1. A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
FEBRUARY 2004 VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1
Pharmacology and Practical
Application of Flea and Tick
Control Medications
Michael W. Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD
College of Veterinary Medicine
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Flea and tick infestations of dogs and Cats, while not as commonly infested as pet and application of insecticides and
cats are common, and attempts to dogs, can be parasitized by A. americanum, IGRs into the premises.2 It was hoped
eliminate them can be costly and Dermacentor spp, and Ixodes spp. that repeated killing of fleas on the pets
frustrating. With modern advances in Important advances have been made in and reduction of developing and
flea and tick control, however, there is the last decade in the development of new emerging adult fleas in the surrounding
no need for pets to suffer if products are insecticides, acaricides, insect growth environment would control infestations.
applied appropriately and pet owners regulators (IGRs), application The difficulty with this approach,
follow treatment and prevention methodology, and formulation technology. however, was getting pet owners to
protocols. consistently follow treatment protocols.
Fleas and ticks are blood-feeding Flea Control Principles Recent development of insecticides
ectoparasites that are responsible for the The goals of flea control are threefold:
transmission of several diseases of humans kill fleas currently parasitizing pets, IN THIS ISSUE:
and their pets. While the cat flea eliminate existing environmental Pharmacology and Practical
Ctenocephalides felis is the primary flea infestations, and prevent future Application of Flea and Tick
infesting dogs and cats in North America, infestations. Several insecticides (fipronil, Control Medications .................. 1
several tick species are commonly imidacloprid, nitenpyram, certain
The Role of Toys in Behavior
encountered. Dogs in North America are pyrethroids, selamectin) do an excellent
most commonly parasitized by three-host job of killing existing fleas on pets. The
Modification .............................. 4
ticks, including Amblyomma americanum, problem is that the home and/or yard are Ask the Vet ................................ 7
Amblyomma maculatum, Dermacentor still infested. Historically, control was “Veterinarian of the Year”
andersoni, Dermacentor variabilis, Ixodes attempted through repeated application Finalists...................................... 8
scapularis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus.1 of short-acting insecticides applied to the

2. and IGRs with convenient dosage forms Tick Control Principles A NEWSLETTER OF PRACTICAL MEDICINE FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS
(spot-ons, collars, pills, oral suspensions, Great advances have been made in flea FEBRUARY 2004 VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1
injections) and prolonged residual activity control, but similar advances in tick
have improved pet owner compliance and control are lacking. As with fleas, tick Consulting Editors
altered the way flea control is conducted infestations are important not only Albert Ahn, DVM
by targeting flea reproduction on the dog because ticks are a nuisance but also Corporate Vice President
and cat. Flea reproduction on the host is because they are vectors of disease. It is Chief Scientific Officer
targeted either by killing newly acquired important to remember that the most The Hartz Mountain Corporation
fleas before they can begin laying viable common ticks infesting dogs and cats are
Bruce Truman
eggs (24 hours after infestation) or by three-host ticks, which have a high
Divisional Vice President
directly affecting viability of flea eggs.3 reproductive capacity, feed on numerous Animal Health and Nutrition
Older insecticide formulations did not wildlife hosts, and have prolonged life The Hartz Mountain Corporation
have sufficient residual activity to kill cycles of up to 2 years.1 These factors
newly acquired fleas prior to egg often contribute to control failures and HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM
is produced for The Hartz Mountain
production.4 Newer topical residual leave many pet owners with the Corporation by Veterinary Learning
insecticides, such as fipronil, imida- perception that the product they used Systems, 780 Township Line Rd.,
cloprid, certain pyrethroid formulations, was ineffective. Yardley, PA 19067.
and selamectin, kill most newly acquired Several trials have been conducted to Copyright © 2004 The Hartz Mountain
fleas before they can initiate reproduc- evaluate tick-control products. These Corporation. All rights reserved.
tion. IGRs such as lufenuron, (S)-metho- studies indicate that three compounds Hartz® and other marks are owned by The Hartz
prene, and pyriproxyfen or ovicidal have the greatest activity against ticks: Mountain Corporation.
