The circumstances resemble a Greek tragedy: The treatment meant to safeguard pet health leads to a dangerous—perhaps even
life-threatening—adverse reaction. The plot twist: There's a happy ending.
The story begins in 2009 after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received a higher number of reports about dogs and
cats suffering from adverse reactions to spot-on parasite-control products. The EPA responded by conducting a yearlong safety
review of the products, subsequently recommending stronger label warnings, public education, and increased monitoring for
adverse events.
The EPA's plan should help, but it doesn't go far enough, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). One of
CAPC's key objections is that the EPA won't be looking into whether spot-on parasite products were purchased and applied under
the direction of a veterinarian. This is important because the most common cause of pets experiencing an adverse reaction
to these products is simple human error. To put it bluntly, pet owners often fail to read the product instructions and properly
apply the spot-on treatment.
The good news is that you're perfectly positioned to let clients know they shouldn't fear parasite prevention products. In
fact, stopping the use of parasite preventives exposes cats and dogs to the possibility of being infested by fleas and ticks,
which spread dangerous illnesses such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. These parasites can also cause debilitating allergic
reactions and secondary infections in many pets. To help end this tale with a "happily ever after," be prepared to answer
these client questions about spot-on parasite preventives for pets.
Q: Should I worry about the safety of my pet's parasite preventive?
The short answer: No. Julie Sontag, AAT, RVT, a veterinary technician at Clairmont Animal Hospital in Decatur, Ga., says you
should explain to pet owners that parasite-prevention products are safe when used according to the label for the correct species
and pet weight. "It's safe to use products recommended by your veterinary professional if you follow the label directions,"
Sontag says. "Directions and warnings are printed for a reason and shouldn't be ignored."
Go on to address with clients the importance of choosing the right preventive. "Each product is designed for different species
and different weight classes," Sontag says. The spot-on products designed for dogs are dangerous for cats—and vice versa.
Also outline that it's imperative to apply the preventive correctly. Using spot-on products too often could threaten the pet's
health. Finally, remind clients that companies have thoroughly researched and tested their products before they enter the
veterinary market, Sontag says.
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