Read this before buying over-the-counter flea and tick products for your pet.
The Humane Society of the United States
Although there are many brands of over-the-counter flea and tick products available at supermarkets and pet supply stores, it is critical to read their labels and consult
with your veterinarian before using them on your companion.
These products may contain ingredients that could harm pets and children. Generally speaking, flea and tick treatments widely available in supermarkets are not recommended. Never use dog treatments on cats, and vice versa. Due to a sharp increase in the number of incidents being reported from the use of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for pets, the Environmental Protection Agency announced in April 2009 that it is intensifying its evaluation of whether further restrictions on the use of these
products are necessary to better protect pets.
The Center For Public Integrity released information on its website for its Perils of the New Pesticides study in 2008. At least 1,600 pet deaths related to spot on
treatments with pyrethroids were reported to the EPA over the last five years, according to an analysis of EPA pesticide incident exposure data by the center.
Over-the-counter flea and tick products could also pose a threat to human health, according to some experts.
The center reported that pyrethroid spot-ons also account “for more than half of ‘major’ pesticide pet reactions reported to EPA over the last five years–that is, those incidents
involving serious medical reactions such as brain damage, heart attacks, and violent seizures. In contrast, non-pyrethroid spot on treatments accounted for only about 6 percent
of all major incidents.”
So WHAT should you do?
1. Read the label carefully- and ENSURE that the topical flea product is designed for your pets species ( ie dog or cat) and appropriate weight.
2. Avoid the cheaper Grocery Store Topicals
3. Consider some holistic options..
Here is some of what you can try:
A HEALTHY PET. A healthy pet will have less of a problem with fleas than an unhealthy one. If your pet has a skin problem such as an allergy caused by food, fleas will make the irritation worse, and may reproduce that much quicker because they have an easier time feeding on weakened skin. Do all that you can to boost your pet’s immune system – you may find that just by improving your pet’s overall health, you will gain control of your flea problems.
To help boost your pet’s immune system, use a natural health supplement such as, Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Health Formula, or with a herbal health tonic.
SHAMPOO. Bathing is effective at soothing irritated skin and eliminating some of the adult fleas. There are a number of flea shampoos combined with oatmeal. Use cool
water and leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes. Bath immediately prior to putting on Advantage and do not bathe again until it is reapplied. Your pet can be safely shampooed once weekly.
SUCK THEM UP AND WASH AWAY. Thoroughly vacuum the areas where your pet spends time. Concentrate on bedding, carpet, cracks and crevices. Regularly wash your pet’s bedding. Do not forget about the car.
BAD SMELLING HERBS. Aromatic herbs may help repel fleas. Pennyroyal and Catnip are most effective. A scientific study isolated a compound in catnip that was extremely effective in repelling fleas. Purchase some catnip at your local pet supply store and regularly give it to your cat during flea season.
BRUSH AWAY. Purchase a flea comb (a small fine-toothed comb) and regularly brush your pet. Keep a soapy water dish nearby and drop the fleas in as you catch them.
CHINCHILLA DUST. This is correctly called ‘diatomaceous earth,’ which consists of the skeletons of microscopic algae. It can be purchased in pet supply stores, but be sure
it is the kind meant for pets, not the glassified type which is used in swimming pool filters. It can be used on your pet and in the house. Apply it weekly during flea season,
vacuuming 3 days after applying.
To learn how to avoid costly vet bills and properly care for your pets please visit
