Spring is here (we think it is, anyway..., although with the crazy weather we've been having, you might not think so!). With Spring comes the beautiful buds on the trees, shrubs and plants -- not to mention the spring flowers.
Unfortunately, mosquito, flea and tick season is just around the next corner so it's time to start thinking of protecting our pets. Now is the perfect time to take our pets to the vet for an annual blood test to screen for heart worm and to start them on their preventative heart worm treatment, if you haven't done so already.
At this time we also begin to think about flea and tick preparations to give our dogs. We want to caution you to never use those grocery and pet store flea collars for your pets. We'd also like to remind you that not all of the spot flea preventatives are safe, either. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has noted that on-spot flea and tick medications injured 44,000 pets last year.Their study looked at EPA-registered pet products, commonly found at drug stores or on supermarket shelves, and most of the potential incident reports involved spot-on treatments, like the ones sold in tubes or vials and used on a specific part of your pet's body. Reactions included rashes, seizures, and, in some cases, death.
It is best to use a DOCTOR PRESCRIBED product, preferably, one that you have used safely in the past for your pets. You can also get a prescription from your vet for these products and order on line from Vet-Centric (
www.vetcentric.com) or another credible on line vet supply company that offers a cost break for these products. You will want to carefully follow the instructions on the label for application of the product to your pet and be sure to call your vet immediately if you notice any adverse reactions.
Here is a link to the National Pesticide Information Center where you can search for more information on potentially harmful products for your pet:
Here also is a link to the EPA's website information on pet flea and tick preparations:
Please note that Hartz products are particularly of concern. So much so that the EPA has insisted that Hartz phase them out. For your pet's health, we suggest you discontinue use of these products now rather than risk your pet's health.
