War on Fleas Calls for Strong Artillery

by Steve Dale

You can win the war on fleas, but you need the right artillery and might need a lesson in how to use those weapons correctly.

In March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautioned consumers about using flea and tick products. The EPA statement began: "Due to a significant increase in adverse incidents, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking a series of actions to increase the safety of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for cats and dogs."

Dr. Michael Dryden, professor of Veterinary Parasitology, Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, says there was lots of conversation immediately following the release of the statement but he hasn't heard a word since.

"I hear of no increase in reports of adverse events from veterinarians. And I haven't heard of any specific actions taken by the EPA," he notes. Dryden says it's great that the EPA is paying attention but isn't sure what they're paying attention to.

One issue is the adverse reports, which can now easily be posted on the Internet by pet owners. It's unclear how many of these really are directly related to flea and tick products. For example, one study showed that around 12 percent of dogs vomited after the application of one flea product. Then around 12 percent vomited after application of a second product. Veterinarians now understand that the products were unrelated -- it's just that around 12 percent of dogs routinely vomit.

"Naturally, pet owners assume if they just used a product and then something happens, the product was responsible. Let's be honest -- that does happen. There are serious adverse events which cause illness," says Dryden, "but often whatever happened to the pet is unrelated."

Flea and tick products haven't substantially changed in the past few years, but what concerns Dryden is the way consumers are increasingly purchasing such products via the Internet or over-the-counter instead of through veterinary practices. He notes that "there's a laundry list of what potentially may go wrong -- from using a product meant for dogs only on cats, using (a product) on a nursing animal which isn't labeled for that use, using a product meant for a very large dog on a small dog, and the list goes on and on. Since there's no input from a veterinary professional, mistakes are more likely to occur and ultimately the pets are going to suffer."

Dryden suggests that even if you intend to buy a flea or tick product online or over-the-counter, contact your veterinarian first.

Dryden says he's been hearing about flea infestations this spring more than in recent memory, and some people have suggested the pests are building a resistance to flea products.

"While this is possible, there's no scientific documentation of resistance," Dryden says. "Instead, do understand that many over-the-counter products don't have proof of efficacy (they may not work consistently)." Even if a product is successful at eradicating over half the fleas, that leaves lots to continue their life cycles. "Choosing the right product is key," he adds.

The next priority is using products as directed, and on all pets in the home. Even indoor cats should be protected, particularly if there's a family dog going in and out of the house. Year-round protection is best, and essential in southern states where fleas are most abundant.

Dryden says that human nature being what it is, sometimes people do everything right, eradicate fleas and then think the war is over. Actually, they've only won a battle. To win the war, you must be consistent. Certainly, the economy plays a role in flea protection these days. Once you figure you've triumphed, you may not want to spend more money. However, dealing with an infestation is more expensive than prevention. Similarly, saving money on a product that doesn't work effectively is hardly a savings in the long run.

"Flea control is life-long," says Dryden. "Outside, the fleas aren't going anywhere; the reality is that they're going to be there. Still, you can protect your pets, and in doing so you protect your family."

As if you need motivation to keep fleas away -- here are 5 incentives:

1. Many pets are allergic to flea bites, and that allergy, known as flea allergy dermatitis, can be severe.

2. Lots of fleas on one animal may cause anemia, particularly in puppies or kittens.

3. Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial disease caused by Bartonella henselae as a result of fleas. Most people with CSD have been bitten or scratched by a cat and developed a mild infection at the point of injury. Lymph nodes, especially those around the head, neck and upper limbs, become swollen. Additionally, a person with CSD may experience fever, headache, fatigue and a poor appetite. Immunocompromised individuals are at risk for developing serious illness.

4. Fleas transmit tapeworm to dogs, which then can be transmitted to people.

5. Fleas will bite people -- and that's just gross!

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