insecticides such as selamectin are used to amitraz (impregnated collar), fipronil Printed in U.S.A. No part of this publication may
kill developing eggs.3,5 (S)-methoprene (spray and spot-on formulations), and be reproduced in any form without the express
applied to cats will prevent egg hatching permethrin/phenothrin/pyrethroids (spray written permission of the publisher.
for at least 43 days. Not only have topical and spot-on formulations).13–17 Inset photo on page 1 © Michael W. Dryden,
IGRs been shown to be ovicidal, but Since the source of ticks is often a DVM, MS, PhD. Used with permission.
orally administered lufenuron can inhibit large or almost unlimited refugium of For more information on The Hartz Mountain
egg and larval development for up to 44 tick-infested wildlife and questing envi- Corporation, visit www.hartz.com.
days.6,7 Field studies conducted in the ronmental life stages, pet owners need to
United States and Australia have shown be persistent and compliant with pro-
that fipronil, imidacloprid, selamectin, duction applications. Starting product tered for tick and mite control in
and lufenuron (plus pyrethrin spray or applications prior to tick season is often dogs. Its mode of action is believed
nitenpyram tablets) were effective in best. Since ticks are reservoirs of a variety to be as a monoamine oxidase
eliminating flea infestations.8-12 of diseases, killing or repelling ticks prior inhibitor. It has been impregnated
While this new topical and systemic to attachment and feeding is critical. into a collar for the control of ticks
approach is highly effective, the use of Often, tick control can be supplemented on dogs and is not approved for use
mechanical control procedures remains an by attempting to kill ticks in the on cats.
important part of flea control. Along with surrounding premises. Destroying weeds, Fipronil: One of a group of com-
procedures such as washing the pet’s brush, and woodpiles, which serve as hiding pounds that have broad-spectrum
blanket, throw rugs, and pet carrier, pet places for wildlife hosts and molting areas insecticidal and acaricidal activity,
sleeping and resting areas and carpets for ticks, can be beneficial. Insecticides/ fipronil is the only member of
should be vacuumed thoroughly to help acaricides can be applied into the premises phenylpyrazoles currently available for
remove flea eggs and larvae. In cases of to kill ticks. Check with state laws and use in veterinary medicine in the
massive flea infestations or severe pet or always follow label recommendations as to United States. They work by binding
human flea allergy, adulticides and IGRs the application of insecticides/acaricides to the γ-aminobutyric acid receptors
should still be applied to the premises to into human dwellings and around of insects and inhibiting the flux of
provide relief from flea bites. residential neighborhoods. CL- ions into the nerve cell, causing
Once the initial infestation is hyperexcitability of the insect nervous
eliminated, dogs and cats should be Common Active Ingredients in Flea system. Fipronil has activity against
placed on a long-term, if not lifelong, flea and Tick Control Products fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. It is
prevention program with either topical or Amitraz: The only acaricidal mem- absorbed and accumulates in the seba-
systemic residual adulticides or IGRs. ber of the formamidine group regis- ceous glands, has very low solubility in
2 HARTZ COMPANION ANIMAL
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• FEBRUARY 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 1

3. water, and has prolonged residual dogs or cats or by injection to cats. References
activity on both dogs and cats. Female fleas feeding on treated ani- 1. Sonenshine DE, Lane RS, Nicholson WL: Ticks
(Ixodida), in Mullen G, Durden L: Medical and
Fipronil can be found in spot-on and mals are prevented from producing Veterinary Entomology. Amsterdam, Elsevier
spray formulations. viable eggs or larvae. Science, 2002, pp 517–558.
2. Dryden MW, Bennett G, Neal J: Concepts of flea
Imidacloprid and nitenpyram: The Organophosphates and carbamates: control. Comp An Pract 19(4–5):11–22, 1989.
only two currently available chloroni- Organophosphates (chlorpyrifos, 3. Dryden MW, Broce AB: Integrated flea control for
cotinyls for flea control. These com- dichlorvos, malathion, diazinon, the 21st Century. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet
24(suppl 1):36–39, 2002.
pounds bind to the postsynaptic phosmet, fenthion, chlorfenvinphos, 4. Dryden MW, Broce AB: Laboratory evaluations of
nicotinic acetylcholine receptor site and cythioate) and carbamates (car- topical flea control products. Proc Brit Small Anim
Vet Assoc Dermatol Study Group:1998.
