ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and EPA Warn Pet Owners To "Read the Label First!" When Using Flea Products On Pets

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Tuesday, 25 June 2002

Urge owners to use caution when using flea products in the home & on pets.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is participating in a nationwide campaign to educate pet owners to Read the Label First! when using flea products in the home and on their companion animal. This campaign is part of the Consumer Labeling Initiative (CLI), an ongoing voluntary partnership to improve label information and to help the public purchase, use and dispose of products safely and responsibly in and around their homes. More manufacturers are voluntarily changing their labels to make them easier-to-read and understand. According to Dr. Steven Hansen, Director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "We receive a large number of calls related to inappropriate usage of flea products on pets. In many cases, problems would not have occurred if the pet owner had taken the time to carefully read and follow the label instructions and precautions."

Helpful tips for using flea products safely in the home and on a pet:

• Never use insecticides on very young, pregnant, debilitated, or elderly animals without consulting your veterinarian.
• When using a fogger or spray in your home, make sure to remove all pets from the house for the time period specified on the container. Food and water bowls should be removed from the area. Allow time for the product to dry completely before returning your animals to your home. Open windows or use fans to "air out" the household before returning your pets to the treated area. Strong fumes can be irritating to your animal's eyes and upper respiratory system.
• Birds are more sensitive to fumes and usually require more time than other pets before their return to the treated home. Contact your veterinary health professional for advice on product usage around your birds.
• Observe your pet closely after using flea products. If your pet exhibits unusual behavior, or becomes depressed, weak or uncoordinated you should seek veterinary advice immediately.
• As an alternative to using flea products directly on a pet, the ASPCA recommends owners to use a flea comb. This would be a good option for pets that enjoy being groomed, but violently refuse baths or the application of a spray.
• Once again, ALWAYS "Read the Label First!" This could save the life of your pet!

For more pet poison safety tips and to download the Read the Label First! brochure, visit the Animal Poison Control Center.

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org