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Fleas and ticks can be bothersome pests for cats and dogs. To control
these pests, many people use monthly "spot-on" pesticide treatments on the
backs of their pets. But these treatments may also have their own
problems. Spot-on pesticides may make some animals, especially small dogs
and cats, sick.
Some spot-on pesticides contain a chemical called permethrin. Permethrin acts on the nervous system by slowing the closure of sodium channels on neurons. This interferes with the way electrical signals are sent through neurons and can cause paralysis and death.
The US Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) received a sharp increase in the number of problems reported by
people who used various pesticides on their pets. Therefore, the
EPA is issuing some new rules:
Let's hope these new rules protect little Fido and Tiger!
References and more information:
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