Can It Be Safe For Your Pet But Not For Your Children?

OK, I may sound like a broken record, and some people might accuse me of being biased, strategically aligned with the manufacturers of the products I sell at my clinic, or even worse a proponent of the manufacturing of chemicals that pollute our pets and environment. BUT, I promise I will only prescribe a flea & tick preventative because I know, and have seen first hand, too many pets get sick, and some even die from diseases spread by these preventable parasites.

There are many options available to keep fleas and ticks off your pet. Please talk to your vet about which is best suited for your pet.

Now I know that there are handfuls of skeptics out there. People who believe that the products you get at the grocery store are as good as those big name brands that come with a prescription and a heftier price tag. Sadly, it is not some cloaked sect of veterinarians protecting the big pharmaceuticals. It is merely a market full of ancient old unsafe and worthless products AND a bunch of newer safer well studied product guarantee backed prescription products.

You see the biggest problem with the whole world of veterinary products across the board is that the policy makers, lobbyists for the pet care companies, and the mindset in general, is that there is a huge disparity in what we expect and demand with respect to safety and efficacy in human medications versus pet medications and products.

For those of us who love our pets as children this news flash is unsettling.

I saw an elderly woman at my local grocery store yesterday. She spent about 15 minutes riffling though the many different flea & tick products. Now I am going to assume a few things; First, anyone who spends that much time reading about a product cares. And, secondly that those packages will never help you understand which product is safe and which one works. And, yes probably she was looker for a more economical option than the prescription products.

Here's a great article on what you need to know about OTC flea and ticks:

GreenSpace: Chemicals on pet collars can affect children

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GALLERY: GreenSpace: Chemicals on pet collars can affect children

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Sandy Bauers, Inquirer GreenSpace Columnist

POSTED: Sunday, April 13, 2014, 3:01 AM

Got fleas on your cat?

Ticks on your dog?

In deciding on a treatment - and yes, you do want to treat these little varmints - not all chemicals are equal.

Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced an agreement with two companies to take pet collars containing the chemical propoxur off the market.

After an assessment, the agency found "unacceptable risks to children" the first day after the collar is put onto the pet.

Here's the rub: The products won't actually be gone until 2016, if then.

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies, Sergeant's Pet Care Products Inc. and Wellmark International, can distribute the products until April 1, 2016. Even after that, stores can sell them until all are gone.

The EPA says the collars leave a residue on the pet's fur that can be absorbed through the skin of children who hug or pet the animal. Also, children can ingest the chemical if they pet the animal and then put their hands in their mouths.

The move came after the Natural Resources Defense Council sued the agency. It also asked for action on a second flea and tick chemical that the EPA did not address - tetrachlorvinphos, or TCVP.

"We've known for a long time that they're neurotoxic," said Miriam Rotkin-Ellman, a senior scientist with the national environmental nonprofit. "These products should not be on the market."

The chemicals, she said, cause an overexcitation of the nervous system. "That is what happens to the poor flea. . . . Its nervous system overfires."

Unfortunately, mammals have similar neuropathways, and the council says that the chemicals, in high enough doses, can interfere with the development of a child's nervous system - the smaller the child, the bigger the worry.

I found products with propoxur in a local big-box pet store, and the label bore a warning: "Do not allow children to play with collar."

The EPA specifies an additional warning: "Try to keep the pet away from your young children for a day after putting on the pet collar."

Caryn Stichler, a Sergeant's vice president of marketing, said the company was "pleased to be able to work with the EPA to resolve this matter amicably and ensure that our customers can continue to benefit from uninterrupted access to Sergeant's products."

Fortunately, much better products are available anyway, said Daniel Morris, a veterinary dermatologist at Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine.

In the last three or four years, there's been an explosion of products that attack parasites through enzyme systems that mammals don't possess. They have "amazing safety margins," Morris said.

Products are available through veterinarians and over-the-counter. They come in oral doses, on newer versions of collars, and as "spot-on" products applied to a small area of a pet's neck or back.

He suggested looking for products that contain imidacloprid and selemectin, which have been around a while, or those with newer compounds such as nitenpyram, spinosad, and afoxolaner.

Another game-changing development: The chemical fipronil, which until recently was the only tick protection available for cats, came off patent, so it's in a lot more products.

(Note: Don't assume it's OK to use a product for a dog on your cat. Permethrin, which kills ticks, won't harm your dog, but it's toxic to cats.)

Supposed "natural" remedies - such as brewer's yeast or garlic - are not effective, he said. Overall, it's important to limit your - and your pet's - exposure to fleas and ticks because they are vectors of disease.

Ticks carry Lyme disease, which can be a chronic, debilitating condition in some people. Fleas carry tapeworms and bacteria and can cause severe allergic skin reactions.

