In the end, a jury of three men and three women heard the case. The safety of topical or spot-on flea and tick products has come under intensified scrutiny by the EPA for the past 11 months. There are safer, non-chemical alternatives to chemical safeguards that can irritate, harm, or do worse dangers to your dog. Companies pay us to be accredited or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. “It can last four months in some places, but in other places, like Florida, fleas can live all year long,” says Stohlman. I picked Diesel up around 7am and took him out in the country and buried him on my daughters 10 acres. I wasnt able to tell the jury everything I wanted to. Call your veterinarian if your pet shows symptoms of illness after using a product. He suspects his case may serve as a rallying call for other pet owners whove seen their dogs or cats suffer burns, blisters, seizures, neurological problems, or even die after using topical flea and tick products. A 72-year-old dog owner has won what may be a landmark decision against the countrys leading maker of pet care products and fueled the ongoing debate over the safety of topical flea and tick treatments. He then said this is what to do. Hes going to have kidney failure. Bowers filed his case again on July 28, 2009. I asked the judge why I could ask any questions and she said thats procedure. He called Hartz. At that point, I said my dog is dead and I need you pay. Recall On Flea And Tick Products 2019 And Do Fleas Hop Reviews : You want to buy Recall On Flea And Tick Products 2019 And Do Fleas Hop. In the first three years after approval, the FDA pays particularly close attention to adverse event reports, looking for any safety information that may emerge. Unsubscribe easily. ConsumerAffairs.com has heard scores of similar stories from pet owners across the country who say their dogs and cats started to shake and tremble uncontrollably, drool excessively, vomit, have seizures, suffer burns and welts on their skin, whimper in agony, lose control of their legs and experience other neurological problems after using those products. At that point, I looked at the judge and said Im sorry. ConsumerAffairs.com also heard from a Florida pet owner, who said her 14-year-old dog suffered serious neurological problems from Sergeants Gold Flea & Tick treatment. Copyright © 2020 Consumers Unified LLC. To report problems with FDA approved flea or tick drug products, contact the drug manufacturer directly (see contact information on product labeling) or report to FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine on a Form FDA 1932a. I think this case will make pet owners wonder why they have not gone forward with their cases in small claims court, Bowers said. She looked at the ingredients on the box and said it was pure poison and its a wonder it didnt kill them. Asked when pet owners will see new labels on these products, Owens said, "by the end of the years.". This painful chapter in Bowers' life happened in less than 35 hours from the night he applied the flea and tick drops to the morning of Diesels death. I precisely used it as directed nothing more, nothing less than directed. She wanted to settle this between her and I. Thats good, but Im still dealing with the stress caused by seeing my pets in so much pain and the guilt of knowing that I did that to them. I wasnt asked to, he said. They said we wont pay that, sir. And they understand we are serious about this. And my pets are very important to me and I wasnt going to let them suffer. The vet wanted permission to euthanize him. 10/21/2019 Fleas and ticks are probably the most common issues in a pet’s life. And I said Hartz has killed many other animals. Fact Sheet for Pet Owners and Veterinarians about Potential Adverse Events Associated with Isoxazoline Flea and Tick Products. The nightmare started with a product a North Carolina pet owner thought would protect her beloved dogs from fleas and ticks. Weve conducted extensive analysis of the adverse event reporting on our products as well as all topic treatments in the market, she said. We found a number of current labels have insufficient warning labels on themthe warnings were buried in the text of the label and not noticeable. I caught up with three jurors in the hallway after the hearing. Merial has since transferred ownership of Nexgard’s approval to Boehringer Ingelheim. Texas also allows jury trials in small claims court actions. The EPA emphasized these are only the first steps the agency is taking to address growing concerns about topical flea and tick products. Flea and tick products range from pills given by mouth to collars, sprays, dips, shampoos, powders and “spot-ons” -- liquid products squeezed onto the dog’s or cat’s skin usually between the shoulder blades or down the back. (WPRI) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week sent out an alert about some forms of flea and tick treatment. But I still wanted a trial by jury. And this time, Hartz did respond to the court, he said. The agency also announced it will: • Only grant