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August 2008
I have a 7 year old Boston Terrier who had her first (and hopefully last) seizure at about 2:30 am this morning. It was a terrible and frightening experience for everyone concerned. She has never had a seizure before. The seizure lasted about 3 minutes but what seemed like an eternity. I thought about what may have caused this and noted that we had given her both Frontline Plus the day before and Heartguard Plus that day. We took her to Emergency and her vitals were ok. We took her home and visited out Vet this morning.
I "Googled" canine and seizures and came up with many, many stories about these pesticides and others that have caused similar reactions in dogs and cats. The Vet said we could exchange these drugs for something else but now I am afraid to try any drug for fleas, ticks or heartworm on her. We also have a Golden who has not suffered a reaction. Strangely enough, however, both dogs are the same age and both dogs have "fatty" tumours on their bodies. I am wondering if this stuff has caused those, too.
I am furious that that these products continue to be dispensed to prevent problems yet nothing is said about the more serious side effects that appear to be so common. If you have any more information or advice, it would be appreciated.
Kathy 8/2/08
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Last night was a nightmare for me!
I have 2 Boston Terriers and a Boston Terrier/Pit Bull Mix. They are all spayed and are MY GIRLS! I gave The Girls their weekly shampoo/bath early evening. Later I found a tick on one of my Boston's named Wrangler. I decided to put some Sergeant's Gold Flea & Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs on all 3 of My Girls. Around 11:00 that same evening my little Figgie Pudding was restless, licking her paws, wandering around like she was lost. She was also digging in the bed (My Girls sleep with me) and would not settle down. Figgie had frothy saliva coming from her mouth and was coughing and vomiting. I did not make the connection to the flea & tick application at that time. I put Figgie in her cage to see if she would settle down. Well, she didn't.. By this time it is 3:30 in the morning and I was online trying to find out what I could about her symptoms. I figured she had gotten into something that was poison earlier that day and it was causing a reaction. I called one of the Vets that I use because she lives just down the road from me. She was nice enough (even though it was 4:00 in the morning) to let me bring Figgie to her house. She looked Figgie over and said that she had a seizure. By this time Figgie was doing a little better. So the Vet gave me a medication to calm Figgie down so she could get some rest. I took her home and she seemed to be able to finally get some rest. I had forgotten to tell the Vet that I had put the Flea & Tick application on!!!
Ok....so now it's morning and Figgie is doing better and then the nightmare starts over again!!! Only this time it's my other Boston, Wrangler!!! Wrangler's face was swollen!!!! Her jowls looked more the size of a Bull Mastiff than a Boston!!! She looked terrible, had frothy saliva drooling from her mouth and was also vomiting frothy stuff!!! My brother was at my house at the time this was happening and had me call the number on the Sergeant's package. I talked with someone and they said they NEVER HEARD OF THAT KIND OF REACTION to the Flea & Tick Squeeze-On.
Then I received a call back from another Vet that I use and told him what was happening. He said to give Wrangler a Benedryl and the swelling should go down within the hour. It was maybe 10-15 minutes after I gave her the Benedryl and the swelling had started to go down. The Vet said it was a reaction to the flea & tick ingredients and had seen this kind of thing happen before.
I gave all 3 Girls 2 SHAMPOO'S EACH......to get that nasty stuff off of them!!! Now it's evening.......... and The Girls are resting peacefully. They seem to be back to normal. The Boston/Pit Mix didn't seem to have a reaction to the flea & tick application. Anyway..... I know this was a long message, but I also had to join in and let people know about this NASTY PRODUCT and what it did to MY GIRLS!!! I just wish I had found this site BEFORE I had to find out the hard way!!!
I have called some people and told them NOT to use that JUNK and told them about this website also. I know things weren't as bad as some of the other cases, but when ANYTHING happens to your beloved fur kids, you get really scared!!! PLEASE.....tell everyone about this kind of product, no matter what brand it is!!! It needs to be taken OFF THE MARKET!!!
As My Girls lay sleeping, I think about how close I came to maybe not having them because of moron companies that INSIST on selling products, to make money and harm our animals.........AND THAT IS JUST NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!
All the best to everyone that has had to deal with this kind of thing and I hope your Little Fur Kids......get better and live a happy life!!! And my heart felt sympathy to those that have lost their Fur Kids.
Kathie 8/03/08
Michigan
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First I would like to thank you very much for the information on your website. I have a 8 lb mini yorkie and last month about a week after applying Bio Spot he got very sick. He was lethargic and whiny and felt very hot to the touch. Well this was very out of character for my little Coco as he is very playful at 1 1/2 years old, sometimes I get tired just watching him play . I brought him to the vet that day and neither one of us thought anything of the Bio Spot. After blood tests which came back with elevated white blood cells and platelets we sent his blood out for a Lyme test, (another 197.00) when the Lyme test was negative she figured an infection of some kind and he took Vibramycin liquid for 10 days he perked back up to being himself again. Well after being groomed on Friday I remembered to put his Bio Spot on him on Monday, within 3-4 hours after applying he started acting weird again, he was walking funny with his tail to the side and seemed to want to sit down all the time. I immediately looked online and found this site and put coco in the bathe I than purchased some Benadryl and gave him the correct amount for his body weight and it seemed to help a little. Well it is Wednesday now and he does seem better he is eating and drinking normally and though he is still favoring his tail end I believe he is going to be ok. I did just call the vet and explained to the nurse what had happened and she said to monitor him for 24 hours and that the vet will be calling me back. I have only had Coco since March and I was so excited to have this little beauty in my life that I have lost many nights of sleep with all this sickness needless to say my emergency vet bills have been great also, as someone on a fixed budget I had to charge his appointment and medicines and blood tests, all of this because a company is allowed to put poison in their product and not warn people of the possible reactions. I will be contacting the company after hearing back from my vet and hopefully I will get some satisfaction or maybe the 490.00 it has cost me so far. A word of warning do not use this product, don't find out the hard way like so many of us have, go for the natural, home remedies that are recommended on this site, you will be much happier and your pet will be much healthier. If anything horrible ever happened to Coco from this I would be at the companies front door with a sign. I love my dog so much and can't stand the thought of anything happening to him especially something that I thought was the right thing to do. Thanks for your time and I will post again after hearing from my vet.
