In the June 5, 2009 AMC blog, “Flea & Tick Treatments: Are They Safe or Not?,” I wrote about the investigation of “top-spot” or “spot on” flea and tick preventatives by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the regulatory body for flea and tick medications. The investigation into the safety of these products has been completed. In an announcement made March 17, 2010, the EPA indicates it will begin requiring improved labels on these products to help prevent accidental misuse. The EPA will also review the safety of individual products and make recommendations regarding strengthening the label warnings. Finally, the EPA will enhance required safety testing for these products.

You as a pet owners should:

• Consult with your pet’s veterinarian to determine the best medication for your pet.
• If your pet is ill on the day of the scheduled application, check with your pet’s veterinarian to discuss delaying application of the product.
• Follow the label directions explicitly and apply the product according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. (Refer to chart below)
• Do not use cat products on dogs or vice versa.
• If you have both a cat and a dog, keep their medications separate to avoid a mistaken application of the wrong product.

Medication Application Instructions

Frontline: https://frontline.us.merial.com/prd_apply.asp

Frontline Plus: https://frontline.us.merial.com/prd_apply.asp

Revolution: https://www.revolution4dogs.com/default.aspx?sec=How%20It

Advanatage Multi: https://advantagemulti.petparents.com/AdvantageMultiDogs.cfm

Advantix: https://k9advantix.petparents.com/howToApply.cfm

Proticall: https://sploughus.naccvp.com/view.php?prodnum=1047165&u=country&p=msds

Vectra 3D: https://www.summitvetpharm.com/Pet-Owners/Products/Applicator/Instructions-Dogs-Puppies.php

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For nearly a century, The Animal Medical Center has been a national leader in animal health care, known for its expertise, innovation and success in providing routine, specialty and emergency medical care for companion animals. Thanks in part to the enduring generosity of donors, The AMC is also known for its outstanding teaching, research and compassionate community funds. Please help us to continue these efforts. Send your contribution to: The Animal Medical Center, 510 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065. For more information, visit amcny.gbtesting.us. To make an appointment, please call 212.838.7053.