conditional, time-limited registrations when new products are registered with the EPA. But Hartz attorney kicked a few potential jurors off because they had pets. This posting was updated on August 8, 2019, to reflect a change in sponsor of Nexgard from Merial to Boehringer Ingelheim. The agency, however, pointed out that most of the reports it received about adverse reactions were minor and included skin issues and gastrointestinal problems. Monitor your pet for side effects after applying the product, particularly when using the product on your pet for the first time. Its a risk you take when you use our products. More than an itchy annoyance to some dogs and cats, flea bites can cause flea allergy dermatitis -- an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. Wash your hands immediately with soap and water after applying a product, or use protective gloves while applying. If the product is for the house or yard, don't put it directly on your pet. Then it started to blister. I think in most cases, yes, Owens said. Hartz had all kinds of statements about flea and tick products and they had everything notarized so it could be entered into evidence, Bowers said. Dryden added that despite the problems identified by the EPA, modern topical flea and tick products are far and away more effective and safer than parasite control products of 20 years ago. by Michelle Spies. Im a single mom with no other support. And that can lead to confrontations with fleas and ticks. Were going to continue to monitor this situation closely, Owens said. The FDA continues to monitor adverse drug event reports for these products and encourages pet owners and veterinarians to report adverse drug events. Bowers contacted a few attorneys to see if theyd take his case. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in most parts of the U.S., the greatest chance of infection by a tick bite is spring and summer. Its not an exclusive thing; we are seeing larger dogs affected, too. We urge pet owners and other to exercise caution and be careful when using them. Companies that make topical flea and tick products must immediately improve the labeling on their packages to ensure pet safety and prevent misuse of the treatments, according to changes announced Wednesday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She said no. Anemia and -- in rare cases – death can be a result of fleas feasting on a pet's blood. Many flea treatment products are effective at preventing fleas and are safe for your dog. He took matters into his own hands and represented himself in court, specifically Small Claims Court, Precinct 3, in Travis County, Texas. The length of flea season, which peaks during warm weather months, varies depending on where you live. We didnt foam, but we jerked and whined all night. Another pet owner in Texas told us his dog experienced a horrible reaction to Sergeants Gold Flea and Tick Squeeze On treatment. We want to help consumers not make error in cases in which the labels are unclear or hard to read, Owens said. And he was up against Hartz savvy attorney, who he learned had taken a special course on flea and tick products to prepare her for the case. All Rights Reserved. The skin where Diane applied the flea and tick product turned scarlet. The vet asked me if Id put any flea treatment on him, Bowers said. These nasty creatures can make your pet itch and scratch but sometimes, they can cause menacing diseases in the pets. Dianes landlord has since agreed to work with her on the late payment. Revolution Plus, which was approved most recently, includes the new labeling information to highlight the potential for neurologic events in the isoxazoline class, and Merial has made the requested changes to Nexgard's labeling including adding the new class statement. And a pet’s constant scratching can cause permanent hair loss or other skin problems. A copy of the EPAs findings on topical flea and ticks products is now available on the agencys Web site. So why hasnt The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -- which regulates flea and tick products -- pulled these potentially dangerous pesticide-based treatments off store shelves? The Global Flea & Tick Products market is estimated to be US$ XX.X Mn in 2019 and is projected to increase significantly at a CAGR of x.x% from 2020 to 2028. And fleas can live inside a warm house year-round no matter where you live. People have applied the wrong spot on products to the wrong animal. But that process wasnt too productive, Bowers said. Frontline Plus, K9 Advantix II, NexGard, Seresto are all commonly available from your vet, online or in the pet stores. During the trial, Hartz also cross-examined Bowers about Diesels death. This stuff is dangerous. To report problems with spot-on flea or tick products, contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378. Boehringer Ingelheim (Nexgard): 888-637-4251 A few spot-on products are available for flea control in ferrets, and fly and tick control in horses. But I told the judge that I wanted a trial by jury. The reforms were announcing