in insects, leading to inhibition of baryl and propoxur) act through the 5. Dryden M, Payne P, Smith V, et al: Efficacy of
cholinergic transmission and result- inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, selamectin and fipronil/(S)-methoprene against the
adult cat flea, Cenocephalides felis and flea eggs on
ing in paralysis and death. Imidaclo- which is responsible for the inactiva- cats. Proc 47th Annu Meet Am Assoc Vet Parasitol:2002.
prid is applied as a 10% spot-on top- tion of the neurotransmitter acetyl- 6. Blagburn BL, Vaughan JL, Lindsay DS, Tebbitt
ical product and is used primarily to choline. Organophosphates or carba- GL: Efficacy dosage titration of lufenuron against
developmental stages of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis
control fleas on both dogs and cats. mates produce spontaneous muscular felis) in cats. Am J Vet Res 55(1):98–101, 1994.
Nitenpyram is administered as a pill contractions followed by paralysis. 7. Hink WF, Zakson M, Barnett S: Evaluation of a
single oral dose of lufenuron to control flea infestation
to both dogs and cats. It is absorbed Pyrethrum and pyrethroids: A large in dogs. Am J Vet Res 55(6):822–824, 1994.
rapidly, reaching maximum blood group of compounds that have both 8. Dryden M, Perez H, Ulitchny D: Control of flea
concentrations in dogs and cats insecticide and acaricidal activity, populations on naturally infested dogs and cats and
in private residences with either topical
within 1.2 and 0.6 hours, respec- they work by disrupting sodium and imidacloprid spot application or the combination of
tively. Nitenpyram is rapidly elimi- potassium ion transport in nerve oral lufenuron and pyrethrin spray. JAVMA
215:36–39, 1999.
nated from the body, with >90% membranes, causing spontaneous 9. Dryden M, Magid-Denenberg T, Bunch S:
eliminated in the urine within 24 to depolarization and neuromuscular Control of fleas on naturally infested dogs and
cats and in private residences with topical spot
48 hours, primarily as unchanged blockage. Pyrethrum and pyrethroids applications of fipronil or imidacloprid. Vet
nitenpyram. Fleas begin to die are often combined with synergists Parasitol 93(1):69–75, 2000.
within 20 to 30 minutes of adminis- such as piperonyl butoxide and N- 10. Dryden M, Maggid-Denenberg T, Bunch S,
Schenker R: Control of fleas on dogs and cats
tration with 100% flea mortality octyl bicycloheptene dicarboxymide and in private residences with the combination
within 3 to 4 hours. that interfere with the insect detoxifi- of oral lufenuron and nitenpyram. Vet Ther
2:208–214, 2001.
IGRs: A diverse collection of com- cation mechanisms. Natural 11. Dryden MW, Burkindine S, Lewis T,
pounds designed to inhibit the devel- pyrethrum is extracted from chrysan- Houdeshell L: Efficacy of selamectin in
controlling natural flea infestations on pets
opment of immature stages of themum flowers. It has rapid but and in private residences in comparison with
insects. They are generally classified brief activity and has relatively low imidacloprid and fipronil. Proc 46th Annu Meet
Amer Assoc Vet Parasitol:2001.
as either juvenile hormone analogs toxicity in dogs and cats. Synthetic 12. Miller PF, Peters BA, Hort CA: A field study
( JHAs) or chitin synthesis inhibitors pyrethroids generally have greater to evaluate integrated flea control using
lufenuron and Nitenpyram compared to
(insect development inhibitors). potency and longer residual activity, Imidacloprid used alone. Australian Vet Pract
JHAs currently on the market for flea and some are less well tolerated in 31:60–69, 2001.
control in the United States are cats (permethrin). Pyrethroids 13. Hunter JS: Efficacy of Frontline spray and
Frontline Topspot. Compend Contin Educ Pract
(S)-methoprene and pyriproxyfen. include allethrin, cyfluthrin, cyper- Vet (suppl 19):15–16, 1997.
