Topical or spot-on flea treatments are among the most popular products available. They are not all the same and some can be very toxic to cats. Brands like Vectra 3D, K9 Advantix, Bio Spot-on, and some Hartz products contain permethrin, which is extremely toxic to cats (Handley, n.d.).
Are there any flea treatments that should be avoided?
Flea treatment products to avoid. Two of the most harmful ingredients that are commonly found in many flea treatment products (including some flea collars and spot treatments) are tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur. Tetrachlorvinphos or TCVP is an organophosphate.
Are flea-control products dangerous?
Why Most Flea-Control Products Are Dangerous The most popular kind of flea control product on the market is the “spot-on” variety, sold under brand names like Frontline ® and Advantage™. The active ingredients in these solutions include chemicals such as imidacloprid, fipronil, permethrin, methoprene, and pyriproxyfen,...
What should I pay attention to when buying over-the-counter flea treatment?
Pay Attention to Over-the-Counter Product Labels. Cat owners should avoid over-the-counter flea medications including flea bombs, dips and shampoos that contain the pesticides pyrethrin and permethrin. These ingredients are dangerous to cats, and have been known to cause vomiting, seizures, skin reactions and death.
Are natural flea treatments safe for pets?
Some of the most effective natural flea treatment products which are safe for pets and the environment include: The following signs and symptoms may indicate overdose or toxicity from flea repelling products in cats and dogs: If you notice these signs and symptoms it is best to consult the vet immediately.
Is spot-on flea treatment safe?
Spot-on Flea Treatment Cautions While spot-on treatments are effective and safe if used correctly, they can cause side effects if not used properly, Dr. Wooten says.
Is spot-on flea treatment for dogs safe?
Imidacloprid has caused skin irritation in pet owners after applying spot-on products to their animals. If you've chosen to use a medicated flea and tick spot-on, you may not need the full dose. You can give your dog just a drop or 2 of the spot-on treatment.
How poisonous is flea treatment?
Common signs of toxicity from flea products containing organophosphates are diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, small pupils, muscle tremor, weakness or falling over, and drooling. Organophosphate toxicity can be rapidly fatal, depending on the ingredients and dose the pet is exposed to.
What happens if I touch flea treatment?
Avoid petting your cat for 24-48 hours in the spot where you applied a topical medication. These treatments aren't harmful for humans, but it's important that as little as possible is removed from the cat and soaked through human skin.
Is spot on poisonous for dogs?
Symptoms of poisoning include poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation. If your pet experiences a bad reaction from a spot-on product, immediately bathe the pet with mild soap, rinse with large amounts of water, and call your veterinarian.
What is the safest flea prevention for dogs?
Types of Safe Flea Treatments for DogsFrontline Plus is an OTC product that uses fipronil and (S)-methoprene to attack fleas and ticks at every life stage. ... Trifexis employs spinosad and milbemycin oxime to keep dogs protected from heartworms and intestinal parasites as well as fleas, but it does not work against ticks.More items...•
Can flea treatment make humans sick?
Dips, shampoos, and other insecticide-containing flea-control products can produce systemic illnesses or localized symptoms in the persons applying them. Although these products may pose a risk to consumers, they are particularly hazardous to pet groomers and handlers who use them regularly.
Are flea pesticides harmful to humans?
These pet products can expose adults and children to toxic pesticides at concentrations that exceed by 500 times -- 50,000 percent -- the safe levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency. The result: possible acute poisoning for pets and humans, and possible long-term health problems for children.
Why does my dog act weird after flea treatment?
The ingredients in a flea medicine can be an allergen to certain dogs and behaving weird could be due to an allergic reaction. Wounds: if the dog has a wound on their skin near where the pipette has been administered, it is possible the toxicity can cause a reaction.
Can my dog sleep in my bed after flea treatment?
You can handle, stroke and cuddle your pet as usual as soon as the application site is dry. In the meantime treated animals should not be handled and children should not be allowed to play or sleep with them.
Can I kiss my cat after flea treatment?
If you chose a flea spray or drops, let them dry completely before petting your cat. Although the exact time will differ from brand to brand, it is safest to wait 24 hours before petting your cat, even though most topical options dry within 45 minutes.
Is Frontline toxic to humans?
