Hartz, Bio Spot and Others in the Media

You may have read recent media reports (such as this one on NBC) regarding adverse reactions said to be caused by certain supermarket and pet store brand flea and tick control products such as Hartz, Sergeant's  and Bio Spot. The reports are certainly disturbing with claims that these products have caused seizures, burns, vomiting and even death in dogs and  cats.

The problem with products like Hartz and Biospot, the report says, is with the type of pesticide they contain, called pyrethrins or the synthetic versions known as pyrethroids.

The Centre for Public Integrity reports that pyrethroid spot-ons account "for more than half of 'major' pesticide pet reactions reported to EPA over the last five years--that is, those incidents involving serious medical reactions such as brain damage, heart attacks, and violent seizures."

The Humane Society of the United States   has also expressed concerns about products which contain pyrethroid-based products and the HSUS also suggests pet owners be wary of products containing organophosphate insecticides (OPs).

In 2000, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) released a report called Poisons on Pets: Health Hazards from Flea and Tick Products which lists flea- and tick-control products marketed under the following major brand names that have been found to contain OPs: Alco, Americare, Beaphar, Double Duty, Ford's Freedom Five, Happy Jack, Hartz, Hopkins, Kill-Ko, Protection, Rabon, Riverdale, Sergeant's, Unicorn, Vet-Kem, Victory, and Zema.

Our VetShopOnline veterinarians and many other vets agree that while there may not currently be sufficient evidence to prove these products are dangerous or are the direct cause of serious illness or death, there certainly is sufficient cause to exercise caution when using products which contain these active ingredients. Because of these concerns and the existence of what we consider to be more effective alternatives, VetShopOnline does not sell Hartz, BioSpot or the other products listed above.

Instead we agree with the recommendations of the Humane Society   that "consider several topical products that are insecticides designed to have fewer toxic effects on the nervous systems of mammals: imidacloprid (found in Advantage®), fipronil (in Frontline® or Top Spot®), and selamectin (in Revolution™)." 

And our course,  you should always remember these simple precautionary steps:

• Always consult a veterinarian before buying or using any flea or tick control product on your pet.

• Never use flea and tick products designed for dogs on your cat, or vice versa.

• Never apply pesticides to very young, elderly, pregnant, or sick animals unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.

•  Always read the ingredients, instructions, and warnings on the package thoroughly.

If you think your pet has had or is having an adverse reaction to a product containing pyrethrins, pyrethroids or organophosphate insecticides, please be sure to contact your local veterinarian or pet emergency center urgently.

Be Kind to Animals

Well, I guess that while everyone here at vetshoponline.com and all our customers would agree that every week should be "Be Kind to Animals Week" we whole heartedly support the "Be Kind to Animals Week" campaign by the Humane Society to promote kindness to animals.

Since 1915 the Humane Society has been promoting "Be Kind to Animals Week" to commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same. This year, the initiative will run from May 3-9.

As a father of 3 (all of which, particularly our eldest, absolutely love animals), I particularly like the ideas for educators, which is available for download from the Society's website. It suggests a whole lot of age appropriate ways kids can get in to the idea of being kind to animals.

The Humane Society also has a  "Kind Kid Award," which recognizes children who have taken action to show compassion or compassionate treatment of animals that in some way recognizes the bond we have with animals. Nominations are open right now and the two grand-prize winners will receive $1,000 each. Nominated children must be between the ages of six and 17, and anyone nominating a child must be over the age of 18.

To read about last year's winners and to see the lots of simple ways our kids are working to make the lives of dogs, cats and other pets better visit the Humane Society's website.

One Very Determined Kitty

Lucy is a female Tonkinese belonging to a friend of mine, Pauline. Pauline couldn't figure out how Lucy and Monster Cat kept escaping after being closed in the house at night, so she decided to set up her video camera to spy on them. This is the result.

Eight Bundles of Trouble

Sheri, one of the great team members in our dispatch department breeds Australian Cattle Dogs. Gemma, one of her bitches recently gave birth to a litter of eight puppies. These eight little mischievous bundles get into all sorts of trouble.

Watching them chase and wrestle each other can easily waste many hours. There are five females and three males in the litter with a mixture of "red" and "blue" dogs.

Sheri's puppies are eagerly sought after and they have gone to pet owners, ranchers and breeders from all over Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a muscular, athletic breed developed in Australia for droving cattle. They also make great and very loyal family pets and are very good watch dogs. They are energetic dogs and need plenty of exercise or a job to do. The Australian Cattle Dog is ranked in the top ten for intelligence in dogs.

The puppies are three weeks old in this photo.