Female fleas in the haircoat absorb methrin, permethrin, phenothrin, and 14. Estrada-Pena A, Ascher F: Comparison of an
amitraz-impregnated collar with topical
the JHA, and developing embryos or resmethrin. administration of fipronil for prevention of
larvae within the eggs are killed. Selamectin: Currently the only experimental and natural infestations by the
brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus).
JHAs bind to juvenile hormone approved avermectin for use to con- JAVMA 214(12):1799–1803, 1999.
receptor sites; larvae are prevented trol fleas on cats and fleas and ticks 15. Hunter JS, Tanner P, Keister M, Jeannin P:
Residual efficacy of Frontline Top Spot for
from completing metamorphosis and on dogs. Avermectins bind to gluta- the control of fleas and ticks in the dog. Proc
subsequently die. The second cate- mate gated chloride channels in the 42nd Annu Meet Am Assoc Vet Parasitol:1997.
gory of IGRs is the chitin synthesis nervous system. The result is an 16. Endris RG, Hair JA, Anderson G, et al:
Efficacy of two 65% permethrin formulations
inhibitors. Lufenuron, a ben- increase in cell permeability, resulting against induced infestations of Ctenocephalides
zoylphenyl urea, interferes with poly- in rapid and continued influx of chlo- felis (Insecta:Siphonaptera) and Amblyomma
amercicanum (Acari:Ixodidae) on beagles. Vet
merization and deposition of chitin, ride ions into the nerve cell and pro- Ther 4:47–55, 2003.
killing developing larvae either ducing paralysis. Selamectin is mar- 17. Cruthers L, Slone R, Arther RG: K9 Advantix
(imidacloprid plus permethrin) for controlling
within the egg or after hatching. keted as an endectocide spot-on ticks and mosquitoes on dogs. Compend Contin
Lufenuron is administered orally to product for both dogs and cats. Educ Pract Vet 25(suppl 5A):5–18; 2003.
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • FEBRUARY 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 1 3

4. The Role of Toys in
Behavior Modification
Karen L. Overall, MA, VMD, PhD, DACVB, ABS
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Center for Neurobiology and Behavior
Psychiatry Department
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Behavior modification is nothing more incorporating toys, rawhides, and puzzles teach that it can look to the client for
than the process of altering an animal’s into the modification repertoire, the cues about the appropriateness of the
behavior. We engage in behavior modifi- experience becomes mentally stimulating behavior. The reward structure should be
cation either actively or passively every hour for the dog and fun for the client. clearly defined and appropriately
of the day, and clients are often subcon- reinforced at all times; we teach best by
sciously and accidentally employing Potential Problems rewarding every instance of appropriate
principles associated with behavior Before any client can change an behavior and we retain what we have
modification. For example, take the case of animal’s behavior, they must recognize: learned best by rewarding intermittently.
the Australian shepherd who, as the client (1) what normal signaling is, (2) what The client also needs to understand that
shows signs of getting ready to take the dog signals are associated with the problem intermittent is not synonymous with
out, begins to jump, yip, and nip at the they wish to change, and (3) what signals “seldom.” Unless the client’s intent is to
client’s ankles and elbows. The client’s precede step 2. teach the dog or cat to fear him, the
response is to shriek and move quickly away Although we ask clients to “intervene” client must stop all punishment, yelling,
from the dog. This client does not realize it, and minimally interrupt the behavior in throwing things, etc. The more irrational
but he just taught his dog to anticipate any step 3, intervention is deliberately left the human behavior becomes, from the
behaviors associated with going out (e.g., undefined. In any situation, three pet’s viewpoint, the more uncertain,
heading to the door, putting on coats, etc.) environments that can potentially be anxious, and active the pet will become.
with what, to the dog, is a very mentally modified are available for intervention: the
stimulating and challenging environment. physical environment, the behavioral A Few Words About Rewards
This client has invested time in modifying environment, and the pharmacologic Most behavior modification programs
the dog’s behavior—the modification was environment. The key to understanding employ praise, food treats, or other
just not in the direction intended. how dogs learn is to appreciate the rewards. Generally, the higher the quality
In that same amount of time, or less, complexity of interaction between these of the treat, the better the pet’s response.