The flea, especially, is a formidable foe. One female lays up to 50 eggs a day, so if your pet has just 20 fleas, that could mean 1,000 eggs every day.

The eggs fall off your pet and hatch into larvae, which burrow into the carpet or hide under the baseboard. There, they wait.

When vibrations or an increase in temperature or carbon dioxide signals the presence of a four-legged hairy creature, Morris said, the insects emerge and seek the blood meal they need to survive.

That's why some people think flea products don't work. But, often, they simply didn't use a product for long enough. Or they didn't use one that has not only an adulticide, but also an "insect growth regulator" that will keep the eggs from hatching.

Morris advises pet owners to consult a veterinarian to determine the best flea and tick strategy.

"There's not a cookbook recipe . . . that works for every household," he said.

Some have only dogs. Or only cats. Some have both. Some have ferrets or rabbits as well. Lifestyle matters, too. If your dog swims every day, an oral product might be best.

The council says frequent combing, bathing and vacuuming can help. For more information on flea and tick chemicals, it has a product guide at www.greenpaws.org.

---

"GreenSpace," about the environment and health, appears every other week, alternating with Art Carey's "Well Being" column.

sbauers@phillynews.com

215-854-5147 @sbauers

www.inquirer.com/greenspace

Sandy BauersInquirer GreenSpace ColumnistTwitter | Email

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/science/20140413_GreenSpace_Chemicals-on-pet-collars-affect-children.html#L1ciX2diEU6AIBp7.99


For the entire article please visit: Greenspace article

OK, so here is the real honest opinion of a veterinarian who sees the deadly effects of these products.
If you want a good and safe flea and/or tick product I recommend you ask your vet. You see there are many products to choose from and what is best for one pet is not necessarily best for another. Talk to your vet about your pet's lifestyle, other pets in the home, and yes, even your budget.

For those of you who think that the vets products are too expensive it is important to remember that every year flea and tick products are over used, negligently used, and that the cost might be your pets life. I would never ever recommend that my clients buy the products above. Not only do most of the grocery store brands not work they are terribly toxic. What's the point of buying them if they don't work? And those decades old flea collars impregnated with that powdery goo, ugh, they are really a waste of money.

I am also very concerned about the old wives tales about feeding your pet garlic, or onions (toxic!!!), the list goes on. Remember the point is to be specifically targeting the parasite only. Not killing your pet in the process.

Every single Spring and Summer I see too many cats dying from completely preventable and treatable conditions like flea anemia, death by using a dog flea and tick product on a cat. And tick borne diseases that kill dogs. Having dogs and cats who live long, happy, healthy lives is not an accident, nor is it all luck.

If you are a complete die hard anti-parasiticide person the only recommendation I can make is to comb your pet from tip to tail top to bottom every single time they come in from the outside with a metal flea comb. With each swipe of the comb immerse the comb in a bucket of soapy water to remove the fleas from the comb and kill them. For a ten pound dog it will probably take you 20 minutes each tie they come inside. Me, if you ask me what I do for my babies who I love, adore, and live for? For the dogs I use monthly Frontline and Heartgard year around. For the cats I use either Revolution or Frontline, based on time of year and which cat it is. But I am equally comfortable with other products.

If you have a question about what you are giving your pet you can ask me at Pawbly.com. I'll be honest, and all I care about is the safest and efficacy of the product you use on your pet. And if I am not selling you the product, who knows maybe you will even believe me?

If you would like to discuss your pet and their specific flea and tick preventative you can find me at the clinic, Jarrettsville Vet, in Jarrettsville MD.

You can also find me Tweeting the top pet stories of the day @FreePetAdvice.

Where Can You Find The Best Insurance Policy For Your Pet?

One of the reasons I started Pawbly is because I know full well that most people will do whatever they can do avoid making an appointment to bring their pet in to see me. Whether it’s the inconvenience of taking the time out of their busy day, the stress of taking their pet out of the safety of the confines of their home, the idea of being told that “some medical condition might be serious,” the looming diagnostics, impending follow-ups, or the undeniable fact nothing is cheap anymore, people, in general try to avoid me.

The simple truth is that in almost all cases if you are concerned about the health of your pet then I am going to tell you that you should have your pet seen by a veterinarian. The physical exam and the discussion that will follow are essential. I know, not what you want to hear, and not what you want to do, but there are a few secrets that your vet has that benefit your pet far more than you might imagine.

I know that if more of you knew about them you would be less likely to be so hesitant to call us and book that appointment.

Let's start with the companies that make a profit based on your fear and your pets inevitable illness or accident.