today address those problems, Owens added. Another study showed on average, dog owners purchased approximately 5-6 months of flea and tick protection when using up to a 12-week retreatment interval treatment but purchased 1-2 months less when using a flea and tick treatment with a monthly interval [9]. A few weeks ago I had a seizure case referred to me. I had no witnesses, Bowers said. A dogs weight clearly makes a big difference and the doses for small dogs is different than the doses for large dogs, Owens said. We have to make sure the label warnings make it clear that a dog product should not be used on a cat. I use Head and Shoulders shampoo on my dogs now. Flea and Tick Prevention for Cats. But there is a correlation between pets weights and the dose, and all pet owners need to be careful; • Require clearer markings on packages to ensure consumers can tell the difference between products for dogs and cats. The .gov means it’s official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. The attorney was screaming to get me to shut up and I just kept talking, Bowers added. Bravecto is a prescription-only medication that will require approval from your vet. In addition, they must submit any events that are non-serious, plus any laboratory studies, in vitro studies, and clinical trials that have not been previously submitted to the agency, on a bi-annual basis for the first two years following product approval and annually thereafter. The attorney (for Hartz) didnt like it. The amount of money consumers can recover in small claims court varies by state. This product hurts and kills animals. Dublin, Nov. 26, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Flea and Tick Product Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2020 - 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Although FDA scientists carefully evaluate an animal drug prior to approval, there is the potential for new information to emerge after marketing, when the product is used in a much larger population. Its about $4,000. The plain-spoken Texan went straight to the source. I said: yes, last night. Pet owners, they say, may put a flea and tick product intended for a dog on a cat. Ticks are found in some places year-round. Facebook Pin Email Print. She didnt want any pet owners or people who had problems with pet medications on the jury. Bowers is also keenly aware that his legal victory could have ripple effects in courtrooms across the country. Hartz vehemently disputes that contention, saying those are completely different ingredients. I have a high school education. Ticks can also harm your pet, transmitting infections such as Lyme disease. Follow the directions exactly. The EPA launched its probe last April amid reports of a significant increase in adverse reactions linked to the treatments, including burns, neurological problems, and even deaths. The agency said this will allow for post-marketing product surveillance. We want to make it clear that were going to continue to gather data and if the label requirements are not working, we will take more significant action. The horror unfolded within minutes after Diane S. applied Sergeant's Gold Flea and Tick Squeeze-On For Dogs on her Shih Tzu-Maltese named Tipsy and her Shih Poo named Pebbles. Around 4 a.m. on what was now Saturday morning, my dog began seizing. Bowers said he argued that, according to his carnal knowledge, those two are the same chemical compound. It was a natural killer of fleas. Owens did not specify which inert ingredients if any are on the EPAs radar. For questions, Contact CVM. And some states do not allow trials by jury in small claims court. I had to give her three baths with dish soap, pour water down her throat, and also give her vitamin E oil, Debra added. Bowers is convinced the jury sided with him because of one issue that surfaced during the trial: whether the chemical Phenothrin, which is in Hartz Ultra Guard Flea and Tick Drops, is the same or similar to the chemical Permethrin. Hartz balked at his suggestion, Bowers said. I got no response, he said. Consumers in the Lone Star State can seek damages of up to $10,000 in their small claims court proceedings. It is critical for pet owners to keep their cats and dogs apart after these products are used. The EPA, however, has since delayed that release date. Use flea combs to pick up fleas, flea eggs, and ticks on puppies and kittens that are too young for flea and tick products. To help prevent fleas and them from returning, you may need to treat your home and keep doing so (especially if your dog has already had fleas), for some time. Biospot Caused Seizures, Death, Suit Says... By Lisa Wade McCormickConsumerAffairs.com. They screamed that over and over, Bowers said. But they did not care to discuss this with me, Bowers said of the companys customer service representatives. R.A. bathed the dog four times to try and relieve these problems. After deliberating for less than 30 minutes, the jurors ruled in Bowers favor. Flea & Tick Products Market Share by Manufacturer: Here, production, revenue, and