and upper respiratory system. 

Birds are more sensitive to inhalants and usually require longer time before their return to the treated home.  Contact your veterinary health professional for advice on product usage around your birds.

5.         If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the product's manufacturer or your veterinarian to explain the directions BEFORE use of the product.

6.         Insect growth regulators like lufenuron, methoprene, and pyriproxyfen can be used in combination or alone with flea control products. They can help break the flea life cycle by inhibiting flea maturation. Growth regulators have minimal adverse effects and can improve the efficacy when used in combination with adult flea insecticides.

8.         Just because a product is labeled as "natural" product does not mean that the product is completely safe. Many such "natural" products can be harmful when used inappropriately on pets. For example, d-limonene and linalool are citrus extracts that are used as flea control agents. Though they are natural products, they still can have serious side effects if used on sensitive animals or if used improperly.

9.         Observe your pet closely after using flea products. If your pet exhibits unusual behavior, or becomes depressed, weak, or uncoordinated you should seek veterinary advice immediately.

Once again, ALWAYS read the label. This could save the life of your pet!

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

 The Center also works in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help educate pet owners to " READ the LABEL FIRST!"  

The phone number of the Center is 1-888-4-ANI-HELP (217-337-5030 outside of US and Canada).

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