Pesticides - and in particular, flea & tic pesticides, are toxic by design - specifically engineered to kill. Children playing with pets, particularly after administration of a monthly squirt of pesticide on your cat's neck, are at a high risk of coming into contact with toxic chemicals. Young children are the most likely to have their noses in pet fur and it just makes sense that any topical treatment we use on our pets coat ends up on the hands and faces of anyone touching it. Many pesticides used in topical pet products such as flea and tick collars, flea powders and washes contain propozue and tetrachlorvinphos. These chemicals for example are both neurotoxic pesticides which are detrimental to brain development and nervous system communication. Dr David Wallinga, founder of Healthy Food Action, states that the use of such products can pose a serious risk for humans and pets alike, with the possibility of acute poisoning and of longer term problems like brain dysfunction and cancer. As young children are more likely to pat and play with a pet and then place their hands in their mouths, the chance of ingesting chemicals is always going to be higher.The thing is that all pesticides contain toxic ingredients and the trick is to choose the least toxic. One effective way to do this on the fly is to watch our for tell tale words. Caution is at the lower end, Danger at the highest. Other tips - consider flea control in tablet form as it does not leave residue on your pet's coat. There are many chewable alternatives around for pets who don't like to take tablets. And if you do use a topical treatment, always wash your hands afterwards.More about household chemicals that could be impacting your pets health: 5 Household Chemicals That Can Harm Your Pets.
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I would love to know of any that work. I've literally tried everything on the market. At once stage my dog had 3 different things hanging from his colour for fleas and tics and the house ended up infested with fleas. Tuesday, 9 June 2015
I didn't know that tick collars were so toxic. The labels on these products can be so hard to read or sometimes they don't even state what chemicals are included! Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Hi Michael. I haven't had any success with natural flea or tick options as of yet. As flea and tick prevention is such a serious animal health issue it demands tried and proven treatments. I have found the safest way to treat my dog and cat for fleas has been with a monthly tablet - this way there is no toxic residue left on their coats as it works from the inside out. The basics of daily tick checks and regular vaccuming/washing of pets beds seem to have also been a vital non chemical addition to my flea and tick regime. Hope that helps! Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Rachel - have you ever tried natural products and had success? I've tried a few and none work. Thanks. Tuesday, 9 June 2015