Oh Behave!

Some flea and tick control products may do serious harm to pets and possibly to humans. On March 17, 2010, the EPA issued a report on flea and tick treatments and urged consumers to be extra careful when using them. The agency announced plans to develop stricter testing and evaluation standards for these products, new restrictions on product use, and better warning and labeling requirements.

The EPA’s report follows an alarming increase in adverse pet reactions to flea and tick treatments. Reports of bad reactions to these products have increased dramatically in recent years, from 28,895 reports in 2007 to 44,263 reports in 2008. Pets’ reactions have run the gamut from mild to severe and include skin irritations, vomiting, seizures, and in some cases, death. According to a 2009 ASPCA report, cats’ reactions tend to be worse than those of dogs.

Last year the EPA did a study of “spot on” treatments (in which a concentrated dose of a product is applied directly to a pet’s skin) and concluded that:

• Smaller dogs (10-20 pounds) suffered more harmful health effects than larger dogs. Small dog breeds most affected were Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Bichon Frises, Pomeranians and Dachshunds.
• Consumers need to be aware of and follow correct dosages when using these products on pets.
• It’s dangerous to use products designed for dogs on cats.
• Current product labels warning against using dog products on cats are not sufficient.

The bottom line? Flea and tick treatments contain chemicals – pesticides and in some cases, known carcinogens. Some of these chemicals can be toxic to pets and humans, especially children. To date the EPA hasn’t advised consumers to avoid certain products or formulas. However, the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has an on-line guide that provides a safety rating for products by brand name and advises which ones to avoid completely.

If you are going to use pest control products on your pets make sure to:

• Consult with your vet about the safest options.
• Read product labels carefully and follow instructions for use.
• Know your pet’s exact weight and use the correct dosage for your pet.
• Never use dog products on cats and vice versa.

The NRDC also offers these non-chemical tips for flea and tick control:

• Flea comb your pet regularly with a special fine-toothed comb designed for the job, and rinse the comb in soapy water in between strokes.
• Bathe pets regularly using soap/shampoo designed for pets.
• Wash pet bedding in hot water once a week.
• Vacuum your home regularly and frequently, including furniture, carpets, rugs, floors and crevices. Immediately after vacuuming, empty the canister or discard the vacuum bag so fleas and ticks don’t reinvade your house.
• Keep grass and shrubbery clipped short in yards and outdoor areas to keep flea and ticks to a minimum.

The other day a young boy asked me if I believe in miracles. After I said yes, he asked if I’d ever witnessed one. I told him I’d think about it and get back to him.

I have thought about it and yes, miracles surround me every day – they’re called dogs! Dogs help people in a myriad of ways and have done so for eons. Service dogs help the blind, deaf and disabled navigate the world more safely and confidently. Dogs alert people with epilepsy of imminent seizures. Search and rescue dogs can mean the difference between life and death for disaster survivors. Dogs in law enforcement locate bombs and drugs, routinely putting their lives on the line for humans. Dogs work as sentries, guards, herders of livestock, hunters, retrievers and sled pullers.

That’s not all. Like other pets, dogs bring healing to people in all sorts of animal assisted activities and therapy programs. Dogs help trauma victims open up and begin the recovery process. Dogs help people regain motor control and cognitive functioning. Dogs brighten the days of the elderly, the sick and the infirm. Dogs comfort kids with autism and help them relax. There are even dogs that serve as courtroom buddies for kids who must testify; having a dog on the witness stand with them helps the children feel more comfortable as they attest to their (often disturbing) stories.

Pet dogs are our companions and friends, playmates and keepers of secrets. They give their lucky guardians love, comfort, affection and joy. Whether you’re young or old, sick or depressed, exhausted or feeling fine, the love of a dog makes most of us feel better.

Dogs give so much and ask so very little of us in return. Sadly, humans fail dogs and other animals again and again. Humans abuse animals, send them to battle fronts and throw them into fighting rings. Wild animals are imprisoned and displayed in cages and circuses. Their habitats are destroyed or the animals are killed so tusks, paws and teeth can be turned into trophies. Dogs and other animals are used as test subjects for chemicals and drugs. Many people give more thought to caring for their cars than they do for their pets.

And yet, dogs don’t give up on us. How do creatures who’ve been so mistreated by humans still manage to love, play and shower us with affection? How do they manage to trust any human ever again? It’s a miracle when you stop and think about it. Equally miraculous is the joy and love pet dogs bring to their people every single day. If dogs and other animals are capable of extending such generosity towards us, what compassion and kindness might we be capable of showing them if we all set our minds to it?

This year I honor and thank all animals everywhere for all they do and have done for us. I send deep gratitude and appreciation to animal welfare advocates, shelter workers, rescuers, caretakers, foster givers, defenders of wildlife, and people everywhere who love their pets and are kind to animals.

Ghandi once said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” With that in mind I send out my fervent wish and hope that one day ours will be the greatest of worlds – one in which no creature is enslaved or abused or unwanted, and all creatures are loved, respected and cherished.

Every time you’re kind to another creature, you change the world for the better. Big woofs to all you wonderful critter lovers and best wishes for safe and happy holidays to you and your furry friends!!