the client could calmly ask the dog to sit, environments and the importance of factors Food rewards come in two basic forms:
wait as the client puts on a coat, etc., and affecting temporal and intensity changes instantaneous and remote. Instantaneous
then ask the dog to get a toy from a toy and interactions within these environments. rewards are provided for a behavior that
basket placed next to the door. The client was just offered. Examples of remote
would ask the dog to sit, wait, or stay Keys to Success rewards, where the pet rewards itself for
again as the door was opened, while To implement successful behavior behavior the client likes, include rawhides
reminding the dog to get ready. When modification, clients must cease any and food toys. Here, the pet’s activity is
the dog is sitting with the toy in its jaws, behaviors that promote, trigger, cause, both self-rewarding and self-sustaining.
the door is opened, the dog is told, encourage, or correlate with any of the
“Okay,” and it bounds out the door behaviors in the pet that they wish to The Problem With Destruction
without injury to body or property. change. They must commit to clear Separation anxiety is one of the most
Our focus should be to help clients signaling and a humane set of rules by common behavioral conditions in dogs
understand that learning occurs all the which they can interact with the cat or and is best defined as physical or
time and that we can shape the direction, dog. The behavior modification should behavioral signs of distress exhibited by
rate, and complexity of the learning be sufficient to either signal to the pet the animal in the absence of, or lack of
process with conscious effort.1,2 By what it can expect to happen next or to access to, the client. It involves consistent,
4 HARTZ COMPANION ANIMAL
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• FEBRUARY 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 1

5. intensive destruction, elimination, avoid these risks by watching the cat. Accordingly, if the pet has any
vocalization, or salivation exhibited only animals when they chew and allergies or problem aggression
in the absence of the client. Behaviors intervening if they are concerned. involving food, these may not be the
are most severe close to the separation, • Some animals are allergic to the meats teething toys of choice.
and many anxiety-related behaviors from which some food toys are made. • There are a variety of dental bones and
(autonomic hyperactivity, increased motor Beef—the source of most rawhides—is rope toys that have been developed to
activity, increased vigilance and scanning) a relatively common allergen, and massage gums and for pulling exercises
may become apparent as the client some dogs may react to the flavorings between pups and humans.
exhibits behaviors associated with leaving.3 or coatings on rawhides. Clients • Food balls and puzzles can be great
Because destruction is the most easily should be told that animals allergic to ways to feed puppies or kittens and
recognized sign of distress associated with their food toys often vomit, have gas adult cats or dogs that are often left
separation anxiety, all dogs that destroy and/or diarrhea, or become very itchy. alone. Clients can make homemade
things are often assumed to have anxiety-
• Clients need to remember that food food puzzles for overweight, under-
related problems. This is not so. Situ-
toys are not true toys for pets that are stimulated pets. The client needs a
ations not associated with separation
omnivorous or carnivorous; they are large tray, some large stones, and some
anxiety include teething UTIs,
food, and if the pet cares so much fairly sturdy, non-breakable containers
incomplete housetraining, dietary changes,
about them that the pet becomes that the pet can move with some
and endocrinopathy. aggressive, the situation is worsened by effort. Then, the client hides the food
Many recommendations have been allowing the pet access to these toys. in a number of spots in the puzzle.
made to give dogs with separation anxiety
food toys. This recommendation is often • Rubber toys often come with holes • Squeaky and fuzzy toys come in
made based on the assumption that dogs into which food can be placed. The thousands of sizes and combinations.
destroy because they are “bored.” Most rule for any toy should be that it is The toy should be a pet toy, not a
of the pet dogs in America are under- bigger than the pet’s mouth or head. human child’s toy. However, many
stimulated compared to dogs that work Dogs and cats can still chew off pieces animals will dismember these toys to
or otherwise accompany their people; of these toys and choke on them or get to the squeakers, which can cause
conversely, some working dogs have get them stuck in their intestines. If obstructions. Ensure that clients
separation anxiety. If the food toy is one clients are observant and check the check the toys frequently and repair
that the dog would use and enjoy in the toys frequently, they will minimize or discard them as needed. Remind
client’s presence and it is replaced daily, these risks. These toys, which bounce clients to wash plush toys frequently
the client will know that the dog is in unpredictable directions when the because they can become fetid sources
beginning to improve when the dog or cat tries to get the food, help of bacteria.