Insurance Companies. My honest opinion on them is this; if you have enough disposable income and want peace of mind then get your pet an insurance policy. But remember insurance companies are for profit businesses. They will never be able to pay out more than they bring in. You just have to hope that you get the benefits that you need when you need them. Human insurance companies are notorious for denying claims, and all you can do is hope the same is never the case for you. My advice: if you still think that insurance is right for you then look into the insurance carriers that cover you for accidents and illness only. Here’s why. Your pet’s routine costs should be fairly close to fixed, thus making it easier to allot for them. The unforeseen disasters are the big wallops that will hit your wallet where it really hurts. If you don’t have the ability to put a thousand or two dollars down for a life threatening illness at any given time then think about insurance. (If you want a specific company that I recommend just ask).

There are a few guarantees in life. Very few. If you decide to take on the responsibility of a living creature at some point that pet will get sick. It is inevitable. How can you get your pet the care they need and do it without walloping your wallet? Insurance? Maybe.

But do you know where the best insurance to be found is? At your vets office.

And here’s what should be plastered on every clinics walls: “You want a guarantee? See your Vet.”

Now there aren't many times in life that you are going to get a guarantee. And, in the world of medicine guarantees are elusive and binding and no half-witted doctor wants to give you a binding obligation. I mean, shoot, we aren't perfect, we don’t have the ability to foretell the future. So, it would be crazy to say “guarantee” wouldn't it?

But, this is a word I will throw around, and I will guarantee a few things when it comes to your pet’s care if you are my client.

Let’s start with heartworm disease.

Heartworm disease can be fatal. It is a preventable disease and there are many options available to protect pets against this disease. Insurance? Well, if your pet is tested yearly and kept on a veterinary prescribed preventative purchased through your veterinarian AND if your pet contracts the disease the manufacturer of the heartworm preventive will cover your pet’s diagnosis and treatment. For most pets this is about a $2500 insurance policy. For my clients their heartworm preventative also covers for the intestinal worms it prevents or treats. If your pet’s yearly fecal examination yields a worm on the heartworm label the manufacturer will pay for the fecal test and the de-worming.

Vaccines. Your pets vaccines should be individually tailored based on breed, age, location, and environment. Every vaccine your pet gets is also guaranteed. If your pet gets the disease your veterinarian vaccinated for then the manufacturer will pay to test them AND to treat them. This includes kennel cough and Lyme disease. Which, unfortunately, dogs seem to get even with monthly flea and tick prevention and yearly vaccines. How many times have I called the manufacturer of these vaccines to stand by their guarantee? A lot, almost weekly.

Preventatives, medications, shampoos, food,,,the list goes on. If you buy any product from my clinic and you are unhappy with it we will refund your money or the manufacturer will replace the product. The foods we sell are guaranteed, the flea medications, the shampoo's, all of it. Why? because veterinarians rely on those manufacturers standing by their products. They help us take care of you.

Now, here is where I am going to stick my foot in my mouth. Veterinarians are some of the hardest working, most generous, compassionate, and selfless people around. Most of us own our own practice or work for someone who has spent decades building theirs. We live and work in our small community and word of mouth will kill you. We are, like many other small businesses in your community, there for the long haul and dependent on maintaining this relationship. If your pet needs something and I can help, I will. It is not a matter of how much you can afford, it is merely a matter of whether or not you want to help the pet that you are responsible for and that needs you. I’ll press my boldness further. We will stand by our services, goods, and your pet through thick or thin as long as we are both on the same side, and with veterinary healthcare there is only one side, helping your pet.

Be good to your vet, be better to your pet, and get the best deal anyone can ever give you by keeping your pets care under your vet’s roof.

I guarantee that there isn't anyone who can beat that deal.

If you have a pet related question you can ask me anytime at Pawbly.com. There are a host of people there who can help you and your pet and it is always free to use. Or find me on Twitter @FreePetAdvice.

Puppy Primer, The First Instructions.

Congratulations! 

How incredibly exciting is having a new puppy? 

Those little feet, the happy wag, the endless kisses, and the silly adorable play. It is the magical moments of a new life and the joys of learning about all of the new things to sniff, chew, toss, squeak, and discover. 

Along with the endless entertainment of a new puppy comes the responsibility of a new life. There is a lot to learn, remember, and protect your new pup from. But don't worry there is an army people available to help you. Ask for help, ask for advice, and know that every step of the way there are resources of every kind available to you. Here's the advice from a vet, but seek out friends, family and your puppies first family. 

We are all here to help you build a strong life-long bond. 

My first piece of advice is to see a vet within the first three days of  getting your new puppy. 

