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forwarded via Julia Sharp <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Please forward, there are a lot of people still using these products. The cheap
price is not worth the risk...Julia
http://www.animalhelp.com/hometown/articledetail.cfm?artid=353
Subject: [] Animal Help What You May Not Know About Flea Products
http://www.animalhelp.com/hometown/articledetail.cfm?artid=353
What You May Not Know About Flea Products
As spring returns once again people who have animal companions in their lives
will begin to wage a battle with a tiny terrorist, the flea. Every year
consumers spend hundreds of thousand of dollars to protect their animal
companions and homes against the invasion. There are dozens of products on the
market which promise to rid animal and home of fleas and are supposed to be
safe to use on our companion animals if we follow the directions carefully.
Recommended Actions For Owners Who Use any Flea Product-
Always monitor your pets when you have applied any flea product.
If you notice your pet starting to act differently anywhere from minutes to a
few hours up to a day later: Immediately give your pet a through bath. Avoid
extremes in temperature of water. Hot increases absorption and cold increases
toxicity.
Try to get as much of the product off as possible. Have someone call your Vet
while you are doing this. Get your pet to a Vet for medical attention. Take the
packaging from the product with you.
If you do not have a Vet or can not get in contact with a Vet you can for a$
50.00 fee call the ASPCA's National Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435.
Do not use flea products on very young, nursing, senior or animals with medical
conditions without discussing it first with a Vet.
Read the label and directions. ***************************************
Part 1 of this article discusses the known dangers of one particular flea
product brand widely available at grocery stores, discount stores (such as
Wal-Mart, Kmart) and pet stores. Part 2 of this article (on page 2) discusses
other "natural" flea products and the dangers they may pose and offers some
safe suggestions for naturally fighting fleas on your pet and around your home.
This information was put together for AnimalHelp.Com by our friends at Against
Hartz . This information is based on facts and research. It is not the
intention of AnimalHelp.Com to "bash" a pet product company, but our only
concern is to see that your pet does not become ill or die from the use of a
product known to be dangerous. The AnimalHelp.Com Consumer Reports section
promises unbiased information on products, whether good or bad.
***************************************
PART 1 - HARTZ FLEA PRODUCTS
Since 2000, Hartz Mountain has been under fire from consumers, the EPA and
the FDA over their flea products and manufacturing process. This is not the
first time. Blockade, a product manufactured by Hartz was pulled off store
shelves in 1987, after the company admitted that it had caused 366 animal
deaths and 2,700 injuries, as well as 56 human injuries
About Hartz
Hartz has been around for 78 years. In December 2000, Hartz Mountain
Corporation was sold to a fund managed by J.W. Childs Associates, LP, and a
leading private equity investment firm based in Boston, Massachusetts. J.W.
Childs Associates specializes in leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations of
middle-market growth companies in partnership with company management.
For the 75 years prior to the buyout, Hartz was owned and operated by the
Stern family. No doubt the Stern family is responsible for the long term 'good
name' and reputation the Hartz label implies.
In June of 2004 The Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo purchased pet product
producer Hartz Mountain Corp. for $365 million.
Hartz makes over 1500 different products under the brands of HARTZ PET
SHOPPET, NATURE'S GOLD, L/M ANIMAL, FARMST WARDLEY, Hartz ADVANCED CARE, Hartz
AT PLAY, Hartz DENTAL, Hartz LIVING, Hartz NUTRITION.
Hartz is well known for their charitable funding to such noted institutions
as University of Idaho, Ohio State University, Ruskin Laboratories, Shedd
Aquarium, Kansas State University, University of Florida, Tufts University
School of Veterinary Medicine, Young Veterinary Research Biological
Laboratories in Ireland.
Hartz sponsors CFA's, (Cat Fancier's Association), mentoring program and one
of the AKC's, (American Kennel Club), programs as well.