Ann 8/6/08
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Take it off the market before any more pets are killed. My parents just lost their dog because of biospot. How can you live with yourself while killing helpless pets daily!!!
Robby 8/6/08
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I have enjoyed reading the info on your site. I have a 20 year old kitty and am more than fond of this long haired beauty.
She is an indoor outdoor and flea season is here. I absolutely dread taking her to the vet but this is the only way to have access to what I thought was 'safe' flea and pest treatment. We have used Revolution for cats. The reason I hate going to the vet is because he starts giving her shot after shot and the first time this happened, I was afraid she was going to die. She just laid under the chair in my office, unable to even lift her head for two days. I
called the vet frantic. When I visit now I am my pet's advocate. I have these rules for the vet:
1. You will not inject, apply, administer any substance without my permission.
I fight him on this. He says...oh these are just routine vaccinations...so he would give her in one visit:
1 feline 4 in 1 injection for DT, Rhino, Calici, chlamydia
1 Rabies Vac
1 Heartworm antigen test
1 Revolution F 5 -15lbs application
1 RX misc prescription.
This is too much for my kitty to absorb in one visit. We argue and I tell him that she really doesn't need this every single year! She only goes outside with me (agoraphobic kitty) and the likelihood of her being exposed to this menacing list of possible maladies is minimal at best. she is inside and sole ruler of our hearts and home.
2. Only apply Revolution in the buggy months.
3. If your buggy season lasts for more than 90 days, apply revolution every other month or every third month.
I did this myself, applied revolution 1 time for a three to four month flea season, and happily found Princess (my kitty) flea and funk free. The reduced chemicals, the reduced drain on your wallet, the better health of your cherished pet are all bonuses.
4. Meticulous combing: regularly and in all directions with a thin flea comb. I keep a plastic cup filled with hot dish soapy water for intermittant comb rinses. Frequent comb cleanings, to remove old hair and dirt required.
5. Shave and a haircut...two bits She's older and not attending to personal grooming. The knots have been less than easy to untangle. Better than scissors which run the risk of accidentally cutting the delicate skin pulled into one of the more gnarled knots, is the electric trimmer (like the barbers use)...with small to medium guard attached. This takes a little longer but this painless method gently, hopefully painlessly chips away at the tight tangle with minimal risk to your pet. Also, be careful NOT to cut the whiskers...as these help your pet walk..and also add to her essential coifure.
A haircut is a great way to get at those fleas!
6. Rinse those pests right out of her hair! No soap required.
I just tried this approach and I have mixed results. Kitty does not enjoy bathing. It was a warm day, her fur coat looked ever so hot and frazzled, she was meowing at me from the edge of the tub/shower, so in she went.
Make sure door to bath is closed prior to trying the following as I soon realized kitty will try to make a break for it.
I just put her in the shower with me and rinsed her off. Being very very careful not to squirt water into her ears, eyes, or general area of her face. She has really really long hair, a live dust mop, that picks up everything in her thick multilayered coats. As I rinsed her off...I happily watched the outside leaf litter, dust and three fleas and their nasty dirt wash away as well. No chemicals needed...just a luke warm gentle shower of water.
7. Rake up leaves, vaccuum OFTEN and make it unpleasant for fleas to settle in and multiply.
These are some of my strategies to safely care for my kitty. I look forward to reading and learning some new ones here.
I liked the vinegar idea...instead of using fabreeze...very clever!
Davina 8/7/08
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It seems that we are now going through with our Sasha what you went through with your dog Hamish! $700. 00 later- the vet can find nothing wrong!
She had just come back from the groomer's and we wanted her to be safe. So we used Bio Spot. Shortly after that she started to throw up! A few days later She had her first seizure. She is now recovering from her SECOND Seizure in 24 hours! I am SO ANGRY. No where on the box does it list ANY adverse effects. Had we not put 2+2 together and found your site I hate to think of what would have happened. My husband and son are bathing her, and our other dog Max, now (it is 1:00 am). Can you please let me know with whom you spoke @ Farnam? They need to know that this is NOT OK! She was perfectly healthy until this. G-d willing she will be again.
Thank you so much for your site!!