The highest concentration of fipronil (589.3 +/- 205.7ppm) was detected 24 h after Frontline application and was undetectable in the gloves collected at 5w. Repeated exposure to such contamination can pose human health risks.
What is the effect of flea and insect sprays on humans?
Flea and insect chemical sprays like Raid are known to have the potential to cause neurological and reproductive damage to humans.
How to avoid fleas?
If you are conscious about your living environment it really is easy to avoid flea treatment side effects by practicing avoidance . Avoid those products that are known to cause health problems. Avoid the dangers that come from not knowing your enemy in this case flea, by focusing on creating a living environment that supports health and well-being. ...
Why is it important to have strong tools to protect your house from fleas?
Having strong tools to protect your house from fleas is important if you want to avoid flea treatment side effects.
What essential oils are good for fleas?
Other essential oils such as lemongrass and clove oil are known to repel biting insects and in the case of clove kill scabies and other mites. Lemongrass (Large 4 Ounce) Best Essential Oil. While these may not solve your flea problems, when used with other methods like reducing humidity they are a strong tool.
What is the only protection we have?
Our only protection is our size and ability to absorb far more chemicals than insects before it starts doing long term irreversible damage.
Can flea treatment cause skin irritation?
There are many reported cases of flea treatment side effects in animals after a flea treatment. Originally, it seems many of these issues were seen as behavioral issues brought on by the acute stress of visiting the vet or the groomers . Over time though it has become apparent that some of these treatments were causing skin irritations, ...
Does flea treatment kill fleas?
It is also important to remember that topical and oral flea treatments are not designed to kill adult fleas, it only prevents them reproducing .
How effective is fleadome?
When using any flea control product, always, make sure your pets health and safety is your first priority. Natural flea control products are very successful in treating and preventing fleas. Fleadome Act products are an excellent example of a safe and effective flea control. Fleado me Act products are also very effective when used on furniture, pet bedding, or any other areas your pet may come in contact with. When trying to get rid of fleas, always remember that the dogs living environment (ex. your home) needs to be treated for fleas as well. With the use of a flea comb and Fleadome Act natural flea killer, consumers have a much higher success rate at getting rid of fleas naturally.
Is flea control safe for pets?
For years, the commercial flea control manufacturers dominated the market with their “miracle” flea control products, until, recent reports stated that these “safe” flea control products were actually detrimental to you and your pets health.
What to do if your dog has a flea and tick collar?
If your pet experiences a bad reaction from a flea and tick collar, remove the collar immediately.
What are the signs of a flea and tick problem?
Look for dizziness, wobbliness, incoordination, poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation. Some animals have had seizures and/or died. Learn how to report problems with flea and tick products.
How long does flea season last?
If you live in a colder climate, it might only last four months or so . In other places, like Florida, fleas can live all year long. Fleas can live inside a warm house year-round no matter where you live.
Can pets get ticks?
And pets can bring ticks into the home, exposing you and your family to illness from a tick bite . Hundreds of pesticides, repellents, and growth inhibitors are available to protect your pet from flea and tick bites. Some of these products are available only from a veterinarian; others can be bought over the counter.
When do ticks come out?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in most parts of the U.S., the greatest chance of being bitten by a tick is in spring and summer, with another spike in the fall.
Can fleas kill pets?
In severe infestations, fleas feasting on your pet’s blood can lead to anemia and, in rare cases, death. Ticks can also harm your pet, transmitting tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, and Bartonellosis. And pets can bring ticks into the home, ...
Can you use flea combs on puppies?
Don’t apply a product to kittens or puppies unless the label specifically allows this treatment. Use flea combs to remove fleas and flea eggs, and a tick remover to take off ticks from puppies and kittens that are too young for flea and tick products.
How much does flea treatment cost?
Studies show that Americans spend over $1 billion USD on flea treatment products designed to get rid of canine and feline fleas. While most of these products are generally safe, there are others that are known to leave harmful chemical residue on animals. Not only can this cause various neurological symptoms in pets, they are also harmful to humans. According to the NRDC (Natural Resource Defense council), a non-profit organization that strives to protect the environment, many flea treatment products contain harmful pesticides that can increase the risk of cancer as well as neurological damage in kids. Furthermore, many studies conducted on such products have shown that their potential harm is nearly 1000 times more than EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) acceptable levels.
