Food and Drug Administration officials are warning pet owners to check their animal’s flea and tick medication. Some common medications have recently been linked to seizures and neurological damage. Here’s what you need to know about the latest FDA warning.
Check Your Flea and Tick Medication
If you administer your fur baby’s flea and tick medication at home, as many pet owners do, the ingredient you should be looking for is Pyrethrin. FDA officials are saying many products used to treat and prevent flea and tick might also increase your pet’s risk for a seizure or neurological event.
Pyrethrin is commonly found in over-the-counter flea and tick medication you may purchase at the store versus from your vet directly. Specific product lines included in the FDA warning are Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard, and Simparica.
What to Do If Your Animal’s Meds Contain This Ingredient
FDA officials pointed out that even if your flea and tick medication contain this ingredient, your pet may not be in danger. Animals who have a history of neurological seizures or disorders are at the highest risk. If the warning includes meds you are giving your pet, consider consulting your veterinarian to see if a change in treatment is in order.
You can reach out directly to the manufacturers to report adverse effects. They can also give you a copy of the Safety Data Sheet as well as technical assistance. The numbers for each manufacturer are below.
- Merck Animal Health (Bravecto): 800-224-5318
- Elanco Animal Health (Credelio): 888-545-5973
- Merial (Nexgard): 888-637-4251
- Zoetis (Simparica): 888-963-8471
Signs your pet is having a neurological reaction to its medication include muscle tremors, clumsiness, or seizures. If your fur baby is experiencing any adverse effects to their flea and tick medication, the FDA suggests contacting your vet right away.
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