Today’s follow-up blog from last week is again from Kelly Over, our Education Program Assistant. Again all animals featured in the photos belong to our staff members!
In the previous blog, we discussed safe practices to protect your pet from household pesticides. However, many products that we use to keep our pets safe from ticks, fleas, and other parasites, are in fact pesticide products. For this blog, we’ll focus on how to purchase and apply pet pesticides.
Purchasing a Pet Pesticide
First and foremost, READ the LABEL when you are purchasing a pet pesticide product. Make sure that you are buying a pesticide product that will fit your animal’s needs. When you visit your veterinarian, inquire about what products they would recommend for your pet’s pest problem.
Counterfeit or the Real Deal?
Be aware of possible counterfeit pet pesticides. “Foreign-labeled flea and tick products are being unlawfully imported into the U.S. and packaged in retail cartons that look like legitimate EPA-registered pesticides under the trade names Advantage and Frontline.”1 Since these products are labeled for foreign markets, look for obvious product label components that might be missing, including the signal word (Caution or Warning), child hazard warning (Keep Out of Reach of Children), active ingredient percentage, EPA registration number, and the manufacturer’s name. Product text should be in English. Check out EPA’s “How to Identify Counterfeit Pet Pesticides” for more information.
Consider Your Pet’s Characteristics
Of course, certain animal characteristics should be considered about your pet. First, if your pet is still a puppy or kitten, make sure you check the label to see if the product can be used on younger, underdeveloped animals. Second, be cautious when using products on pregnant, sick, aged, or other sensitive animals. Third, consider your pet’s weight. Since application rates of pet pesticides can be based off the weight of your animal, follow the simple test of weighing yourself and then weighing yourself holding your pet. Subtract to find your pet’s weight. Lastly, use products labeled for dogs on dogs and products labeled for cats on cats. Sounds obvious, but it can be tempting to use leftover product on another species. A pesticide designed specifically for a feline might not be effective on a canine and vice versa, a product for one species may be too toxic and cause a poisoning in another.
Kelly's young cat, Tusk, planning her next attack on Annie.
Kelly's dog, Annie looking tired after a long day of playfulness!
Apply the Product
“Pets are prone to shaking, jumping, and other behaviors that can lead to unwanted pesticide exposures.”4 Whenever performing the application to your pet, remember to use any personal protective equipment as outlined on the product label. Do Not Overtreat Your Pet! Only use the recommended amount. Also, do not “double treat” your pet. Select one product to use, whether it is an insecticidal shampoo, flea collar, or topical application.
Monitor Your Pet
Upon completing the application, particularly when using a shampoo or spot-on product, keep other pets away from your treated animal to prevent licking and other contact. Children and other family members should also be advised to not touch your pet until the product is dry. Continue to monitor your pet for any uncommon symptoms. “If your pet experiences an adverse reaction, immediately bath the pet with mild soap and rinse with large amounts of water.”5 Please view the “Where to Find Help” section in the previous blog for steps on what to do if you suspect your pet has been poisoned.
Many of us treat our pets as family members…be sure to execute the same care when it comes to using pesticides on your pets.
Remember, Happy Pets Make for Happy Homes!
Until Next Time,
Be Safe
Julie's dog, Hunter, giving her the innocent look!
Bill's dog, Tucker, ready for play time!
______________________________________________________________
References:
- “Counterfeit Pet Pesticides.” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- “How to Identify Counterfeit Pet Pesticides.” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- “Using Pesticides on Pets.” National Pesticide Information Center.
- “Pets and Pesticide Use.” National Pesticide Information Center. (fact sheet)
- “Taking Care of Fleas and Ticks on Your Pet.” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
