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(NBC News) – Pills or chews that protect dogs and cats from fleas can cause neurological problems such as stumbling or convulsions, and pet owners need more warnings, said Thursday. Food and Drug Administration.
The FDA has issued an alert to owners and veterinarians and has said it requires clearer labels on products.
The flea and chewing pills all contain a pesticide called isoxazoline, the FDA said. They include products sold under the brands Bravecto, Nexgard and Simparica.
"Another product of this class, Credelio, has recently been approved by the FDA. These products are approved for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, as well as for the treatment and control of tick infestations, "said the FDA in a statement.
"The isoxazoline-based products have been associated with undesirable neurological reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs and cats," the FDA adds. Ataxia is a lack of muscle control and can cause animals to stumble.
"Although most dogs and cats have not had neurological side effects, seizures can occur in animals with no history," the FDA adds.
The product labels, sold primarily as flavored chews, already mention the risk of neurological side effects and the risks have been reported by consumer groups. It is important that veterinarians and owners get more information, the FDA said.
"The FDA has carefully reviewed studies and other data on Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard and Simparica prior to their approval, and these products continue to be safe and effective for the majority of animals," the agency said.
"The agency is asking manufacturers to make product labeling changes in order to provide veterinarians and pet owners with the information they need to make marketing decisions. treatment for each animal on an individual basis. "
There are good reasons to use flea products.
Fleas and ticks present a range of diseases, including plague and Lyme disease, that can affect animals and their owners. Pets can develop allergies or bite sensitivities and lose large amounts of fur. They can also become susceptible to worms and other parasites if they suffer from allergic reactions to flea bites.
The FDA has stated that hundreds of pesticides are on the market to protect themselves from fleas and ticks. They include spot-on products applied to the skin of an animal, sprays against fleas, powders and collars. Many can cause nausea, vomiting and neurological side effects.
It's important to make sure the right product is used, the FDA said.
"Flea treatments for dogs can be fatal if they are administered to cats. It is important to use only flea and tick products specifically designed for cats and to administer the correct dosage, "warns the FDA.
Products containing permethrin are safe for dogs but can be toxic to cats.
"If you have both dogs and cats in your household, you should know that using permethrin permethrin on a dog can cause disease in a domestic cat," the FDA noted. .
The FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency have warned of the potential dangers of spot flea products and demanded that manufacturers include clearer labels.
"If your pet experiences a bad reaction as a result of a punctual product, rinse it off immediately with mild soap, rinse it with large amounts of water and call your vet," advises the FDA.
Isoxazoline-based products are designed to interfere with the nervous system of insects. They did not think to interfere so much with the nervous systems of mammals. Earlier this year, a group of researchers proposed testing them in people to protect them from insect bites and other mosquitoes.
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