NEW YORK--Because pet owners may be even more confused this spring about
how to safely use topical flea-and-tick control treatments, Pfizer
Animal Health is encouraging pet owners to consult with their
veterinarian, instead of attempting to manage flea-and-tick control on
their own.
This month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new
actions to increase the safety of dozens of spot-on pesticide products
that the EPA regulates for pet flea-and-tick control. Pfizer Animal
Health strongly supports the EPA recommendations. But not all topical
flea-and-tick control products for pets are pesticides. The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) also regulates and advocates safe use of
topical medicines for pet flea-and-tick control.
“It can be confusing, which is why consulting a veterinarian is so
important,” said George Fennell, Vice President, Companion Animal
Division, Pfizer Animal Health. “Cats are especially at risk from any
owner confusion this spring about flea-and-tick control product choice
or safety. Veterinary visits are down as cat owners manage their
spending. And yet the cat population is on the rise.”
“There’s a risk of increasing parasite burdens and other serious
problems in cats including heartworm disease,” said Michael D. Wallace,
DVM, Group Director of Veterinary Operations, Pfizer Animal Health.
“Additionally, it is vital that products developed for cats are utilized
and dosed according to the product’s label to minimize risks of adverse
responses.”
“Veterinarians should fundamentally be at the center of all healthcare
decisions for pets,” Fennell said. “They’re the experts to effectively
diagnose, recommend appropriate treatments or preventive care
strategies, and give pet owners real peace-of-mind. More than ever
before, our pets need the special advocacy and care that only
veterinarians can provide.”
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, a business of Pfizer Inc., is a world leader in
discovering and developing innovative animal prescription medicines and
vaccines, investing an estimated $300 million annually. For more
information on how Pfizer Animal Health helps dogs and cats live longer,
healthier lives, visit animalhealth.pfizer.com.