What is the best flea treatment for pets?
Some of the most effective natural flea treatment products which are safe for pets and the environment include: Neem oil. Diatomaceous earth powder (organic and food grade variety) Beneficial nematodes. Burdock root.
What are the most harmful ingredients in flea collars?
Two of the most harmful ingredients that are commonly found in many flea treatment products (including some flea collars and spot treatments) are tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur. Tetrachlorvinphos or TCVP is an organophosphate. It can cause neurological damage in growing children.
How to know if my dog is overdosing on flea repellent?
Overdosing symptoms to watch for. The following signs and symptoms may indicate overdose or toxicity from flea repelling products in cats and dogs: Drooling or hyper-salivating. Confusion. Muscle lethargy or tremors. Vomiting. Seizures. If you notice these signs and symptoms it is best to consult the vet immediately.
What herbs are safe to use for fleas?
The NRDC recommends herbs like Lemongrass, Cedarwood, Thyme, Rosemary and peppermint as generally being safe and non toxic.
Is flea treatment toxic?
Often pet owners believe that vet prescribed flea treatment products may be the safest and most non toxic. However, the NRDC recommends many over-the-counter non chemical products as being safe for controlling and eliminating fleas, but they must be used in combination with vacuuming the house and washing the pet’s bedding in hot water.
Is flea control safe?
The majority of Americans believe that all commercially available flea control products are tightly regulated by the government, hence safe. However, that is not the case and many of the products sold in grocery stores and pharmacies can cause serious health hazards to humans and pets alike. Hence, it is essential to equip oneself with ...
How to apply flea treatment?
How to Apply Each Brand of Topical Flea Treatment 1 Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. 2 Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. 3 Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow. 4 Dogs: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply to the skin; do this in one or more spots depending on the size of your dog. For larger dogs, choose two or three spots along the spine to continue the application.
Why is flea prevention not working?
Incorrectly applying topical flea prevention is the most common cause for its failure to work. Flea prevention is expensive, and you don’t want to waste a dose.
How many active ingredients are in flea prevention?
Flea preventions typically use one or two active ingredients to do the job of preventing fleas. Each brand will use different active ingredients, and these ingredients will work in different ways to prevent fleas. An overdose for most flea preventions could result in the following: Profuse drooling. Vomiting.
What percent of fleas should be treated?
You should be treating your home for adults plus the other 95 percent—flea eggs, flea larvae and flea pupae.
How to apply Bravecto to cat?
Bravecto. Hold the tube upright and turn the cap one full turn. Make sure the seal is broken but DO NOT remove the cap. Cats: Part the hair at the base of the neck and apply the entire tube to the skin. You can apply to a second spot directly behind the first if there is overflow.
Do pets scratch more than others?
Some pets will scratch more than others, but if one pet in the house has fleas, they all have fleas. All of your pets will need to stay on flea medication to prevent reinfestation.
Can you overdose on fleas?
However, this solution is not always recommended and may lead to an overdose in some rare cases.
How to prevent fleas in dogs?
The first step in flea prevention lies in maintaining your dog or cat’s health. Skin condition is an indicator of an animal’s overall health and an important factor in flea control. The key to healthy skin is a healthy diet. Check food labels carefully.
What is the name of the flea and tick product?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the isoxazoline class of flea and tick products, used in brand names Bravecto ®, Credelio ®, Nexgard ® and Simparica ®.
What happens if a dog overdoses on pesticides?
Immediate effects of pesticide overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, seizures, and respiratory problems. If your dog or cat shows any of these symptoms after the application of a pesticide, immediately wash the product off and seek veterinary care. Put Out an ‘Unwelcome’ Mat.
Is flea spray safe for dogs?
Other forms of flea control—powders, collars, and sprays—are no less dangerous to you or your companion animals. Labels may warn not to get these substances on your skin, to wash your hands after applying them, and to keep them away from children, yet these chemicals are absorbed by your animal’s skin. Immediate effects of pesticide overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, trembling, seizures, and respiratory problems. If your dog or cat shows any of these symptoms after the application of a pesticide, immediately wash the product off and seek veterinary care.
Can you use diatomaceous earth in a pool?