Amy, Michael, Sam and Zach 8/8/08
Just wanted to let you know that Sasha is doing much better today! We however are pretty tired, but relieved! I spoke with Sherri [Farnam's Risk Manager] a while ago and she was terrific. I faxed everything to her and she seemed pretty positive about reimbursing us. She didn't see a problem. Especially because it seems that Bio Spot was purchased by Farnam a couple of years ago and they changed the formula. We had no problem with the product before this! She even gave us some advice about re-washing the dogs.
She will let me know shortly, about everything but I'm sure everything will work out fine! Just wanted to give you a heads up.
Amy 8/11/08
Farnam Companies was acquired by Central Garden & Pet a couple years ago, and Iast year they changed the formula for Bio Spot for Dogs. It still contains 45% permethrin, but instead of 5% pyriproxyfen for the insect growth regulator (IGR), it now contains 3% (S)-methoprene.
It's interesting to compare the Material Data Safety Sheet for the original Bio Spot for Dogs formula and the new formula.
Here is the MSDS for the original Bio Spot for Dogs:
Here are excerpts:
"Acute Oral LD 50=2,614 mg/kg male rats"
"Acute Oral LD 50 = 1,660 mg/kg female rats"
"Acute Dermal LD 50 > 5,050 mg/kg rabbits"
"Signs and Symptoms Of Exposure"
"May produce skin sensations (feelings of numbing and tingling) in certain individuals. Moderate eye irritant. May cause drying and irritation of skin. These sensations normally subside and disappear within a few hours. If ingested, the product may cause diarrhea, salivation, bloody nose, increased urination, decreased activity, tremors and intermittent convulsions. Excessive inhalation causes coughing headache, dizziness, nausea as well as nose, throat, and respiratory tract irritation. "
"Harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin."
Here is the MSDS for the new Bio Spot for Dogs:
http://msds.farnam.com/m001702.htm
Here are excerpts:
"Oral LD50>5.0g/kg; Dermal LD50>5.0g/kg"
"Signs and Symptoms Of Exposure"
"May cause minor skin irritation. May cause minor eye irrittation. Not a contact sensitizer."
The LD50 (dose needed to kill 50% of animals in study) reported for the new formula is almost TWICE that of the original formula (suggesting that it is much less toxic to animals), but they do not indicate which species (rat, rabbit) this figure applies to. The MSDS for the new formula also omitted, "If ingested, the product may cause diarrhea, salivation, bloody nose, increased urination, decreased activity, tremors and intermittent convulsions. It also omitted, "Harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin."
I doubt that the new formula for Bio Spot for Dogs is any less toxic to animals than the original formula, but one would certainly get that impression by comparing the MSDS for these products.
James TerBush
Hope all is well. Wanted to give you an update on Sasha. She was doing much better for a while and she also benefited from an all raw diet. She has been on all raw for aprox. 2mo. Now, as have our other dog and our cat. She lost a lot of weight on the raw food and then had another seizure! Had her to a neurologist and??? Farnam agreed to pay for this (already got the $900+) in Sept. to pay back for the other vet bills. Now I can't get hold of Sherri! I've left messages for the last month! You said to let you know if I had a problem, so I am. Can you help me??
Amy 10/27/08
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Today, 08/10/08 Our family had to put our cat Chloe to sleep. Yesterday, after bathing her we put bio spot on her for fleas. Three hours later Chloe was shaking and went into convulsions. Being late into the evening we had to take her to an emergency clinic. We had to paid a thousand and plus dollars because of a medication that highly toxic (which we had not been aware of). Please let others know about these type of medications that can take your pet, a loving family member away from you. Free enterprise allows companies to indirectly kill your pet. The government should make consumers aware that these toxic medications are harmful.
Arnoldo and Awilda 8/10/08
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I used Sargents flea and tick gold on all 3 of my dogs. What a horrible experience. We just recently moved and I was concerned about ticks because we do have a lot of pine trees. My little shih tzu who is 2 years old had a traumatizing experience. She was breathing heavy and falling down unable to hold her head up and her front feet she had no movement in them. This was about 2 hours after the medication had been applied I bathed her right away and then my 2nd dog a cocker mix who is 10 years old was breathing hard and walking sideways. I washed her and rushed them both to the vet. The vet explained to me what this medication can do to animals. I was shocked. It effects their nervous system how cruel is that we should just inject drugs into the animals. My shih tzu slept with me that night and I kept her calm by petting her the second I would stop she would become restless. My daughter kept my cocker with her doing the same thing with petting and trying to keep her calm. 3 days later my older lapso starting showing signs by walking to her side I have bathed all of them at least twice and even soaked my little shih tzu in our salt water pool to relax her. I wish we could form a class action law suit and take these people out. I felt so helpless watching them suffer for no reason. My vet was great and did put fluids into them to help absorb the medication. Thank you for your web site and I am by far not done with this.
Tammy 8/11/08
Lenoir, NC
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I wished I would have researched bio- spot before applying to our family cat. As soon as I did, she ran, howled, panted and the next morning was suffering from constant tremors and couldn't even stand. She is in the vet's as I speak and although her tremors are better, she still is having jerk attacks. I can not believe this stuff is on the market! I can't believe I looked for cheaper when they are our family......
Who can I report this too?
