Are you concerned about the safety of your flea and tick treatment? If you are, then probably you are looking for natural flea treatment and/or tick prevention options that do not harm your pet(s). Basically, the conventional flea and tick products on the market are pesticides.

There is nothing green or healthy about pesticides; they are poison!  That is what most conventional flea/tick manufacturers sell us as pet owners…poison!  Think basic…what have we been “trained” to use to get rid of pests like fleas, ticks, bugs, etc.?  Pesticides!  We now know that they are dangerous and harmful to the environment, but what effect is it having on our lovable pets?!  I guarantee your pets would want to go green and stay away from these nasty toxins if they had the choice, so give ‘em a hand (or in this case…a paw) and keep them green, keep them happy, and keep them healthy!!

To flee or not to flea…dangers of flea/tick treatments!

Do these sound like safe ingredients:  methoprene, permethrin, pyriproxyfen, imidacloprid, tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP), propoxur?  These chemicals are found in flea/tick treatments.  These flea and tick products are commonly sold at major pet stores and veterinary clinics in North America.  Well-intentioned pet owners that love their pets buy them, use them and think they are “protecting” their pet.  The sad truth is, they are not…they are probably doing the opposite.  By exposing their pet(s) to these toxic chemicals, they may be harming their pet(s), their children and themselves! These toxins can absorb into the skin.  Think about it…going into the skin and spreading into the body!  It is truly frightening and awful!

Types of flea/tick treatment to avoid:

• Collars (Hartz, Zodiac, etc.)
• Dips
• Powders
• Dusts
• Sprays
• Spot-On/Tubes you apply at home or at the vet. (Advantage, Frontline, Zodiac, Bio Spot, Adams, etc.)

Consider the awful side effects:

• Premature Death/Shorten Life Span
• Vomiting/Loss of Appetite
• Diarrhea
• Shaking/Trembling
• Seizures
• Respiratory Issues
• Nerve Damage
• Cancer
• Brain Damage

Now for the brainstorming portion…how do you keep your pet(s) protected and safe?

Flea and tick prevention

• First off, get rid o f those collars, Spot-On treatments, etc.  Detoxify your house by washing bedding, clothing, and other things your pet has come in contact with.

• Grooming! Taking care of your furkid(s) can be one of the best prevention techniques.  Give regular baths and get a flea comb if you don’t already have one.  If you comb through their coat everyday, you will be able to remove fleas and ticks (if they haven’t already attached and hopefully if you do this everyday, they won’t have time to). Something as easy as a daily tick check can make a big difference.

• Make your own insect repellent. Use five drops each of the following: cedarwood oil, lemongrass oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil.  Add one cup of water, shake it and spray it!  (This blend is for dog use only and you should always be careful when using essential oils).

• Keep your cat(s) indoors.

• Yeast. Fleas do not like to feast on yeast! Nutritional yeast or Brewer’s yeast is something that fleas do not like.  Sprinkle it on your pet’s food everyday and it may help to repel fleas.  As always, some agree…others do not, but give it a try.  It can’t hurt (great nutritional value for your pet), but maybe do not use as your only flea fighting treatment.

• Garlic. Well, it supposedly keeps vampires away and that is kind of what fleas/ticks are, BUT garlic can be toxic in pets if overused.  Some argue it can also be beneficial is used in small enough quantities.  Do your research before using this method.  Discuss with vet or holistic vet appropriate dosing, do not “experiment” yourself.  This is probably a safer approach for your dog(s) than you cat(s).

• It’s a Trap! Place some warm, soapy water under a light next to where your pet sleeps.  WARNING! FOR ADULT FLEAS ONLY! (no underage fleas permitted)  The soap, water and light trap will only work on adult fleas and if your furkid(s) sleep next to you, this may not be an ideal solution.

How about the Electric Flea Trap?  It’s the same premise as soap, water and light, but you plug it in.

• Keep your home clean! Dust, vacuum, mop, wipe down counters, etc.  It will help to ward off pests.

• Last Resort. Comfortis, Program and Sentinel are pills that the NRDC has tested and they passed their safety test.

There are all sorts of products that will say they are “natural” and “safe.”  You have to be the advocate for your pet.  Check them out!  Do not take the manufacturer at their word.  If you see a chemical listed, take the extra few minutes to find the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or call and request one from the manufacturer (they can email it to you).  It will show how toxic the chemical is and what types of problems exposure or use can cause.  Those few minutes of research could add up to a few extra years of a blissful life with your pet(s)!  There are flea and tick treatment options that are safe for your pet, you and the planet.  Remember, the safest solutions are the greenest!

Marisa

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