Biospot Cat Flea Collar Side Effects

We all want to keep our pets and homes free of fleas and ticks. To this end, many people use flea collars such as BioSpot, which contains chemicals to repel and kill fleas and their eggs. These products can be obtained either over-the-counter or from a veterinarian. But are they really safe for our pets?

The Facts

BioSpot and other flea control products contain one or more pesticides. Examples include permethrin, d-Phenothrin, cyphenothrin, and propoxur (the active ingredient in BioSpot flea collars for cats).

Significance

These pesticides can be harmful or deadly to pets when used incorrectly or if the animal has or develops an allergy to them. Some products contain more of the active ingredient than others, posing a greater risk for adverse reactions. For instance, the collar BioSpot uses for dogs can be deadly to cats, particularly if the cat engages in grooming behavior with the dog.

Effects

Symptoms of pesticide poisoning in cats include skin irritation, hair discoloration or hair loss, chemical burns, drowsiness, refusal of food and water, drooling, excitability, fluctuations in body temperature, loss of coordination, labored breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures and possibly death. These reactions generally occur within a few hours of exposure, but in some cases may take days to appear. Cats that engage in grooming with each other should not wear flea collars as the risk of ingestion and poisoning will be greater.

The risk of adverse effects is greatly increased if BioSpot or other flea collars are used in conjunction with other flea control products such as "spot-on" drops or shampoos.

Prevention/Solution

To reduce the risk of reactions, always read the label carefully before using a BioSpot flea collar or any other product on your cat. Do not use flea collars formulated for dogs on your cat, as the dose of active ingredients may be much higher and can prove fatal.

If you have both a cat and a dog in the house, you may want to consider non-pesticide methods of flea treatment such as flea combs or flea traps. Always wash pet bedding regularly.

Considerations

Before using any pesticide on your pet, be sure to read the label and check the active ingredients. If you notice any signs of adverse reactions, bathe your cat with mild soap and contact a veterinarian immediately.

And remember---these products can be harmful to humans, as well. A study by the National Resources Defense Council found that toxic levels of pesticide residues remained on pets up to a few weeks after flea collars were removed. Supervise your children when playing with pets wearing flea collars, and always wash your hands thoroughly after applying BioSpot flea collars or any other pesticide to your pet.

Resources

• GreenPaws Poisons on Pets Product Guide