Very upset,
Sherry 8/13/08
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(Below is an update to a message posted by Diane on 6/5/08)
I thought I'd give you an update. Wings was so bad last Saturday that I thought we'd have to end the journey. We gave her IV fluids again and as a last resort put her on prednisone. She began drinking and on Sunday ate a couple of pieces of bacon. We went to pork loin slices and now have progressed to pork, warm water and Purina dog food. We've tried numerous other food, but this entices her the most. Wings is now alert and comfortable. Next we face the weaning process to the prednisone. I am attaching photos of Wings on day 2 after her last come back (I just couldn't take pictures of her on Sat). Please feel free to share these photos. Our vet recently put down a young dog that quit eating after application of over the counter tick preventive because the owner couldn't afford to take his dog to the vet and it was too late by the time he took the dog in. These products need to be taken off the market. Wings is now a $3000 vet bill and it has been difficult for us to decide whether to stop or to continue care. In our case, we're glad our vet consulted the internal specialist and we kept trying knowing that Wings had been healthy and hoping that she could endure the toxins.
We haven't submitted the bill to Farnam yet, however I don't anticipate a positive response from some of the responses on your web. Would you like me to put a link to your site on my web page? I've found the computer to be an excellent educational tool.
Diane 8/14/08
www.windshadowsfarm.com
Photos of Wings:
Hi James,
No, Wings doesn't have AIHA. She was healthy prior to the Bio Spot. Her CBC reflected a high WBC, but no anemia or thrombocytopenia...the high WBC was probably a response to the stress of the BioSpot.
She's not out of the woods yet....and my employees at work (when I showed them the photos) commented that they're surprised that I haven't been turned in for animal neglect. I assured them that we're making decisions with Wing's comfort and best interest in mind...it's a conundrum...we are trying to give her a chance and yet not make her uncomfortable.
I will put a link to your website on mine.
Thanks for your support,
Diane 8/14/08
Hello James,
Thank you for your support in my emotional endeavor. I spent 3 hours at the vet with Wings tonight and unless we have another miracle, we're going to end the journey. My vet asked if there was another vet that she might call for additional assistance...she's tried several already. I couldn't find anything in my internet search tonight.
Diane 9/2/08
Hello James,
We finally received Farnam's response to our claim in which they denied our request for reimbursement. They state that the facts do not support a relationship between BioSpot application and Wing's illness and subsequent euthanasia. They quote from an independent assessment by a board certified veterinary toxicologist at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC); "A data review of APCC cases involving exposures to the EPA reg. number 2724-497-270 products (including Bio Spot) in dogs from a twenty four month period between 2007 and 2009 showed the presence of no other instances of renal failure, azotemia, nephritis, or prolonged anorexia" "...there is no evidence to suggest that the Bio Spot application played any causative role in the dog's deteriorating condition."
I continue to have no doubt that the Bio Spot was the cause of our dogs death. You don't have a 5 year old, healthy dog, become that ill within a few hours of an application of BioSpot to not believe that it was the cause of her illness.
Thanks for your support in informing the public. There are too many cases reported to believe this is a safe product.
Sincerely,
Diane 9/26/09
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Re: Sergeants Sentry Pro XFC
I applied the above flea medicine to my two dogs today.. my szhtzu had no bad reaction but my Lhasa Apsa started acting weird running aroun the house, jumping on the couch etc. could not keep still... after I fed them I thought she would settle down... not so got very much worse... It could only be the flea medicine...I was very worried, all I could think of was wash it off... which I did.... she still was very agitated... about an hour ago I gave her 1 prednisone tab and that after about 10 mins. seems to have quieted her... I have read the articles about this medicine & others and I am absolutely shaken to the core that I would poison my dogs this way... I shall return to PetsMart and let them know what has happened and hopefully they will take the product off the market.
Norah 8/14/08
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I'd just called the vet because my cat was shaking all over. I'd stupidly put some of the dog's flea Bansect by Sergeant's on yesterday. When I noticed him shaking I suspected the flea drops and washed him. I called the vet today and she said to wash him in Ultra dish detergent. She said that the flea killer is made to stay on, and Ultra is said to get all of it off your pet. She'd said to wash him twice. This may help others. I just watched him have a seizure, attack a stuffed animal and then cuddle this same stuffed animal and begin purring (still shaking) again. I'd read the box (I should have done this yesterday and then I wouldn't of put it on him) and it said to give water but not induce vomiting. I gave him water from a dropper. I'd also called the Sargent medical hot line.
The gentleman there told me that there is a medicine to stop the tremors. The vet told me that there was such medicine but it was not necessary if he was eating and walking. Well, he just stopped being able to eat though he seems to want to. He can still walk. I wonder what harmful effects this could have on humans, especially my kids. I'm washing this off the dogs tomorrow morning. Tonight they sleep in the basement, so that this stuff is not spread around the house. I'll look on line for more treatments.
Deb 8/14/08
Oh, I meant to type Ultra Dawn dish detergent not Ultra, but I was a little distressed at the time. Bo the cat has made a full recovery, I can't believe doing something stupid like putting flea stuff for dogs on him almost killed him. I'll check out the site for non harmful flea repellant methods. Thank you,
Deb 8/20/08
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(Below is an update to a message posted by Norma on 7/21/08)
August 13, 2008
Farnam Companies, Inc.
301 W Osburn Rd
Phoenix, Az 85013
Attn: Sherri Pike
Dear Ms. Pike:
I am in receipt of your letter dated 6/23/08. I have called you and left 2 messages, obviously you did not want to return my calls.
