New Regulations and Lawsuits Bite Flea and Tick Products

Several lawsuits have been filed over the past few months against companies that make flea and tick products. In the most recent case, five pet owners are suing Hartz Mountain and Summit VetPharm for selling flea and tick treatments laden with pesticides "known to poison animals."

The defendents in this wave of lawsuits are companies that represent products available in both grocery stores and vet offices. These lawsuits, most of which seek class action status, are long overdue, but the problem isn't likely to be completely resolved in court. The chemicals in pet products need federal regulations, and, as of today, it looks like that's going to happen for spot-on treatments.

The EPA just announced that they will immediately start evaluating labels to see which need stronger warnings, and they plan to develop improved testing requirements for both new and existing products. 

Animals affected by these pesticides typically show neurological side effects, such as staggering, vomiting, and disorientation. Despite the tens of thousands of reports of animals becoming sick or dying after application of the products, the manufacturers stick to the company line that the number of adverse reactions is very low and caused by pre-existing or underlying conditions.

Websites like Hartz Kills, Hartz Victims, and Bio Spot Victims give owners whose pets died within hours or days of applying flea and tick treatment a place to tell their stories, as well as provide information on the potential dangers of these products.

The Natural Resources Defense Council's Green Paws campaign draws attention to the dangers of pesticides in pet products, particularly flea collars, which are not covered by the EPA's new regulations. Green Paws has a pocket guide (pdf) to help you figure out which chemicals to avoid at all costs, and which are considered safer options. They also include a note on herbal remedies — just because it's natural, doesn't mean it's safe for your pet. There's also a product guide at Green Paws to help you sort through the relative safety of different brand names. But your best bet for safe flea control is prevention. Regular baths, using a flea comb, and maintaining your yard can go a long way.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the number of reports of adverse reactions to flea and tick treatments has been increasing dramatically in recent years. But the pressure is mounting to protect pets and families from these pesticides. Just last month, a jury in Texas ruled in favor of a man who had lost his Olde English Bulldog to a Hartz product. Between sympathetic juries and new EPA regulations, we can only hope this is a turning point for reducing pet exposure to toxic chemicals.

Photo credit: EraPhernalia Vintage