Although as of this report and contacting over one hundred members of CFA
and
the AKC, not one said they used Hartz flea products.
The ASPCA's Poison Control Center reported to be the finest in the nation
has
a contract with Hartz to deal with the ever increasing calls from consumers
who's animals have been effect by Hartz flea products. If the consumers call is
about a Hartz flea product the normally applied $50.00 fee for the call is
dropped.
Hartz has an equally impressive list of affiliates. Animal Health Institute,
APPMA (American Pet Products Manufacturer Association), Pet Industry Joint
Advisory Council (PIJAC). A pretty impressive resume by anyone's standards, at
least on paper it looks that way.
What Hartz Won't Tell You
Since 2000 there have been over 33,000 complaints made by consumers across
the nation about Hartz flea products. Twenty-four different TV news stations
have done reports about the effects of Hartz flea products. There has been one
class action filed against Hartz, which was settled out of court.
The EPA regulates Hartz flea products rather than the FDA. The reason being
Hartz flea products are classified as pesticides rather than drugs.
The FDA regulates such products as Advantage and Frontline they are
classified as drugs. They are listed in the FDA's 'Green Book.'
In October of 2003, the FDA sent a warning letter to Dr. Albert H. Ahn
Corporate Vice President & Chief Scientific Officer of Hartz Mountain
Corporation. The letter lists eight documented significant deviations from
Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP?s) for Finished Pharmaceuticals
(Code of Federal Regulations), Title 21, Parts 210 and 211. regarding their
manufacturing process of products containing the drug Hydrocortisone, which
happen to be in many of Hartz flea shampoos and sprays.
By reading various EPA documents that are available online, you will see
that
Hartz told the EPA that the reasons for the over 33,000 complaints made by
consumers were not due to using the product but the inability of American
consumers to:
1. Choose the cat version of the product rather than the dog version
2. The inability of the American consumer to read and correctly follow label
directions for use
3. A possible mix-up of the two versions in a certain batch
The EPA responded to that information in 2001 by having Hartz recall the
Flea
and Tick Drops product to "re-label" it with a stronger warning. The EPA also
stated, "There is significant evidence from the incident data that some cats
develop neurological signs of toxicity after exposure. A margin of safety was
not been established in the companion animal safety studies. Therefore, studies
should be repeated."
Despite being forced to re-label the product, a legal action, twenty-four
news stories and over 33,000 complaints made by consumers across the nation,
Hartz still sells these preparations to unsuspecting, pet-owning American
consumers and denies any of their products has ever hurt an animal.
If you do an Internet search on Google for, ' Problems with Hartz Flea &
Tick
Products', you'll get about 800 results back. The first one on the list is '
Hartz Flea & Tick Products - Dangerous for Pets Petition'
www.petitiononline.com/hartz/petition.html If you read all the comments made by
approximately one quarter of the 6370 people who have signed the petition, a
disturbing set of figures emerge.
944 Cats required emergency vet treatment to safe their lives, after Hartz flea
& tick products were applied to them.
211 Cats died, after Hartz flea & tick products were applied to them.
81 Dogs required emergency vet treatment to safe their lives, after Hartz flea
& tick products were applied to them.
47 Dogs died, after Hartz flea & tick products were applied to them.
From only 53 of the 6370 people who signed the petition, their combined cost
for vet care after using Hartz flea and tick products adds up to $26,755.50
dollars. The individual costs ranged from $100.00 to $2,600.00. Both the owners
and Vets agree it was the product that caused the problem.
If you take a short online tour you will find Hartz related web sites, such
as www.HartzVictims.org , Against Hartz,
(http://www.geocities.com/againsthartz/) and Hartz Victims Cyber
Quilt.(http://www.geocities.com/HartzQuilt) You will also find groups such as
FOAH, (Feline Owners Against Hartz).
Known Adverse Reactions -
Excessive drooling
Depression
Vomiting
Dizziness or symptoms related to balance
Convulsions or seizures
Tremors of the extremities, twitching
Hypo- or Hyperthermia
Disorientation.