Until that time pick up all feces and keep your puppy in your yard and away from other pets. I know it sounds harsh and strict, but I have seen a new puppy become very sick very quickly and then get every other pet in their social circle sick. Play it safe and keep your puppy away from other puppies and dogs for the first few weeks. After they are 6 months old and have completed of their vaccines your puppy is fine to go out and see the world. Until then think of your puppy as having an "immature immune system". Even if you are getting shots every three weeks your pup still may not be able to face and defeat a challenge from a disease, even one that they have been vaccinated for. 

Another small note with the importance of a 'new pet visit'. If the breeder or adoption agency says 'up to date on shots' it is still a very good idea to see your vet as soon as possible. They will help you identify what your vaccine schedule is, whether or not you need any monthly preventatives, and give you lots of helpful advice. Their advice is well worth the minimal cost and the safety and well-being of your puppy.

Even as I ask you to keep your pup sheltered I do not want to tell you to keep them from being socialized. It is very important to expose your puppy to other pets so that they are not afraid of, or unable to interact with them. Most pets develop fear as a result of anxiety. The anxiety in many cases stems from either not having been exposed to other animals, or from not being allowed to learn how to act around others. Puppy classes are a wonderful way to safely introduce your puppy to others, and also how to effectively communicate with your puppy. Invite the whole family to go to class. You can all learn the new language of puppy talk together. And that way you can all help in the raising and rearing of your puppy.

If you have a small dog, the ability to make multiple return visits, or if you have any concerns about a vaccine reaction, I recommend that the vaccines be split up. 
I try not to give more than two shots per visit to the little, young, or sensitive pups. 

A microchip is a very safe, effective way to reunite you with your pet should you ever be separated  Have your puppy micro-chipped at your first visit. Puppy-napping has become a more and more common crime, especially in a depressed economy. A microchip can be easily and quickly placed and will not be painful if done by an experienced person. Remember to register your puppy immediately, and remember to keep your information updated should your puppy need to find you. 

Ask your veterinarian what they recommend for heartworm prevention and flea and tick prevention. At our clinic we advocate they be used monthly. Heartworm preventatives prevent heartworm disease, which can be expensive to treat and fatal. Many preventatives are also monthly de-wormers. Every monthly pill will treat and prevent some of the most common intestinal worms. I tell my clients that "for all that we do for our pets in my opinion you get the biggest bang for your buck with heartworm prevention." I also recommend that it be given monthly year around so your pet is not at risk of getting heartworm disease. If you forget to give your pet a pill for longer than 6 weeks it is recommended that your pet be re-tested for heartworm disease before resuming the monthly prevention. The cost of the heartworm test is often more expensive than the skipping of the three months that you think your pet doesn't need to be treated. These products are dosed by your pets weight. Make sure that your pet is given the correct dose based on their size.

We also recommend a good monthly flea and tick preventative. In our neck of the woods we need this product because the ticks around the Mid-Atlantic region carry of Lyme disease. Along with the yearly vaccine the use of this product monthly will protect them

well against the dangers of Lyme disease.

For dogs less than twenty pounds I recommend using a harness and a leash to walk her. The harness is safer  than a collar, so they doesn't traumatize their trachea if they pull on the leash, and also that if you need to tug them quickly away from any dangers so that it won’t pull on their trachea. Smaller dogs have weaker cartilage so less trauma to the trachea is safer. With this said, discourage them from pulling. Being good on a leash is good manners.

For larger dogs I recommend a sturdy heavy 6 foot leash. Big dogs on retractable leashes can be catastrophic. If they lunge or run the leash can break, or it can pull you off your feet. I have seen many dogs hit by cars, run away, or people injured due retractable leashes.

The best thing that you can do for them is take them everywhere with you. Let them be the other kid and show them the world so they aren't afraid of anything.

If you find that your puppy is requiring too much time and attention and that they have too much energy for you to adequately get them tired then I would suggest that you get another puppy. I know it sounds crazy but two puppies can be easier than one. They tire each other out, they have far fewer behavioral issues (because they are happy and tired), and they will take some demands for attention off of your plate. I swear by the two puppy theory. I spend all day working and my puppies have each other to snuggle with, play with, and interact with. I know that they are happier because they have each other. My husband and I are happier too. Watching them play wrestle, sleep cuddled up together and being able to tell them to play with each other so that every so often we can actually spend a few moments together is a blessed thing.

Our Puppies.
Charlie and Jekyll doing their morning wiggle dance.

Take lots and lots of pictures, and please share them with everyone. And never hesitate to call your vet, friends, breeder, or adoption center if you have any questions or concerns. We are all here to help.

If you have any puppy (or any other kind of pet question) you can find answers anytime, and always free at Pawbly, or you can find me on Twitter @FreePetAdvice.