Beware of flea and tick medication

In the south, pesky bugs and parasites attack our fury friends year round. The main concern is fleas, ticks and heartworm.

Veterinarian Tracy Freeman says it’s a constant battle to keep out best friends itch free and it’s important to keep them on medication year round. Freeman says be careful what medication you choose.

“They need to research what they are using and not just buy it because its cheap because cheap doesn't always mean it is efficacious or the best to use,” said Freeman.

Freeman says most of the time your OTC prevention medications are older products that might not even work and some can be toxic.

"Especially on cats we can see anything from tremors, seizures and even death on some products. Dogs can have vomiting, diarrhea and they can also have neurological signs,” said Freeman.

The EPA has cracked down on over the counter spot treatments thrusting new regulations on the industry after seeing pets with negative reactions to products.

You can find these products at your local drug stores for under 10 dollars and online even cheaper. Freeman says beware of the web. Some sites have been caught selling products made in other countries.

“They haven’t been American product, so that’s a concern because you worry if they are getting it from overseas they don’t have the same restrictions as we do over here,” said Freeman.

Your best bet is to go to the vet before you put anything on your pet. Freeman recommends Trifexis or Comfortis. Both are only available by prescription. They will cost you a little more each depending on the size of your pet but Freeman says this is nothing compared to what you will spend if your pet develops a health issue from ineffective or bad medications.

Freeman says if you are using over the counter medications, consult a vet before. The way you apply these medications is key. If you have two animals in the home, particularly if the second animal is a cat, be careful that the smaller animal is not coming into contact with the topical medication.