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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When you realize that a flea and tick treatment is essentially a pesticide or insecticide, it may make you think twice before using it on your precious companion animal(s).  Not only is the use of pesticides/insecticides not an eco friendly living choice, but actually using them in your home environment may be hazardous to you, your family and your pet’s health.  You know that awful odour that comes from a flea and tick collar?  The collar is literally soaked in chemical pesticides.  YUCK!  You do not want that around your pet’s neck or to be breathing that in.

Below is a list of chemicals that may be found in popular flea and tick products.  Treatments can be collars, topicals, pills, shampoos, flea sprays, etc.  Choose wisely… Make sure you know the possible dangers before purchasing a product.  Toxins can build up over time and run down your pet’s immune system and in extreme cases cause fatalities. The list below

will help you identify the dangerous chemicals in flea and tick treatment.

If you are concerned your pet may be in danger look for these warning signs of poisoning:

• Abnormal swelling
• Weight loss or loss of appetite
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Bleeding or discharge
• Unpleasant odour
• Lameness or stiffness; loss of stamina
• Hearing/Vision problems
• Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating
• Sores that are not healing

There are some simple things you can do for flea and tick prevention and control that do not involve the use of chemicals: Keep Clean!

• Vacuum furniture, floors, corners, etc. If you do have flea concerns, dispose of the bag after vacuuming, otherwise just be sure to keep up with the vacuuming to discourage infestation. Cutting back on the clutter is also helpful.

• Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water once a week.  If they sleep on your bed, this means washing your bedding too.

• Wash your pet!  Give your pet a bath; just be sure to avoid shampoos that contain the harmful chemicals listed above. You don’t have to buy fancy soaps; just a natural soap will work great!

• This goes for your yard too!  You can keep it “clean” by mowing your grass and keeping shrubs clipped.  This is especially helpful in your pet’s favorite areas because it helps keep these areas dry and fleas do not like dry spaces.

Comb them out! Flea combs are a must have flea control tool!  Get a flea comb and comb through your pet’s hair on a regular basis.  This helps you monitor them and find any possible fleas not to mention your pet appreciates any type of grooming you provide them. If you find fleas, put them in soapy water. Nematodes Both fleas and nematodes live in wet, shady spots.  This is important because nematodes (microscopic worms) eat flea larvae.  You can purchase them online, at pet stores or at garden centers.

Marisa

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