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Summer is the deadliest time of year for companion animals
Statistics compiled by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) confirm
that June, July and August are still the most dangerous months of the year for
companion animals. According to 2005 data, the Center received approximately
10,000 calls in July, making it the month with the highest volume of cases for
the year. The data found that over 4,700 (47%) of the cases involved animals
being exposed to pesticides. This includes commonly used insecticides (flea and
tick products), rodenticides (mouse and rat baits) and herbicides (weed
killers).
“Spring and Summer is the time where we see an increased use of lawn care
products, slug, mouse and gopher bait and flea & tick products,” comments Dr.
Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
“Depending on the circumstances of exposure, some of these products could be
potentially hazardous to pets. By taking the time to read a product label
carefully a pet owner could save their animal’s life.”
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center consulted on over 3,200 cases in July
2005 involving insecticides, including flea and tick products. While there are
many safe products available, caution must always be used when choosing and
appropriately applying them on pets. The ASPCA also warns that some products
that are safely used on dogs can be deadly to cats, even in small amounts. For
example, there are over 18 brands of permethrin insecticide spot-on products for
flea and tick control that are labeled for “use on dogs only.” These permethrin
products have a good margin of safety when used on dogs, but even a few drops of
concentrated permethrin could be lethal to a cat. Cats are most commonly exposed
to these products through inappropriate or accidental application by their
owners.
Additionally, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before using a
flea and tick product on a very young, pregnant or elderly animal. As an
alternative to using flea products directly on such pets, the ASPCA recommends
owners use a flea comb. This would be a good option for pets that enjoy being
groomed, but violently refuse baths or the application of a spray. Also, after
using a flea and tick product, it is necessary to observe an animal closely. If
a pet exhibits unusual behavior or becomes depressed, weak, or uncoordinated the
owner should seek veterinary advice immediately.
The second most serious type of cases involved rodenticides. The ASPCA Animal
Poison Control Center handled over 1,700 cases about rodenticides during the
summer of 2005. The most dangerous forms include zinc phosphide, strychnine and
commercial rat and mouse baits. Some baits contain inert ingredients that can
attract an animal. If a pet ingests a rodenticide, there is a chance that
seizures, bleeding or death may result. When using any rodenticide it is
important to place the product in areas that are inaccessible to your companion
animals.
Also last summer, the Center received over 1,700 calls about herbicides. A
large number of those calls involved owners concerned about letting their pets
walk in an area treated with a weed killer product. While many weed killers are
safe for use in households with pets, it is important to strictly follow label
directions for proper use and storage. For example, a weed killer spray with
instructions that state “keep children and pets away from treated areas until
dry” need to be followed in order to avoid the potential for problems such as
damage to desirable vegetation, minor skin irritation, or stomach upset if
ingested.
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