Pets injured by flea and tick products: prevention

As reported by AP and KGW, "products intended to treat cats and dogs for fleas and ticks kill hundreds of pets each year and injure tens of thousands, the Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday as it outlined plans to make the products safer."

Ticks are active in May, June, and July here in Oregon so dog owners should be aware of the best ways to protect their pet if the products they typically use are now being called unsafe. My vet mentioned a few weeks ago that she was on the Oregon side of the Cascades where ticks are rare and she found some so this year may be a year we need to be really careful when we hike with our dogs. Ask your vet about the products they recommend now that this news is out from the EPA. We've successfully used Frontline in the past but moving forward I think all dog owners should consult with their vet first.  

According to Portland Oregon's Hiking Network, in Oregon, ticks tend to be found east of the Cascades and in Southern Oregon. They tend to be at lower elevations. Some areas they're common at are Dog Mountain, Catherine Creek, and McCall Preserve in the gorge and along the Rogue River. Some people have been infected on the Eagle Creek Trail (not east of Cascades)

Based on a report issued by the EPA, the majority of problems for dogs occurred in smaller dogs, weighing 10 to 20 pounds. Some incidents occurred when products intended for larger dogs were given to smaller animals, the report said. Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, miniature poodles, Pomeranians and dachshunds were among breeds where problems occurred the most, the EPA said.