Caution urged in using flea powder on pets

Local veterinarians are reporting disturbing numbers of pets, especially cats and kittens and small dogs being brought to animal clinics after treatment with over-the-counter flea control products.

Dr. Jess Buttery, of the Clarkson Veterinary Hospital, says in his local practice he sees one or two animals every month come in severely ill, often fatally, after being improperly dosed with store-bought flea control products. Buttery believes some pet owners buy these products because they are packaged to closely resemble the widely advertised but higher priced products that can only be purchased from veterinarians.

Dr. James R. Richards, director of the Feline Health Clinic at Cornell University's School of Veterinary Medicine confirms Dr. Buttery's observations saying, "there have been recent reports of toxicity from products containing permethrin, but such products are only labeled for use in dogs. 'Dog only' over-the-counter products used by mistake in cats is one of the major causes of toxicity - as is over-application."

According to the veterinary allergy and dermatology expert at Cornell, Dr. William H. Miller, "some cats are so sensitive they can get very ill if they even get too close to a dog after the product has been applied. The problem, he says, is "people continue to use dog products on cats and cats will die."

For further information and advice on flea control for pets contact local veterinarians, or the National Animal Poison Control Center, 888 426-4435 www.napcc.aspca.org/