Allergic Reaction to Sergeants Gold Flea Protection

Adverse reactions to Sergeant's Gold include itching and soreness.

Flea control is a serious concern for many dog owners, since fleas can cause not just itching and scratching, but anemia and other health conditions. Sergeant's Gold Flea Protection is a popular and inexpensive flea control product available at many stores, but many consumers report adverse reactions to the product. Consumers taking the time to learn about pest control products before purchasing can help them save money and keep their pets healthier.

Effects

According to Sergeant's, the manufacturer of Sergeant's Gold Flea Protection, reactions to the product can include foaming or drooling, skin irritation, agitated behavior, a rash or redness on the skin and hair loss. Pets suffering from the effects of a reaction may also develop less interest in food. According to Consumer Affairs, pet owners have also reported neurological reactions to this product, including shaking and spasms.

Ingredients

Sergeant's Gold for dogs uses a chemical called Gokilaht, or cyphenothrin, a pyrethroid compound also used to kill cockroaches in homes and exterminate flies. According to the Pesticide Action Network, this chemical can cause skin and eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and tingling sensations on the skin. Serious reactions may include seizures, muscle twitching and fluid in the lungs. This kind of toxic reaction may be mistaken for an allergic reaction. Sergeant's Gold also contains pyriproxyfen, a low toxicity broad-spectrum insect growth regulator.

Considerations

Over-the-counter flea-protection products are often less expensive and easier to obtain than prescription products, but they are less well regulated. ConsumerAffairs.com reports that the majority of complaints about flea and tick products relate to products made by Sergeant's. The EPA has confirmed receiving over 40,000 reports of adverse reactions associated with over-the-counter products, but states that an outbreak of fleas and ticks caused by discontinuing use could pose a worse health risk.

Misconceptions

Allergic reactions to Sergeant's Gold Flea Protection are not the same as toxic reactions to its active ingredient, though the symptoms are easy to mistake. Allergic reactions are usually less serious in dogs, and washing the animal may alleviate the reaction. Washing the animal will not reduce toxic reactions, and these require immediate veterinary treatment.

Warning

All anti-parasitic treatments are toxic if used improperly, including natural treatments, prescription medications and over the counter treatments. Many anti-flea treatments contain strong pesticides that can cause long-term damage and even death. Misuse of products in a way not indicated by the label increases the chance of an allergic or toxic reaction.

References

• ConsumerAffairs.com: Flea & Tick Products Often Backfire
• Pesticide Action Network: Cyphenothrin
• Sergeant's: Recognizing and Responding to Reactions
• ConsumerAffairs.com: EPA Orders Clearer Labels, Instructions on Pet Topical Flea, Tick Products