Last week, I found some ticks on my boyfriend’s English Springer Spaniel. Worrying about my own Papillon, I decided to go out and buy some tick preventative for my little boy. Unfortunately for myself and my dog, I bought Hartz UltraGuard flea and tick drops. The next morning at about 6:00am, my dog had no appetite and was very tired. I didn’t think anything of it because dogs, like people, have their off days when they just don’t feel very awake yet. When I got home from work at 3:00pm, my dog could not walk. He didn’t bark when I walked in like he normally does, he didn’t run up and greet me… he just laid there and attempted to wag his tail at my arrival, although he could not lift it off the ground. I immediately rushed him to the vet. They told me that they would have to keep him overnight and monitor his health very carefully. He did not survive through the night. He was a healthy one year old gorgeous Papillon boy who was so playful and friendly. He never bit anyone, destroyed anything, or fought with other dogs. He was happy, healthy, and full of love. Hartz stole that dog from me. I can only hope that soon they will be put out of business so they can no longer hurt innocent animals and their loving owners. I tried to do something to protect my dog from disease and discomfort, and it took his life. I feel terrible for what happened, and I hate Hartz for what they did to me and my family. I hope that nobody will have to go through this, but I know it will… it breaks my heart that this company is allowed to sell anything to anyone.
1 Comment Received
May 8th, 2009 @3:37 pm
I’m very sorry about this tragic loss…I completely understand your sense of loss and devastation. My family also lost a perfectly healthy pet because of the application of Hartz Mountain flea and tick drops plus for dogs. It was also a needless, painful, tortuous death. I have a sense for what you’re going through.
Dear BCline5,
Stories like this break my heart and I am so sorry for what has happened to you and your pet. This pain will never completely go away, but please don’t blame yourself–many thousands of pet owners (including me) have believed they were doing the right thing for their pet and tragedy was the result. Thank you so much for posting and sharing your story. Please, also take the time to report the details of your pet’s death to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC). The NPIC has the responsibility to gather the appropriate information and provide it to the EPA. They compile the database of adverse incidents for the EPA. When you call their 800 number they will guide you through the reporting process. Please have the product package with you–they will want to get some information (i.e., EPA Reg. No.) from you. Their telephone number is 1/800-858-7378. Please consider reporting the incident to Hartz Mountain as well. They have a legal obligation to report these incidents to the EPA. A number of years ago Hartz was fined by the EPA for failing to report consumer incidents. By reporting this to Hartz you force them to do the right thing and also report what their product has done to your pet…or risk another complaint and fine. Hartz’s telephone number is: 1/800-275-1414. Don’t let Hartz get away with this. Take the time to report it. Again, I’m very sorry this needless tragedy took your pet. All the best to you.
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