The FDA recently issued a dire warning for owners of both dogs and cats. They warned that the current chewable products on the market, geared towards protecting dogs and cats against fleas can, in fact, cause neurological damage.
The FDA is warning both pet owners as well as veterinarians of the reported problems the products are causing in pets. The neurological symptoms present as stumbling or seizures, or in some cases both.
Image: Washington Examiner
The FDA stated that pet owners needed to be made aware of the possible conditions that the products could cause, and is requiring clearer labels and information be added to the product’s packaging.
The products include Bravecto, Nexgard, and Simparica. The flea pills, as well as the chewable version, contain a pesticide called isoxazoline.
The FDA said in a statement:
“Another product in this class, Credelio, recently received FDA approval. These products are approved for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, and the treatment and control of tick infestations.”
The FDA added:
“Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia and seizures in some dogs and cats.”
Ataxia presents with the pet having a lack of muscle control, which in turn can cause pets to stumble and twitch.
Image: Dogs Naturally Magazine
Although the labels on the aforementioned products, mostly sold in the flavored chewable variety, do make some mention of the possibility of neurological side effects, the FDA feels it is important to take it one step further and make sure that both vets and pet owners get more information.
“The agency is asking the manufacturers to make the changes to the product labeling in order to provide veterinarians and pet owners with the information they need to make treatment decisions for each pet on an individual basis.”
Both fleas and tick carry a wide range of diseases, most notably Lyme disease. They can also make your pet even more susceptible to worms and other parasites if they happen to suffer an allergy to flea bites.