price analysis by the manufacturer are included along with other chapters such as expansion plans and merger and acquisition, products offered by key manufacturers, and areas served and headquarters distribution. Their poor backs were red and it seemed to be eating at their hair, she said, adding she carefully followed the directions on the package. You wouldn’t think we’d have to be hyper-vigilant about the dog shampoos we find on the brightly lit shelves of our favorite grocery store. Approximately 74 percent of dog- and cat- owning households in the U.S. buy flea and tick products, such as collars, shampoos, sprays and dips, according to Pet Medications in the U.S., 4th Edition. I was told I had to be out by the end of the month, Diane told us in late July. Diane immediately dialed the number listed on the package and learned some shocking news from the person who answered her call: Im panicking and he told me this has happened before. These are products designed to kill fleas and ticks and they do their job. ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. We dont have very many cases of true neurological issues when these products are properly used. Unfortunately, by the time my mother and brother walked into the vet, my dog went into cardiac arrest and they couldn't revive him. With the arrival of summer, pets are likely to be spending a lot more time out of doors. The determined pet owner, however, didnt give up or back down. Both dogs had severe burns on their skin. The judge asked me if I thought I could get a jury verdict in my favor and I said I wouldn't be here if I didnt. Asked if Bowers case marked the first time a consumer has successfully sued Hartz over one of its topical flea and tick products, Isenhower said: Yes, we believe so. Hartz attorney also suggested that Bowers didnt apply the flea and tick drops as directed. The EPA also confirmed it received some reports of deaths linked to these product, but said they were rare less than 2 percent of the adverse reactions reported during 2007 and 2008. She is still going off her rocker, he said. The vet, he said, took one look at the Hartz Ultra Guard Pro Flea and Tick Drops and shook his head. Twelve hours later she was drooling, shaking, and could hardly walk, Debra O. told us earlier this month. Bowers and Hartz attorney then went back and talked to the judge. ConsumerAffairs.com has a comprehensive small claims court guide. And then I looked at the jury and smiled. He told me to wash the dogs in Dawn dish detergent several times, put ice packs on their backs -- I used frozen bags of peas -- and take them to the vet if they started to foam at the mouths. Different products need using at different intervals so ensure you are treating effectively. We’ll start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. I bathe them every time I see them scratching. Those similar names have led to product misuse, the EPA said; • Require labels to clearly state that pet owners should not permit interaction between dogs and cats after the products are applied. At this time, there is nothing to negotiate. Bowers' day in court finally arrived on January 12, 2010. March 9, 2010
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Hartz products are DANGEROUS. I dont have a law degree. Bowers wanted answers. Hundreds of pesticides, repellents, and growth inhibitors are available to protect your pet from flea and tick bites. The court sent the company a registered and non-registered letter about my case. By early the next morning Diesel had become gravelly ill. Our analysis also uncovered another trend among pet owners: theyre clamoring for the immediate removal of these topical flea and tick products -- regardless of the brand -- saying theyre toxic and poisonous. Two additional products in this class, Credelio (lotilaner) tablets for dogs and Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution) for cats, recently received FDA approval. Debra is outraged that a product linked to so many horrible reactions in pets is still on the market. I was dumbfounded. But none wished to be bothering Hartz as there was not enough money, he said. I even got a little on my finger while putting it on her and I washed my hands, he said. After all, the agency has spent the past few months intensifying its scrutiny of topical flea and tick products because of the increased number of reported adverse reactions. 10 Best Flea and Tick Products In South Africa. An attorney contacted the court and said she represented Hartz. This posting was updated on April 22, 2019 to include another recently approved product in the isoxazoline class, Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution). That study revealed the likelihood of severe adverse reactions was significantly less when dogs and cats were treated according to directions. 10/21/2019 fleas and tick products ripple effects in courtrooms across the country and him! Agency ( EPA ) regulate flea and tick products season, which peaks during warm weather months, depending. 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