I have been doing a lot of research reading copies of complaints that people have sent in regarding deaths, seizures and poor health due to Bio Spot. Some of these people have been reimbursed with or without a necropsy.
Your quote: Bio Spot Flea & Tick Control for dogs has met all applicable EPA registration requirements Internal bleeding, seizures & of death are not expected side effects. Then why are all these people writing about the same side effects and the EPA does not say it’s proof positive it says “NOT EXPECTED”. What does that mean?
As to your third paragraph, your poison control center knew I was not able to have a necropsy done on Princess, due to the fact, that when she died and we went to pick up her little 2 1/2lb body the man was there that does the cremation and he is not from this area and in the vets office the decision was immediately made to have her cremated after we arrived home and I called into Farnam and was directed to your poison control center, I explained to them the dog had already been taken for cremation, that I would call and try to stop them, but it was too late, I was told as long as I had the vet’s letter it would not be necessary I certainly did not decline and accordingly you are well aware of the problems Bio Spot has caused and is causing.
I was on and off the phone with these Dr’s representing Bio Spot several times during the night and nights to follow with Creulla having seizures. You know as well as I that Bio Spot was the cause and NO you are not really sorry to learn of the loss of these two dogs nor does Farnam care as long as they can manufacture, sell, make money and kill--------, How do you work for such a company and how do you sleep at nights knowing you’re a party to this travesty - Since Cruella, my 3 1/2lb Yorkie has died - doesn’t that really make you & your company happy?
No - you, again, are not sorry for my loss or you and your company would do something to correct these problems - Well, I can tell you I am going to be one of your worst thorns in your side until something is done most vets agree it’s a very bad product - I, will get as many vets to acknowledge this and I intend to retain an attorney, hopefully to start a class action. Had you been somewhat fair with me, I would not have researched all these poor unknowing people and found out that you are well aware of what is happening to these poor animals - If it was your kid - what would you do?
Very Truly Yours
Norma [deleted]
Cc: EPA
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I read everyones blog concerning your pets reaction to Sergeant's Gold Flea and Tick medication. I am deeply sorry for your experience using this product, unfortunately my pet is also a victim of Sergeant's products. I used Sergeant's Gold Flea and Tick Squeeze On as directed on the label and my pet had a severe adverse reaction, in my opinion so severe that this product should be off the market immediately. I believe if we all work together by sharing our experience and voicing our concerns we can get this product off the shelf. I will make every effort possible to take legal action against this company. If anyone has any information, experience, or would like to hear more about my story please feel free to e-mail me. I have attached some pictures of the reaction my pet had to Sergeant's Gold Flea and Tick Squeeze On. I know the pictures are horrible and it is distressing to see an animal suffer like that, but I believe that it is my duty to raise awareness.
Joshua 8/16/08
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SERGEANTS FLEA AND TICK SPRAY FOR CATS
Gizmo is dead...and Mieko is dying...(update is now dead too)...they somehow were poisoned ... I'm certain it was the flea spray..i sprayed them both that night at separate times hours apart because their battle with fleas was severe...Please warn any cat owners you know about Hartz/Seargents flea sprays they are deadly and should be banned...they contain deadly toxic chemicals and have to be administered to a "T" or it will certainly make your cat deathly ill or kill your pet which is more likely depending on the size of the cat...and that goes for dogs as well...I feel the company cares little about the wellbeing of animals otherwise there wouldn't be such a product...it is not completely safe to administer...my cats are dying proof...after I administered the flea spray my female Black Point Himalayan cat fought profusely until she ran off hiding for two days... when I came home later in the evening around 9:30 pm i opened the front door to find her dead with my other cat by her side I think he found her and brought her out from where she was hiding...he wouldn't leave her side...next thing I know he's getting wobbly on his feet and he was lifeless before I knew it...I called the vets (but because I had no means to pay for it due to my limited pension after suffering a massive heart attack two years ago)...at that point was offered no help...one vet had a party to go to and was late...I think that was despicable and heartless...all the vets offices were closed for the weekend...So, I looked up information on the internet only to find others encountering the same problem…I finally took it upon myself to hopefully find a way to keep him alive...I gave him first off some water via syringe because he wouldn't eat or drink so I force fed him as well with a syringe of milk mixed with egg and he lived through the night as I stayed by his side to maintain him all night...he seemed to be bouncing back then suddenly went lifeless again...I crumbled up some cat kibble to a fine dust and mixed it with the milk and egg...and syringed the liquid to him orally and suddenly I panicked because at that point he went into convulsions gasping his last breaths I administered immediately some water and soothed his throat because I may have cause him to choke and gave him water... He somewhat gained his breathing but started convulsing again until he died at 5:pm August 17th 2008...
I will never buy another another product over the shelf from sargeants or any other manufacture of these common toxic chemicals...It virtually did little or nothing with the fleas but ultimately killed my Himalayans consecutively....by putting trust in a well known manufacture unknown to myself of a deadly product is not only inhumane on their part but also criminal and negligent of not producing a fail safe product and high in toxicity...shame on you Hartz/Sargeant and whoever else manufactures this product for purely profit and not the wellbeing of the animal community....I find it utterly disgusting and heart wrenching...and of course I live alone without my little defenseless friends...If I had the money I'd spend millions to sue your #%^^^ just to take away your right to sell this deadly product...If there is a petition out there I want to be on it and possibly be part of any lawsuit against these firms... They know they are getting away with murder and openly admit there’s a problem with their products as one person put it. They haven't got a call from me but when I find the number I definitely will call... As well I'm calling Customer Relations at Canadian Tire where I bought the product....and attempt to have it removed.