Difficulties breathing
Paralysis
In extreme cases, death may result from prolonged seizure activity or
respiratory failure Visit HartzVictims.Org and
http://www.geocities.com/againsthartz/ for more information and to read
hundreds of real stories written and submitted by pet owners about the problems
their pets endured after using the Hartz Flea products. Many of these animals
died as a result of the product. These stories are heartbreaking, but will
really open your eyes to the dangers these products present.
PART 2 - NATURAL FLEA REPELLENTS
Beware of so called 'Natural ingredients', in flea repellent products.
Consumers need to read product labels carefully.
d'Limonene, which is derived from citrus peels and found in many natural
anti-fleaproducts, it is highly toxic to cats.
Herbal flea collars, come with the same warning: do not let children play
with the collar. "All natural synthetic Pyrethrin." Pyrethrins are insecticides
derived from the African chrysanthemum. Pyrethroids are synthetic derivatives
of pyrethrins. Both are commonly used in flea products. Pyrethrins alone can be
toxic to the animals.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil and Pennyroyal oil are known to cause
allergic reactions. Cat owners take special note: Cats should not be given any
essential oils. Cats do not efficiently metabolize essential oils and their use
can lead to symptoms of toxicity. Cats have very thin, delicate skin. Essential
oils are absorbed rapidly.
Safe ways to fight fleas
A strong immune system and high nutrient levels help to repel insects. B
complex, zinc, selenium and antioxidants play a vital part in strong immune
systems. It has to do with the strength of each person's immune system and the
levels of in the body and bloodstream. A strong immune system and high nutrient
levels help repel insects.
A healthy animal does not taste or smell as good to fleas.
Garlic and yeast Fleas particularly dislike the flavor of garlic and yeast
(nutritional or brewer's yeast). Mixing garlic and yeast with your pet's food
can render their blood unpalatable to fleas. Cat owners: Please be aware that
raw garlic is known to be toxic to cats.
Other natural repellents include vitamin B1 (thiamine) and apple cider
vinegar.(See your vet for the correct amount of a vitamin B1 supplement for
your pet.) The dosage of apple cider vinegar is about one teaspoon daily in the
pet's drinking water. Apple cider vinegar helps strengthen the immune system.
The safest way to deal with flea is by using a flea comb on a regular basis.
Bathing animals regularly is also advised.
Fleas lay their eggs everywhere - in carpets, curtains, upholstery, animal
bedding, cracks and crevices. Destroying the fleas' eggs by thorough weekly
vacuuming and frequent washing of animal bedding. Essential oils as flea
repellent Essential botanical oils such as eucalyptus, cedar, peppermint,
citrus (dogs only), lemongrass, etc. are one way of combating fleas. These
blended oils repel fleas with their smell. Mix a few drops with distilled water
in a spray bottle and spritz infested areas.
Diatomaceous earth - Food grade Diatomaceous earth sprinkled under furniture
and into other nooks and crannies around your house will kill fleas and flea
eggs by cutting into their waxy skin and dehydrating them.
Nematodes Outside - You can keep the flea population down in the area around
your house by using nematodes. These microscopic worms eat flea larvae (and
reputedly ignore the "good" bugs) and are therefore a natural way to control
the flea population. You can purchase nematodes at pet and garden stores.
Due to AOL bouncing messages with links, remove spaces to visit the link below
Have a SAFE, fun and HARTZ-FREE Summer! Hartz KILLS Pets! http: // www.
geocities. com/ againsthartz/ index1. html www. hartzvictims. org
"i've seen enough to know that i've seen too much" ~ Ben Harper, Excuse Me
Mister
Have you seen Earthlings? It can change lives www. isawearthlings. com
Nothing could be finer than to HUG a Carolina in the morning! www.
carolinadogs. org
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