Got fleas? Got ticks? Be careful out there when using pesticides to kill the critters that are on your dog or cat.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued an advisory on 70 products containing spot-on pesticides for flea and tick control. The advisory was first posted to www.epa.gov in April.

On June 23, the EPA issued an update saying the agency was "intensifying" its evaluation of these products due to an increase in reports of pets suffering adverse reactions.

"Adverse reactions reported range from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures and, in some cases, death of the pet," according to the update.

Other symptoms to look for after using a flea or tick product include vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, depression or excessive salivation.

I find it maddening that neither the advisory nor the update state the number of pets that have died or suffered less serious reactions.

The EPA defines spot-on products as "generally sold in tubes or vials ... applied to one or more localized areas on the body of the pet, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back."

The EPA currently lists 70 products on its Web site but advises that consumers should not "be led to believe that only those products listed were the focus of concern." In fact, the EPA is intensifying its evaluation of all spot-on products and plans to provide a more comprehensive list at some point.

All of this is pretty scary because the list includes widely used products prescribed and sold by veterinarians. The agency says its intent is not to scare consumers but to get them to monitor their pets when using these products.

"EPA is not initiating a product recall of these products," according to the Web site, "nor is the agency suggesting that the products not be used."

The site hints that some of the "adverse reactions" may be caused by people who are not following instructions that accompany the products.

EPA provides a list of "safety tips" for cat and dog owners. No. 1 on that list is to "consult your veterinarian" if your pet has an "adverse effect." And consult a vet before using on a pet that is "weak, aged, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing."

I'd say talk to your vet before using any flea or tick product.

Here are tips from the EPA:

• Dogs and cats should not use the same flea and tick products. Read the labels.

• Apply only the amount indicated, which varies depending on the size of the animal.

• "If your pet experiences an adverse reaction, immediately bathe the pet with mild soap and rinse with large amounts of water."

• Many products should not be used on very young puppies and kittens.

• Do not discard the container, which includes instructions. You'll also need information from the package to report adverse effects to the manufacturer. Manufacturers are required by law to report YOUR account of adverse reactions to the EPA.

• "Encourage your veterinarian to use the National Pesticide Information Center's Veterinary Pesticide Adverse Effect Reporting portal (http://npic.orst.edu/vet) to report incidents. This portal cannot be used by the public.

If you, like me, don't trust a product manufacturer to report problems, you can make a report to the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378.

Looking for a nontoxic or "green" way to deal with fleas? The EPA tip sheet recommends the use of very fine-toothed flea combs. Comb your dog or cat, and when fleas are caught in the comb, deposit the bugs in hot soapy water to kill them.

I've done that and it works, but you have to comb every day so fleas don't have the chance to lay eggs and multiply.

You have to vacuum throughout your house every day to suck up fleas and flea eggs. Pet bedding and people bedding should be washed frequently with hot soapy water.