EPA says flea medication harming dogs and cats

TAMPA, FL -- Alicia Robillon's dog, Diesel, is perfectly healthy. But her aunt's dog is not.

"As he got older, he started having seizures and different neurological problems," Robillon said.

Robillon said her aunt had used over-the-counter "spot-on" flea medication on the dog for years. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the medication and the health problems may be connected.

The EPA said over-the-counter flea and tick medication is causing reactions in some dogs and cats. The reactions include vomiting, burns, welts, excessive drooling, shakes, loss of control of legs, seizures, neurological problems or even death.

They report that the number of reported reactions jumped from 28,895 in 2007 to 44,263 in 2008.

The EPA announced this week that they would implement stricter regulations on companies making the medication. They may also force the companies to do a better job of explaining how the product should be used.

Dr. Andrew Armani, a veterinarian with North Bay Animal and Bird Hospital in Tampa, said he has seen dogs and cats suffering reactions from over-the-counter flea medication that had been rubbed on.

"Anything from hair loss to actual seizures or death," Armani said. "The skin can be very eroded and burned. Then I've seen cats go into full-blown seizures where we can't stop them."

Armani said the reactions are more common in cats than dogs, likely because cats are more sensitive than dogs.

He recommends that pet owners use veterinarian-provided flea and tick medication. He also suggests using flea medication in pill form, rather than rub-on form. He said the pills are safer and more effective.

He applauded the EPA's plans for stricter regulations.

"I think it will be a positive impact," Armani said. "A better product should come from tighter regulations."

Armani said if your dog or cat is suffering from a reaction, you should wash the medication off immediately and then consult a veterinarian.