Essential Oil Flea Prevention

I just came across this article in my monthly informative Veterinary Medicine magazine.  It addresses the safety of these 'natural' products for fleas that contain essential oils as an active ingredient.  Unlike with most veterinary-formulated synthetic insecticide flea control products, the EPA has no registration or regulatory control over plant-derived natural flea products.  Please believe I am in no way speaking badly of these products, I personally try to use an organic approach to my vegetable gardening.  I just want to make everyone aware of the safety concerns.  But when it comes to my pets life/safety, I would rather use something that is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency.  As per the EPA their job is to: 

"EPA regulates pesticides according to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Before a spot-on is registered, sufficient information must be provided to assess any potential risks to human and pet health and the environment. EPA also requires that specific labeling be included with the product so that it can be used according to the directions and precautions.

Because fleas and ticks are classified as public heath pests, products that control these pests must be shown to be efficacious before registration. These products can be identified by the "EPA Registration Number" on the label."

The article discusses a study done using info from ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center, on adverse affects of known exposure to natural flea products.  The study included 39 cats and 9 dogs.  Adverse effects were seen in 92% of the cats and 89% of dogs!!  Signs included behavior changes, seizures, intestinal and breathing problems.  Cats tended to be more sensitive with more serious side effects.  Shockingly, in 77% of the cases the product was used appropriately(as per label instructions)!!  3 of the 48 pets died or were euthanized as a result of unresponsive clinical signs...

The take home:
There are still many unknowns regarding the safety of these products.  Quality control of essential oil flea products is not currently regulated or monitored.  Until more data and oversight of these products are available owners should use the products with care.  (I might even say not at all....  There are much safer products that your veterinarian can recommend, especially for cats)

FAQ's on EPA website:
-How do I find out if a pesticide is registered with EPA?

-Who regulates pet products containing pesticides?

-Are the flea and tick products sold in veterinarians' offices safer to use than over-the-counter products?

-Based on the EPA advisory on spot-on flea and tick products, should pet owners stop using these types of products?

-Which flea and tick products are the most dangerous to my pet?