dog can eat the food from the keep the pet stimulated and • To get pets to play with their own toys
toy. In this sense, food toys provide exercise. If soft food is and not those belonging to the kids,
can be used to measure used, they must be cleaned clients can make a rule about where
progress as can videotapes, regularly. Toys should be each set of toys is kept. If, after play,
behavioral logs, and client frequently checked for loose the kids’ toys go in a chest or on a
assessment. or missing rubber pieces and shelf and the dogs’ toys go in a basket,
replaced when damaged to the rule is clear.
Types of Toys lessen the chance of choking or • Interactive toys on strings and ropes and
Young puppies and kittens obstruction. those involving feathers can be terrific
are learning about coordination • Nylon toys are made of a synthetic for housebound animals. These are all
and modulation or moderation of their hard plastic polymer and come in a relatively safe toys as long as none of the
behaviors and are teething. Both puppies variety of shapes. They do not splinter, parts are chewed off and swallowed.
and kittens can benefit from the same and pieces are seldom able to cause
chew toys. gastrointestinal problems. They can be References
1. Overall KL: How dogs learn. Notes for Professional
• Food toys made from animal parts great gum massagers; however, they are Animal Behavior Associates Meeting, Guelph,
(rawhides, pig’s ears, cow hooves, etc) very hard and can cause dental, gum, Ontario, April 2003.
can be excellent outlets for chewing and mouth injury. Pressed bones 2. Overall KL: Understanding behavior modification.
Convention Notes AVMA 2003 (CD), Denver CO,
behaviors. Potential problems exist, involve flavoring and a potato starch. July 2003.
however, for animals that rip off huge They are relatively risk-free as far as 3. Overall KL: Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small
hunks and swallow them. Clients can injuries, but they are food to the dog or Animals. St. Louis, Mosby, 1997.
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • FEBRUARY 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 1 5

6. Only a scientist would notice that
something so attractive to humans could be
so repulsive to fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
Chrysanthemums. Fleas. Chrysanthemums. Fleas. Not exactly a connection most people would make. And yet
scientists discovered that a synthetic derivative of the chrysanthemum flower called phenothrin kills fleas, ticks and
mosquitoes incredibly well. The same phenothrin you’ll find in Hartz Advanced Care Brand® Plus+.
Phenothrin is so effective that it’s used to protect food supplies and has one of the EPA’s lowest toxicity
profiles for insecticides. And by combining it with (S )-methoprene, a proven insect growth regulator, Hartz
Advanced Care Brand® Plus+ protects against more parasites—fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and flea eggs—than any other
monthly topical brand. Maybe that’s why pets find it so attractive. Even if they don’t have the slightest clue what it is.
Our veterinarians and PhDs offers veterinarians an effective,
test it. Independent companies lower-cost alternative to
test it. Then the government recommend to your clients.
tests the tests. Veterinary offices around the
country have already begun
It borders on obsession,
dispensing it, with the goal
we admit. But to our highly
of reducing the percentage of
respected staff veterinarians unprotected pets. After all, for
and PhDs, relentless testing is those who care about animals’
an integral part of developing well-being, any percentage of
new pet products. unprotected pets is too high.
Take Hartz Advanced We’re as committed to pets
Care Brand® Plus+, for as you are. Really.
instance. First we subjected At Hartz, we’ve
it to a series of highly sophisticated Chrysanthemum made a strong
tests in our state-of-the-art laboratory. dendranthema
promise to help
Then, we gave it to independent 50% of pets go without flea & tick pets become healthier and happier,
companies, which did extensive studies protection. (It’s not their fault.) by continuing to introduce innovative,
out in the field. Finally, we submitted scientifically proven products. Perhaps
A client brings their flea-infested pet
it to government agencies for review, just as importantly, we’re making a
into your office. You prescribe a
earning a stamp of approval for commitment to veterinarians as well,
treatment for them. And then they
effectiveness on both dogs and cats. by listening closely to your concerns
leave without it.
and striving to be a better partner.
