Hartz Kills... *Again*

Cat Dies After Getting Over-The-Counter Flea Treatment Vets Warn Some Animals Can Have Adverse Reactions

WELLSVILLE, Kan.

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I don't understand how these OTC flea treatments can still be out there when *one* vet practice is seeing adverse reactions one or two times a month. If most vet practices see reactions at the same rate, that's cause to pull the stuff off the market in my book. I'm sure the family is comforted to know they'll be getting $300 from Hartz. <sarcasam> It's really sad, well-meaning pet owners think they are doing the right thing by treating their cat, and it can kill them. Are dogs having the same bad reactions, just curious.

And just *how* do they reimburse pet owners for the devastating emotional loss of their beloved pets??? <...she says, reeking sarcasm> Unfortunately, most courts still look at our pets only as 'property.' It seems that the only way to get this junk off the market would be for courts to award amounts large enough to make the manufacturing of Hartz products unprofitable. Since that is unlikely, it is important for us to *stop buying* ANY Hartz products.

MaryL

Unfortunately, most people just don't know about the danger. I think every veterinarian, shelter, groomer, breeder and pet store should display warnings about Hartz, personally. If the woman in the story had been told about the dangers when she bought the product, I highly doubt she would have put it on her cat. If the law isn't going to require that these products be adequately labeled (or better still, pulled off the market), then I think pet stores, etc., should take it upon themselves to warn people of the dangers. And it would be a heckuva lot more effective than the occasional news story about a cat that was killed by these products.

Are dogs having the same bad reactions,

No. they aren't. Not to say they couldn't, but on the whole, the cat one is much more toxic than the dog one.

Actually, most places around here for a long time had a very small hand out near the hartz that warned that cats can have reactions. Although honestly, I haven't see it in a while.

I am appalled that not only does hartz continue to sell it, but no one has required they stop! I mean come on.. where's PETA (said with only a smidge of sarcasm)

What happened to the class action lawsuit against Hartz? Or perhaps that was just wishful thinking on my part.

Sharon Talbert Friends of Campus Cats

I mean come on.. where's PETA (said with only a smidge *snip*

PETA is too busy doing important things such as asking Pam Anderson to talk to KFC about their chickens being too top heavy (I guess Pam would know about being top heavy). Or promoting college kids to drink beer instead of milk. I think they had an important campaign underway here in PA - some city had the name of a meat - like hamburg or something - they petitioned the mayor to change the name. I've got to wonder if Hartz support PETA, which is why they've never been subject to PETA's scrutiny.

A couple of years ago, I used over the counter flea control on my cat. She had such a horrible reaction, she was rushed to the vet had to be put on intravenous and sedatives. The vet had said no wonder she's here, you poisoned her. I felt awful of course. She was running from room to room, twitching , and just miserable. I looked on the packaging later and realized that it was for dogs only.!!! (I bought it for my dog) My stupid, stupid mistake. I'm fortunate to have my cat with me today, but it could have been fatal. I now buy her ADVANTAGE (for cats) from the vet. No worries and no bad reactions. After this happened I did some research on these products, I heard stories of animals dying, being ill. I tell anyone who will listen to me to be sure to buy any flea control from a vet. My animals are worth it, and I will not cut corners ever again. Thankful to have my beloved pet with me today.

You can use Advantage for dogs on cats as well - same formulation, just different dosages. Advantage is GREAT. And if you are only treating one or two cats, no need for you to buy the ones for dogs (I've read you can buy large tube for dogs and will treat multiple cats).

I would NEVER suggest using Hartz or Sargents on pets, awful stuff! You were lucky!