Hartz is a pet product manufacturer that makes flea and tick control products like shampoos & conditioners, powders, flea and tick drops, sprays, and collars. These products are intended to keep pets healthy and free from fleas and ticks, but they can be hazardous if not handled correctly. If you had used any of their products on your dog and he had adverse side effects which later resulted in death, you must want to understand what could have gone and probably have a better understanding of this product to prevent future tragedies.
In this article we will discuss more Hartz flea and tick control products, how they work, their side effects, and their alternatives and give you some tips on how you can overcome grief after the death of your cherished dog.
Hartz Flea And Tick Killed My Dog
The following factors can lead to the death of a dog after using Hartz flea and tick control product;
Overdose
An overdose of the active ingredients can lead to adverse side effects and even death.
Allergic reaction
A dog can be allergic to the active ingredient in the Hartz flea and tick control product used. This can result in an allergic reaction which is most characterized by excessive scratching, gastrointestinal problems, and red skin. Allergic reactions can result in death if not attended to immediately.
Drug interaction
Drug interaction mostly occurs when one is using more than one drug to treat and prevent fleas and tick invasion. Depending on the drugs used, a drug interaction can occur and the results can be fatal.
Hartz is the subject of several lawsuits, most of which are related to their products. In recent years, customers have used social media to warn others about the brand.
What Owners Can Do
It is the responsibility of a dog parent to choose the best product for his/her dogs. Making this decision can be tricky since there are many products in the market promising similar results. This decision is made easily with the assistance of their vet.
When customers determine what things to buy, a variety of factors come into play. Some are used more frequently than others.
Some flea and tick treatments are available in pill, spray, shampoo, dip, or powder form. Because of the range of alternatives, pest control regimens may be tailored to meet the needs of both pets and owners.
Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversee pet flea/tick medications.
The difference is that the FDA regulates animal medications, but the EPA regulates a broader range of environmental issues.
The EPA and the FDA collaborate to regulate the usage of these items. They are in charge of controlling when and how they are used, as well as executing regulations about them.
When buying a pet product, make sure it meets FDA and EPA regulations by following these guidelines:
- Before purchasing anything for your pet, always check for unidentified components. Just make sure to clarify any unfamiliar phrases with your veterinarian before buying.
- Even if you’ve been using the product for a long time, always consult with a vet before acquiring any new pet products.
- Keep up with any changes to your pet’s treatment by consulting with their veterinarian. Because nothing is constant in this life, discuss with your veterinarian about any changes that may occur so that you are prepared.
- The most important thing to remember is to follow the recommendations provided by your veterinarian. If they tell you to administer the medication every day, do so. However, if you are unsure, always call your veterinarian.
- To avoid unfavorable consequences later in your pet’s life, make sure to follow the instructions that come with the product you’re using.
- If you’ve applied one of your pet’s medications, keep them separate from the others. They may accidentally consume the medicine when grooming and coming into contact with the recently treated pet.
Understanding Hartz Products
It is always advisable to always read the label of every product before using it on your dog to fully understand the main ingredients used. Many of these substances are dangerous if consumed in high quantities, so always read the guidelines carefully when using these items on your pet. The most frequent active component included in Hartz flea and tick control products is pyrethrin or permethrin, which if not administered correctly can cause skin irritation or respiratory difficulties. Other common compounds include imidacloprid and fipronil, both of which can be hazardous if consumed in large quantities.
It is also critical to comprehend how these compounds influence dogs when they come into contact with them. Pyrethrin and permethrin are pesticides that kill adult fleas and ticks by damaging their nervous systems, whereas imidacloprid acts by paralyzing insects and causing them to die naturally. Fipronil acts similarly, affecting the central nervous system of an insect, producing paralysis or death depending on the dosage. All four of these active components can be hazardous to a dog if consumed, so always read labels carefully before using any product on your pet.
Types Of Hartz Flea and tick control products for Dogs And How They Work
Topical Drops
These liquid treatments, also known as spot-on treatments, are administered directly to the skin of a dog, typically between the shoulders, at the base of the neck (for cats), or along the entire back from the base of the neck to the tail (for dogs). They function by slowly releasing their active ingredient as they dry, preventing adult fleas from laying eggs while also killing existing ones. These products come in the shape of vials containing substances that protect your pet for 30 days.
Collars
Flea and tick collars are a practical solution for dog owners who do not have an established infestation. Repellant collars release a gas that repels fleas and ticks. Treatment collars include medication that is absorbed into the sebaceous glands and disseminated through the skin’s natural oils. Collars provide long-term protection against adult fleas but do not destroy existing ones like spot-on treatments do, so they should only be used as an extra precaution when necessary. One 6-month collar provides continuous protection from head to tail for up to 6 months.
Shampoos
Flea and tick shampoos typically eliminate fleas and ticks on pets by touch. To use these products properly, fully wet your pet’s coat with water and rub the shampoo into the coat, taking care not to get suds in the eyes or ears. Massage the coat from head to tail until it is covered in a foaming lather. Allow to stand for several minutes or continue to massage. Rinse and pat dry. It provides immediate relief from adult fleas but does not provide long-term protection like spot-on treatments. The majority of formulas can be repeated weekly. Ingestion of water containing Hartz shampoo can result in gastrointestinal problems.