Robert 8/17/08
I've called Sergeants and they direct me over the desk of Danielle in which she didn't return my call as of yet.. I heard some laughing going on after the first girl expressed her sympathy for the loss of my cats and I responded with "I can appreciate that but it doesn't give me back my cats...perhaps it was something else...but anyway...I told them I wanted to be compensated for the loss of my two cats which was when she redirected my call and a voice recording to leave my name and number etc. Right now its feeling like twilight zone with everyone I called...the only one who seemed sincere was the representative of customer relations at Canadian Tire who gave me a reference number if they haven't got back to me within two days...S.P.C.A told me that the product is legal and that from time to time animals have an adverse reaction...offering little help at all...over here everything seems to be all in a days work...no one seems to give a "Flock of Turtles" meanwhile my cats are rotting while I bat my head against the wall not getting anywhere fast or satisfactoraly...I'll have to bury them tomorrow it's getting rancid...I'll bury the rubbermaid container for environment purposes and it won't leach into the ground or water table...If they want evidence then they can dig them up..Next call is the health board and failing that a call to my alderman...or perhaps the newspaper might like a story and embarass a few heads...
Thanks James
Robert 8/18/08
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Hi this is the first time I've had any problems using a flea control product, but am not sure what to do..
I purchased the Sentry Pro XFC product at Pet Smart and applied the product to my 2yr old pug Pablo, on Thursday about 6pm following the instructions completely. At about 4am I was awoken by him pawing at my head, he was whining like he was in severe pain, flicking his tongue like crazy, breathing very heavy, and he would lay down for about 5 seconds jump up run to another spot trying to get comfortable, but would dart up again after a few seconds. I wasn't sure what to think I looked around to make sure he hadn't gotten into anything and found nothing. I sat on the couch with him and tried to comfort him, which is when he started twitching and foaming at the mouth. I called the ER vet who asked a few questions and hit the subject of applying the flea control; she suggested bathing him in the Dawn dish soap and giving him 25mg Benadryl tablets twice daily if seemed to help. This has seemed to help some, but it is now Sunday, and I can not even touch his back with out him wincing in pain which I have been using a Pramoxine HCI and Colloidal Relief Spay which I got from the vet but it doesn't seem to help at all. He also keeps chewing on his front paws, has a bit of twitching still, my main concern is he is still having heavy fast breathing. Is this something that will subside, or should I bring him back to the vet. If you could please get back to me as soon as possible with any advice, I don't want to wait to long to take action if needed.
Nicole 8/17/08
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My beloved dog, Tuff-E-Nuff (Tuffy) was a perfectly healthy 8 & 1/2 year old Pug. She was born in NV and resided in NV all of her life, but my family was moving to OK, so I checked with my local vet to see if she would need heart worm medication and flea & tick medication in the new area we were moving too (as these are not common problems in NV). I took her to the vet on Saturday, August 2, 2008 for a complete check-up. I was not told that she had any health problems. A heart worm test was performed and I was told that it was negative. I started her on heart worm medication that day, which she had no reaction to. The following Friday, August 8th we left on a road trip from NV to OK, at which time I applied Frontline flea and tick medication. Late Friday she started breathing really hard and didn't have much of an appetite. She went to sleep in our 5th wheeler when we stopped for the night and Saturday morning seemed to be breathing a little easier. By Saturday night when we stopped for the night she was again breathing really hard and refused food and water. I decided that when we left in the morning I would stop in the first city we came to and find a vet to see if she was reacting to the Frontline. I got up at 2:00 am to check on her and found her dead on the floor of the 5th wheeler. It is hard for me to believe that in one week my dog went from being a perfectly healthy dog to dead, if it wasn't from a reaction to the Frontline. I can't stop crying thinking about the agonizing death she must have gone through, not being able to breath. Nothing is going to bring my wonderful dog back, and nothing is going to make me feel less guilty about not stopping somewhere to find a vet when I first noticed she wasn't feeling well, but I hope this will make others realize that some products being used on probably
mllions of animals might affect some animals in a deadly way.
Georgiann 8/19/08
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Yesterday AM I applied Sargeants Silver flea & tick sqeeze-on med on my 10 1/2lb Chi the label stated for dogs 9 lbs to 20 lbs, that should have been my 1st clue. Within 30 mins she was hyper, panting and shaking her head constantly. I bathed her twice with a mild soap, no help. By the end of the day she had lost her appetite along with all the other things she had going on. When I got home from work, she goes to work with me, I bathed her again. No help! we were up most of the night with her shaking her head and being miserable. This AM I called Sargeants they advised bathing her twice, back to back with dishwashing detergent, because of the degreaser in it, which I did, that seemed to help. I broke of some of my aloe plant and rubbed it directly on the area I had applied the medication and that really helped. She still will not eat, which is oh so not like her, but she is sleeping now. Maybe the combination of bathing in dishwashing detergent & the aloe will do the trick, I hope so. I hope this will help someone along the way.
