Try natural measures for flea and tick control before resorting to chemical-based spot-on treatments.

Grooming and natural remedies may be a safer approach for keeping ticks off some dogs.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Does your dog or cat run away when you approach with a tube of Frontline to squeeze between his or her shoulder blades? That may be good instinct. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is increasing restrictions on flea and tick products for dogs and cats after confirming a spike in reported adverse reactions, including skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, trembling, depression, and even death, in pets treated with spot-on products. "EPA is committed to better protecting the health and safety of pets and families in all communities across our nation," says Steve Owens, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. "New restrictions will be placed on these products, and pet owners need to carefully read and follow all labeling before exposing your pet to a pesticide."

THE DETAILS: The agency says it will immediately start reviewing labels for spot-on flea and tick products to see if clearer instructions are needed. Then, EPA will develop more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for existing and new products.

Looking into 2008 incident reports related to these treatments, EPA investigated the cases and will immediately:

1. Require manufacturers of spot-on pesticide products to improve labeling, making it clearer how pet owners should use the products correctly.

2. Require clearer instructions to ensure pet owners use the proper dosage per pet weight.

3. Require clear markings to differentiate between dog and cat products, and prohibit similar brand names for dog and cat products. Similar names may have led to misuse, according to the EPA's review.

4. Restrict the use of certain inert ingredients that EPA finds may contribute to the incidents.

5. Launch a consumer-information campaign to explain new label directions and to help users avoid making medication errors.

Read on to find out how to protect your pets from fleas and ticks in a safer manner.