Side Effects Of Using Hartz Flea And Tick Products On Dogs
Some of the common side effects of using Hartz products include;
- allergic reactions
- respiratory problems
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- lethargy
- seizures
- tremors
- Hair Loss
Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Fleas on Dogs — Naturally
Clean your dog
Wash your pet’s bedding in hot, soapy water once a week, and vacuum and clean down pet-frequented surfaces regularly, particularly behind and beneath furniture and between couch cushions. If you have a flea infestation it is advisable to do this every day. In severe circumstances, professional steam cleaning of your carpets may be required.
Groom your pets regularly. Adult fleas can be killed with regular soap and water. In addition, comb your animal’s fur with a fine-tooth flea comb and immerse any vermin in sudsy water.
Essential Oils
While some essential oils are said to repel fleas, they must be used with extreme caution because many are harmful to dogs (and deadly to cats). It is best to contact your veterinarian before attempting this method. Before spraying, applying to your dog’s coat, or adding to your dog’s shampoo, essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil. Some of the poisonous oils to dogs are Tea tree oil, pennyroyal oil, wintergreen oil, and pine oils.
Baking soda and salt
Baking soda and salt, like diatomaceous earth, dehydrate fleas and their eggs. Spread the mixture evenly throughout your home and work it into carpet fibers or under furniture with a broom. Vacuum thoroughly after a day or two. After that, clean your vacuum thoroughly (salt can cause rust) and, as with diatomaceous earth, empty the canister or replace the bag outside.
Lemon
Lemon’s citrus content aids in the natural removal of ticks. You can use lemon juice to make a disinfectant solution for bathing your pet. In a cup of water, squeeze the lemon juice. Add peels and pulp to the water as well. Allow it to simmer for a few hours before pouring it into a normal bath.
How to Cope with The Loss of A Pet
Losing a pet leaves so much pain in our hearts that can leave our hearts hollow. Every person has his/her way of grieving and it takes different time to heal. Below are some crucial tips to help you cope with the loss of your beloved dog;
Reach Out to Others Who Understand
You might wonder how you will know of other people with the same problem but it is very easy, you don’t have to go anywhere as long as you have your smartphone or laptop. There are many dog groups like Pet Loss at Home and Men’s Group. Here you will meet with other people who will share their stories and give you hope and encouragement.
Create a memory board
Making a memory board in honor of your pet is one of the most touching things you can do. You can incorporate symbols from activities you did together, favorite photos of them, or photos of the two of you together. Keep it by your desk or by your bed, where you may see it whenever you miss your friend.
Volunteer at an animal sanctuary
It can be difficult for families who have lost a pet to create an immediate attachment with another pet. Instead of getting a new pet, consider volunteering with other animals to help you work through your grief while being surrounded and comforted by other animals.
FAQS
I applied a flea collar to my pet and they chewed it off and ingested some of the product. Should I take them to a clinic?
Eating flea collar fragments can result in a foreign body blockage when the collar pieces become trapped in the stomach or intestines which requires immediate medical assistance. Most collars are visible on an X-ray, allowing your veterinarian to determine how many parts of the collar are in the animal’s intestinal tract, how large they are, and where they are in the body.
When swallowed, most flea collars produce stomach discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Deltamethrin collars, on the other hand, can cause neurologic symptoms such as ataxia, hind limb paralysis, tremors, or overheating. If your pet has ingested a flea collar, you should consult a veterinarian or immediately call Pet Poison Helpline for assistance.
How long does it take for Hartz flea medicine to dry?
The treated area should be safe to touch once the treatment has been absorbed by the dog’s coat and they are completely dry, which usually takes 1-5 hours depending on the environment. It is always advisable to wash your hands after handling your pet.
Can I walk my dog after flea treatment?
Flea treatments for dogs are intended to be safe and prevent flea infestations. Most dogs have no ill responses to flea treatment and can resume their normal daily activities immediately thereafter.
Why won’t fleas go away after treatment?
Fleas may still be present after treatment for several reasons. It can require multiple treatments to completely eradicate all fleas from your environment if the infestation is particularly bad.
The eggs and larvae that were present before treatment can be protected from the insecticide by the pupal case and continue to hatch. If you have a flea-infested pet and treat him or her with medication, the drug will not kill any of the eggs or larvae. The new flea population will also originate from other sources, such as wild animals or other pets in your home.
Can I discontinue using flea control once the fleas have been eliminated?
This is highly discouraged. Once an infestation is under control, it is critical to continue using flea and tick control products to avoid repeat infestations. Although adult fleas are not visible on the animal, sub-adult stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae) may be developing in the house (carpet, upholstery). It’s advisable to treat all affected areas of your pet’s environment to offer complete protection against all stages of flea life.
How long after application can my pet be bathed or go swimming?
Your pet should not be bathed for 48 hours, both before and after the application.