Lawrence 8/22/08
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I have 4 cats, all healthy and one dog. A vet on TV said don't buy biospot as it can and often causes bad results. I forgot and bought biospot. 1 pkg for dog 3 vitals and 2 pkgs for the cats ^ vitals. It burned the fur off in the place applied on one cat, the others began loosing fur and were also burned in the place the biospot touched. It didn't seem to get the fleas off. My cats are house cats and never go out, but a rainy season has encouraged the fleas inside.
I have many friends and one daughter and biospot has done the same to their cats. You should do something about this problem. Also, I can't return the biospot to you as the post office thinks it may be harmful to the enviroment, if the pkg came open.
The vets in this area will not take it to even give away. Something is wrong.!!!!!!!!
Winnie 8/23/08
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A week ago I got a very healthy adorable 5 month old pug and it had fleas. Well the new store "Petsense" had just opened here in town so I took him with me and got him all the works, seat belt harness, leash, collar, toys, chew things, and then Sentry Pro XFC for the fleas. I put it on and about an hour later he was acting really tired and I knew something was wrong because he is a very hyper puppy. So I read the package that said to wash the flea killer off, I did this. He seemed to get better within an hour but for the past couple days has been licking everything and when theres nothing to lick, he licks the air or his nose. Well last night again (its been a little over a week since I used it now) he started showing more symptoms, he was wheezing and breathing very heavy. I don't have the money right off for the vet and they all want it up front here. My parents would loan me the money when they got back and this is just a few hours off. So I went to bed, put my baby next to me and drifted off. I woke up a few hours later to find a cold, dead puppy in my arms. I was horrified and couldn't believe that they sell stuff that does this! I knew what it was but got to researching and sure enough his symptoms matched everyone elses. I'm glad others got lucky, no one should have to deal with this. I honestly don't want another pet after this. After my two cats are gone, i'm done. My heart can't handle anymore of this. I will be contacting the company, the EPA, and the local newspaper. Hopefully we can all get the word out and save someone else's baby.
Nathan 8/25/08
Do you think the company will really help me since I don't have anything from a vet? Since the signs cleared the 1st time I thought it was over. Then in the middle of the night he was breathing heavy and then drank water and it stopped. I just woke up to him next to me dead so he never got to a vet. Thus I am not seeking any money from them. The $200 I paid for him would be great but still that doesn't bring him back. I just want them to pull their product off the shelf and stop killing our pets. You buy a product thinking if a name brand store carries it, it will be safe. Apparently not. This has honestly ruined me for pets and I don't ever want one again after the cats pass. I can't go through anymore of this. Its always something, the food recalls, now this. Where does it end? Sorry to complain to you, it just seems that my case is hopeless. I sent Sentry an email the same time I sent yours but haven't heard back from them. Anyways thanks so much.
Nathan 8/26/08
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(Below is an email that I sent to the EPA)
----- Original Message -----
From: <james@elversonpuzzle.com>
To: <Overbey.Dian@epamail.epa.gov>; <gesalman.claire@epa.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 9:28 AM
Subject: Sergeants "Look at the Label" Educational Campaign
Dear Ms. Overbey,
Last week, Sergeants Pet Care Products announced that it has expanded its educational campaign to help consumers "understand the risks involved" in using Sergeants brand flea and tick control products. Here is their press release:
Here is a list of frequently asked questions from Sergeant's website:
Here are excerpts:
"Q. I am concerned about all of the warnings and precautionary statements on your product label. Is this product even safe to use?"
"A. Yes. Sergeant's spent six years in development and research of Sergeant's Gold to ensure it was safe for pets. The EPA regulates all pesticidal products, and mandates that each of the precautionary statements you are reading appear on the product. The statements are intended to inform the consumer of possible issues that can occur with the product and steps to take if they do occur. In almost all instances, you will not experience issues with the product if you are following the label instructions."
"Q. Can I pet my dog after I have applied the product? Can my children play with our dog?"
"A. Both you and your children are safe to pet and play with your dog after the squeeze-on has been applied. It will take about 24 hours for the product to spread and dry on your dog, so if you pet and/or play with your dog within this time frame, you can simply wash your hands with soap and water once you are finished."
I would like to bring to your attention the EPA's Label Review Manual, which is found your agency's website:
Here are excerpts:
"EPA's regulation, at 40 CFR 156.10(a)(5), provides examples of statements that are considered to be misbranded; such as:"
"Safety claims of the pesticide, or its ingredients, including statements such as "trusted," "safe," "nonpoisonous," "noninjurious," "harmless" or "nontoxic to humans and pets" with or without such a qualifying phrase as "when used as directed.""
"X. Claims Made in Advertising"
"Advertising and collateral literature or verbal claims for the product must not substantially differ from any claims made on the label or labeling. See FIFRA § 12(a)(1)(B). In other words, if a claim is not on the label or substantially differs from what appears on the label (or any part of its distribution or sale which for example appears on a brochure), it cannot be made in advertising. Although OPP does not routinely review advertising in connection with the registration, the Agency may require advertising used in the marketing of the product to be submitted upon request and then reviewed it to see that it is in compliance with FIFRA section 12(a)(1)(B)."
According to the EPA's Label Review Manual, Sergeant's brand flea and tick control products should be considered "misbranded" due to the above mentioned safety claims that are found on their website.
