Not sure if this was posted but the EPA is investigation Spot On type flea products (Frontline, etc.).

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/flea-tick-control.html
http://www.avma.org/aa/EPA_flea_tick_product_scrutiny.asp

I have the list from before it was removed but the EPA will be listing a complete list soon. Let me know if you would like to see the list posted or sent by private message. I'm not sure if I should post it (Mods let me know).

Kimberly

Edited by Kimberly Bunk (04/27/2009 08:20 AM)
Edit reason: Added AVMA link

Well that's scary... I've never felt good about ANY form of chemical flea/tick preventative, be it collars, dips or spot treatments - the stuff is so obviously noxious. And now is precisely the season I start debating about whether to break out the Frontline, or put it off and take our chances... I will be anxiously awaiting any further news on this. Thanks for posting Kimberly!

~Natalya

Thank you Kimberly for posting this information.
I agree with Natalya, the noxious smell and potential side effects are enough for me to be concerned.
I have chosen to not use these drops for many reasons.

I have had success with a product called " Best Yet" which is a cedar oil spray.
http://www.cedarcidestore.com

But it does need to be reapplied every couple days to insure effectiveness. It does smell like cedar oil, (JMHO, smells a lot better than the noxious chemical spot drops)
More importantly, I have not seen any adverse reactions from using this product.
I felt I owed it to pets as well as myself to give this product a try.

Also, I have not yet tried this product, http://www.whupabug.com
but I have read about it here and I would consider giving this one a try as well, the reviews on it look very promising.
Again thank you Kimberly!

Well, I didn't like this news since Kasey HAS to be on this stuff due bad allergic reactions to even one flea bite! So I called my derma vet this morning and asked what their response to this EPA warning was.

This derma vet is the largest, most popular dermatology clinic in the lower half of California - they do a lot of teaching of other derma vets nationwide, so I know they have a LOT of exposure to this topic. Here is what they said:

They have been in contact with the EPA and Frontline on this issue. Frontline reps have been quick to get back to them (the vets) with records showing that there have been no increases in the rates of side effects with Frontline products. The derma vets said the EPA backs that claim, and says that the increased seizures and deaths have been with the other the counter flea spot products - i.e. Bio-spot. The derma vet clinic doctors say they strictly warn all their pet owners NOT to ever use these products - the ones you can buy in grocery stores, pet stores, Costco, etc. They would not use them on their pets, and they have seen evidence of harmful effects from them. But the vets say that in all their combined years of dermatology practice (there are 18 doctors in 6 full-time offices, and 12 part-time satellite offices that have been here for many years), they have not seen one single animal that has had any bad side effect from Frontline or Advantage. They review these reports often because they, themselves, use these products on their own pets, and do want to poison them either!

I don't think anyone can know for certain, what these products do and don't do to our dogs, but I think that the safety records of Frontline and Advantage are high enough that if you have a dog who suffers greatly if they get even one flea bite, then you have to weigh the risks against the overall picture of that dog's needs. I've seen and heard about dogs that nearly died from flea infestations and reactions too!