For how huge this is, I don't know why it's not getting better buzz.

Turns out a recent rush of complaints about spot-on flea prevention medications causing rashes, seizures and even death in pets have triggered an advisory by the Environmental Protection Agency.

I want any guidance available to keep my pets safe and comfortable, so I read the advisory with great interest. Unfortunately it's only this: a kind of dry, kind of useless post essentially encouraging me to follow the directions on the box. (Poytner Online recently compiled a little more background here.)

The EPA and Health Canada will meet with spot-on product manufacturers "shortly" to address the issue, it says. Veterinarians to report new incidents on another Web site.

But...but...but...should we avoid these products or not? With the arrival of warmer weather, I guess we should all just hope for no fleas first and foremost.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com