In my opinion, Sergeants Gold Squeeze-On for Dogs, Sergeants Sentry Pro XFC, and Agri-Labs TriForce Canine Squeeze-On (made by Sergeants and distributed by Agri-Labs) are the MOST TOXIC flea and tick control products on the market today. The EPA had concerns about the toxicity of these Sergeants brand products even before they were approved (registered) by your agency, and expressed those concerns in this EPA memorandum:
It should be apparent that the above mentioned Sergeants brand products do not contain adequate information on their packaging label to be used safely, and no "educational campaign" from Sergeants will change that fact. These Sergeants brand products put the health of pets and people (especially young children) at an unnecessary risk. I urge the EPA to withdraw these Sergeants brand products from the market, effective immediately.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request.
Sincerely,
James TerBush
Website Administrator for:
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I am so glad I found your site! Thank you for sharing and allowing others to share. I used Advantix on my two dogs last month and didn¹t feel it worked very well (We started seeing fleas within 2 weeks). So I was willing to try a ³new and recently approved product that also helps repel fleas, ticks and mosquitoes². I have a malti-poo and a malti-poo-havanese mix. I used Triforce on them last night. Within an hour and a half, the maltipoo started whining, scratching, rubbing his face. I got out of bed to check on him. His back was wet and red, his mouth
was wet, he had dropped a HUGE stool on the bathroom floor, and was spitting out thick frothy white stuff. I immediately put him in the shower and washed him. After his bath, he was very hyper, running around, rubbing his face, salivating, and did not want to be held or consoled. After an hour, he started to settle down, so we went back to bed. He continued to scratch and whine off an on, but within about 2 hours, the other dog started digging in her bed, scratching and whining. She put her feet up on my bed and her face was dripping wet. So I got up again and gave her a bath and we went through it all over again. It took her about 3 hours to stop salivating. I did a google search to see if I needed to go to the vet or call poison control, and that¹s when I found your web site. Both dogs seem fine now, but I do not plan on using this product again and will be doing some lengthy research before I use another one.
Angela 8/26/08
Jupiter, Florida
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"I'm a journalist working on a story about pet exposures to insecticides. If anyone would like to discuss the experience you've had with these chemicals, I would really appreciate the opportunity to talk with you. I have a dog myself and I'm very sorry to hear about these incidents. I can be reached at mbp.cpi@gmail.com."
Jillian 8/27/08
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I had bought Bio-Spot for my Jack Russell and Papillion and they received their 2nd monthly dose about 2 weeks ago. When I give any flea and tick medicine to my Papillion, he cries for days and tries to rub it off, when I asked my vet he just said some dogs are more sensitive than others. He never told me of any problems with the medicines, I just found out from reading your site.
My question is..my Jack Russell had numbness and drooping on the left side of her face. She has probably had this for about a week now, have you heard of this in any other dogs? Could this be from the Bio-Spot? Could she have had a seizure when I wasn't around and the numbness is a result of a seizure? She is 10 years old and both of my dogs are my life, I would hate to think that I have put them in danger by not doing my homework. I just figured that the products that I purchase from Foster & Smith are safe considering all they sell is pet products.
Also, have you heard of any adults getting seizures if they got the product on them? I don't want to put my pets in danger, but I live in the south where fleas and ticks are a huge problem, what advice do you give to people as far as what to use on their pets?
Thank you for your website, I learned alot from it. I also believe that something needs to be done about these products, they need to be taken off the market. How many more pets will suffer before someone does something? I will be throwing out the rest of my Bio-Spot as soon as I get home.
Lori 8/28/08
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Our 11 year old lab mix, Willie, always used the old "pick the tick off" method until last year. I decided to try Frontline Plus. I don't remember at this time if he even had any minor reactions, but certainly no major reactions. This year we were spending the summer in Montana and decided to try something we thought would be better. K9Advantix 100. His first application was May 25th. This was within 2 weeks of being out in Montana. He began having incredible thirst, much more than usual. He was itching and shedding like he was going crazy. He developed fears that he did not have and his normal fears such as fireworks were much more traumatic for him. We ignorantly attributed this to being homesick and afraid of new surroundings (i.e. grizzlies, moose, sheep etc.) He had his second dose on June 22nd and his 3rd dose about a week after we returned home on July 23rd. We both thought surely his scratching would get better, but it actually got much, much worse. Willie could not even walk a few steps without scratching. He scratched all day and all night. We tried a bath with soap and a rubdown with Baby Powder. This helped for one night. We were really confused because Willie was so happy to be home, so all that suffering in Montana could not have been stress, or at least not stress alone. Out of the blue, Sid says maybe it is his tick medicine. Lights went off and I did some online research and am convinced that is what it was. His last application was July 23rd and is now not itching AT ALL and is back to normal. I see we are luckier than most. I would like to send a letter to Bayer along with the 4th vial which is unused and ask for my money back. I have so much anger towards them that I feel this is the least they can do. But there are shipping issues, aren't there?
Sid and Karen 8/29/08
Butternut, Wisconsin
What comes around, goes around.
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DISCLAIMER: Below are messages that I have received from others whose dogs and cats experienced adverse reactions after using flea control products. I have no way of knowing if the information in these messages is factual, or if the products they used were the actual cause of the adverse reactions.