Even after all of that, we’re still You’re not alone. According to the But don’t just take our word for
constantly testing new formulas, American Pet Products Manufacturers it. Call our Consumer Relations
trying to find an even better Association®, over half of all pets aren’t Department at 1-800-275-1414 and
flea, tick and mosquito getting treated for fleas & ticks,* partly ask to talk to a Hartz veterinarian,
treatment. It’s an because their owners can’t afford the who will gladly share with you all
obsession, remember? leading brand. Which is why Hartz the progress we’ve made recently.
*American Pet Product Manufacturers Association 2001-2002 National Pet Owners Survey

7. Albert Ahn, DVM, is a veterinarian, Corporate Vice President and
Chief Scientific Officer at The Hartz Mountain Corporation.
ASK TH E VET
Q
What are the active ingredients of the
Hartz Advanced Care Brand® Flea & Tick
Drops Plus+ for Cats and Kittens and Hartz
Q Your dewormer product, Hartz® Health
measures® Once-a-Month Wormer, contains
piperazine. What steps has Hartz taken to
Advanced Care Brand® Flea & Tick Drops offer pet owners more broad-spectrum
Plus+ for Dogs and Puppies products? protection?
A
The synthetic primary active ingredient of the
Hartz Advanced Care Brand® Flea and Tick
Drops Plus+ line is phenothrin, a synthetic
A Hartz® recently introduced Hartz® Rid Worm™
(pyrantel pamoate) Chewable Flavored Dog
Wormer Tablets. Pyrantel pamoate has a
relative of extracts obtained from the wonderful history in the veterinary community
chrysanthemum flower. The second active of providing dogs with protection from
ingredient is (S)-methoprene, a proven insect roundworms and hookworms. This product will
growth regulator that kills flea eggs and replace our existing formulations in order to
larvae. offer pet owners a higher level of protection.
Q
Does Hartz offer toys that would assist or
aid in behavior modification?
Q Does Hartz sell products to the veterinary
community?
A
Hartz recognizes that toys help to aid in the
physical and psychological development of
pets. The Hartz® At Play™ line of dog and cat
A Yes. If you would like to receive a free copy of
the Hartz Veterinary Catalog, simply call us at
800-999-3000 x5118 or email us at
toys is designed to address the importance of feedback@hartz.com.
play as a critical component to the well-being
of a pet, including behavior modification. This
line features a variety of plush and rubber
dog toys as well as toys for cats, including the
Hartz® At Play™ Gone Fishin’™ play wand and
Hartz® At Play™ Cat Gym™.
We want to hear from you!
• Have questions or comments? Call our Consumer Relations Department at 800-275-1414 and ask to speak to a Hartz staff
veterinarian or email us at feedback@hartz.com.
• To obtain a Hartz Veterinary Catalog of products, please call 800-999-3000 x5118 or email us at feedback@hartz.com.
HARTZ® COMPANION ANIMALSM • FEBRUARY 2004 • VOL. 2, NO. 1 7

8. Hartz Names “Veterinarian of the Year”
Contest Finalists
Since 2001, The Hartz Mountain Corporation has been sponsoring the Hartz “Veterinarian of the Year” Contest. Each year,
clients nominate veterinarians who have excelled in the veterinary field as well as in their passion for nurturing animals. This
year’s contest has again seen a flood of entries from grateful pet owners. The scores of heartfelt essays from across America
illustrate the continuous dedication of the veterinary community. Hartz salutes all veterinarians who provide such wonderful care
for our best friends and is proud to announce the “Veterinarian of the Year” Contest finalists:
Dr. Stephen Grigsby Dr. Bill Neumann Dr. Tami Shearer
Harbor City Animal Hospital Broad Ripple Animal Clinic Shearer Pet Hospital
Melbourne, FL Indianapolis, IN Columbus, OH
Dr. Cari McDonald Dr. Richard Katz Dr. Barbara Swahlen
Horizon Animal Hospital Glen Park Animal Hospital Cimarron Animal Hospital
Tulsa, OK Gary, IN Tucson, AZ
Veterinary Learning Systems PRESORTED STANDARD
780 Township Line Road U.S. POSTAGE
Yardley, PA 19067
PAID
BENSALEM, PA
PERMIT #118
400046