There are many EPA-registered pesticide products on the market today to treat your pets for fleas and ticks. The types of pesticides registered for flea and tick control on dogs or cats include:
shampoos
collars
dust or powder
sprays
spot-on products
Spot-on flea and tick products are liquid pesticides applied to a "spot" on the pet's skin, usually around the back of the neck or shoulder area.
When used according to label instructions and precautions, pet products can be effective, but when misapplied or not used according to directions, your pets may be unnecessarily exposed to pesticides and could become ill and so can your family and your home.
Protect your pets from pests and potential pesticide risks by following product label directions and understanding the precautions.
EPA is responsible for ensuring that all pesticides sold in the United States do not cause UNREASONABLE risks when they are used according to label directions and precautions. However, this is not always the case.
EPA assesses all pet pesticide treatments in the following areas:
Assess exposure through skin contact for adults (dermal assessment)
Evaluate exposure by skin contact and by mouth for children (dermal and oral assessments)
Assess exposure through breathing in the chemicals from pet pesticide treatments, on a case-by-case basis (inhalation assessment)
Estimate the amount of applied pesticide that can transfer from the animal to the child's skin from hugging or otherwise contacting a treated animal
Remember that pesticides on your pets CAN BE TRANSFERRED TO YOUR CHILDREN. If you do choose to use toxic pesticides on your pets, protect your pets and children by carefully following the label directions and precautions.
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