Responding to a “sharp increase” in adverse events associated with flea and tick medications for pets, the EPA states they plan to increase scrutiny and investigate the potential hazards of these products.  For some pet owners and veterinarians, this response is causing confusion and concern, especially since both over-the-counter medications and veterinary-only products are listed.  Are any of these products safe and how can a pet lover find the right one?

For more than a decade, pet owners have relied on flea and tick products that claim safe and effective solutions to a persistent problem.  Historically, pesticides to control fleas and ticks were harsh and seemingly caused as many problems to the pets as they did to the parasites.  With the advent of new topical or “spot-on” products, pet owners breathed a sigh of relief.

But now the EPA has raised a red flag and is warning pet owners about serious adverse effects seen with the use of these products.  Citing a “sharp spike” in reported incidents, the EPA has increased scrutiny and may consider restricting their use.

When something good comes along, it is only natural that we want to keep it around as long as possible.  This is especially true of our pets.  Advances in veterinary medicine have nearly doubled the life span of our dogs, but is it possible to do more?  As the aging process is better understood, new therapies and supplements are developed, each promising to add year’s to your pet’s life.

No one likes to think about a beloved pet growing older.  We cringe as the once exuberant puppy needs help up stairs or tires after a short walk.  Anti-Aging medicine is the newest clinical medical specialty offered to physicians. So, why don’t we hear more about this for our pets?

Pet owners are demanding a higher quality of medicine for their pets and human medicine is moving from a disease-based model to a preventive, proactive approach.  Shouldn’t our veterinarians move in this direction as well?