does anyone know about toxicity from flea preventitives in felines?

Question

flea preventitves meaning: sprays/preventitves used in the home, etc. to kill fleas, eggs, larvae & feline sprays, spot-ons, powders, shampoos used directly on the animal

Answer 1

Yes I know a lot about it.

There is a huge difference between products sold in vet and products sold in stores. Stores are not licensed to sell the chemicals used in veterinary flea products, so their stuff consists of basic pesticides, especially permethrin, that does not really work. Permethrin is an insecticide that has been around for years, and it's cheap - which is how they can afford to sell it for cheap. These chemicals, which belong to a group called Organophosphates, are more commonly used as crop sprays, so not really very effective against fleas.

Pet store products, especially the spot-ons, are quite frequently the cause of serious reactions and even death in pets. These are mostly cats because permethrin is highly toxic to cats. I've only been in veterinary for four years, but I've already known 2 feline deaths from Bob Martin, the most toxic pet store spot-on in the UK, and a few more cases of serious reaction. I've also seen a few serious reactions in dogs. I hate Bob Martin and am really trying to spread the word about the dangers of pet store products.

I believe Hartz is the US version of Bob Martin; www.hartzvictims.org.

Flea shampoos and powders are much less likely to cause reactions, but the important thing to remember is that they DON'T WORK so don't waste your money. Hardly a day goes by in my job where I don't surprise people with the info that their pet still has fleas after using pet store stuff, or people come in complaining that the stuff they bought from a store hasn't worked! The sooner all this stuff is taken off the market, the better.

Stick with the veterinary treatments - Frontline, Advantage, Revolution, Advocate, ProMeris and Program. These products have been specially formulated by actual drug companies, instead of just slung together by random companies. The incidence of reports of adverse reactions from these products is incredibly rare; I've never personally known one. When I contacted Bob Martin I also got in touch with the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, who provided me with their statistics on how many reports of adverse reactions to different products they've had. Surprise surprise, permethrin based products had about 15 times mre reports than any other product!

Chalice

Answer 2

Some dog flea products are fatal to cats, even if the cat just grooms the dog, or sleeps in its bed. I know for a fact that Frontline is safe, but it's considered a prescription medication and you probably won't find a vet who will dispense it without an exam first. Don't try to buy it online, though! The company that makes it, Merial, sells only to veterinarians, and websites like PetMeds are getting it through illegal means! In some cases, it's been found to be a counterfeit product, or tainted with contaminants. Your best bet is to buy through a vet. For home treatment, I recommend Siphotrol, a spray that you use on anything you can't run through the washing machine. It's completely safe once dry. You don't have to vacuum it up or anything.

Answer 3

If you need to use something for flea prevention Frontline or Advantage work well and are very low in toxicity. Stuff from the grocery store will be less effective and more toxic. Try to use any insecticide as little as possible to avoid toxicity.

Answer 4

it depends on the product and what chemiacal they use in it. frontline has a hotline you can call for any information you need. read the ingredients on the product and research it, or call the company. you have to be careful when using chemicals in the home. some have residual efeect and if you have small kids may not be a good choice.
brreaking the flea cycle is very hard to do sometimes.

Answer 5

Any flea spray or preventative that contains pyrethrans are extremely dangerous for cats. There are preventatives that do not contain pyrethrans, including Frontline Plus and Advantage (NOT Advantix).

Answer 6

they aren't good. There are 2 options to get rid of fleas and insects off of cats.. put a little sage in their food. If they eat it you got the problem solved. The other method mix weak solution tee tree oil and lavendar oil together add to a little water and gently brush your cat with that! That will solve the problem and they are non-toxic and totally natural products! As for shampoos.. write Cat fancy Magazine or Dog Fancy Magazine!
they might have a website.. not sure! Just time the name in a browser such as Ask.com and see what happens!

Answer 7

sprays are better then bombs.