Dog Deaths Due to Flea Repellent

A flea repellent may appear as an innocuous and safe product meant to repel and kill fleas. Yet, each year there are countless reports of dogs and cats that fall gravely ill and even die after the application of such products. The main issues appear to arise with the use of over the counter flea products.

  1. Types

    • Flea repellents known to cause problems are topical products such as shampoos, flea collars, dips and spot on products often approved by the EPA and commonly sold in super markets and pet stores. Common flea repellent products sold are Hartz, Biospot, Sargent's, Unicorn and Bayer.

    Identification

    • The main culprit appears to be flea repellent products containing pyrethrins or their synthetic version pyrethroids, organophosphate insecticides (OPs) and carbamates. Some of these are the same chemicals found in products like Raid that are used to kill bugs.

    Statistics

    • Several reports of dog and cat deaths have been reported to the EPA. According to PublicIntegrity.org at least 1,600 pets have died in the last five years due to the application of spot on flea repellents containing pyrethroids.

    Effects

    • The most common side effects attributed to the application of unsafe flea repellents are the following: nervous system disorders, seizures, hyperexcitability, excessive salivation, shaking, skin irritations, chemical burns and in severe cases, death.

    Warning

    • While some flea repellents have been reported to cause potential harm to dogs and cats, humans are not excluded. Indeed, according to PublicIntegrity.org the EPA has expressed concern over flea repellents being potentially harmful to humans as well.

    Resource

    • Owners of dogs that have suffered severe side effects or have fallen victim because of the application of unsafe flea products should report the incident to the EPA by calling the EPA's National Pesticide Telecommunications Network, at (800) 858-7378.