Look for diatomaceous earth at garden, animal supply, home improvement, and health-food stores, but never use diatomaceous earth that has been chemically treated for use in swimming pools. Ordinary table salt or borax can also be used on carpets and should be vacuumed up the day after use.
Can you vacuum flea eggs?
Flea eggs can be collected by vacuuming but can still hatch in the bag, which should be sealed and thrown away, or put in the freezer in a plastic bag after each vacuuming. • Diatomaceous earth, a powder composed of the fossilized remains of single-celled algae, can be sprinkled on carpets to eliminate fleas safely.
What are the problems with flea collars?
Rotkin-Ellman says that exposure to the types of pesticides used in flea collars may be linked to behavioural problems, cognitive delay and problems with motor development.
How many animals have died from flea and tick products?
CBC Marketplace investigates risks to humans and pets from popular pet products 2:03. CBC Marketplace has discovered that more than 2,000 animals are reported to have died in North America since 2008 as a result of exposure to flea and tick treatment products, which can contain dangerous chemicals that kill fleas but can also harm pets.
How many cats died from flea and tick?
More than 2,000 cats and dogs have been reported dead after exposure to flea and tick medication since 2008, and some researchers are worried about human exposure to the pesticides.
Who tested pets for flea collars?
Rotkin-Ellman at the U.S. Natural Resources Defense Council tested pets to see how much pesticide from flea collars the rest of us may be exposed to.
What channel is Paws for Concern on?
The investigation, “Paws for Concern,” airs Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. (8:30 p.m. NT) on CBC Television. The show also tested dog harnesses, evaluating popular brands on the market to see if they actually work in an accident.
Is flea treatment unfair?
Some researchers are also concerned that pesticide exposures from flea treatments could have consequences for humans, especially small children. “It’s one of those things that is incredibly unfair — it’s unfair for families, it’s unfair for their pets, it’s unfair for kids.
Is flea and tick medicine safe for cats?
According to the website of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), “Toxicity [to cats] from dog flea and tick products is a medical emergency.”
Why do flea products need to be tested?
Obviously, products undergo testing in order to qualify for EPA registration , and presumably, most of the overt dangers a product can exert are ameliorated before the product can be marketed. Scientists use healthy, adult, genetically identical mammals to test pesticides, and then extrapolate health information regarding the safety of the product to domestic animals and human beings. In the case of flea products, the laboratory tests are performed on live mice, rats, cats, and dogs.
What are the different types of flea products?
The first three – imidacloprid (a chloro-nicotinyl insecticide), fipronil (a phenylprazole insecticide), and permethrin (a synthetic broad spectrum pyrethroid insecticide) – all work by disrupting the nervous system of insects, killing by contact or ingestion. The fourth type contains insect growth regulators (IGR), which don’t kill, but interrupt the flea’s life cycle.
Why don't pesticide manufacturers have to disclose all ingredients in their products?
Why don’t pesticide manufacturers have to disclose all the ingredients in their products? This kettle began brewing in 1949, when the U.S. Con gress passed the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), allowing manufacturers confidentiality on issues they claimed would otherwise make them vulnerable to market competition. “Inert” ingredients, in other words, became protected by industry as “trade secrets.” While protecting industry, this act supersedes the public’s right to know to what we are being exposed and the health hazards resulting from these exposures. And without full disclosure, we are unable to make educated decisions as to which chemicals we want to avoid.
How long did it take for a dog to die from biospot?
Dr. Blanco also stated that one dog died of liver cancer within three months of this BioSpot application, which she says “could have been exacerbated by the application of BioSpot.” Permethrin is indicated as a possible carcinogen by the EPA, causing liver enlargement and cancers in laboratory mammals.
What is the effect of biospot on dogs?
In a letter to the Farnam regarding a client who had used one of Farnam’s permethrin-based insecticides, Dr. Blanco stated, “All the dogs (20 out of her 24 dogs treated with BioSpot ) had pruritus (severe itching of the skin) with bleeding and cracking of the skin, various degrees of erythema (intense redness of the skin), many fluid vesicles (blisters), severe hair loss, and elephantiasis (thickening of the skin) with chronic itching. Many also showed severe mental depression, lethargy, and symptoms concomitant with aggravated liver toxicity. All symptoms appeared within two weeks after applications of your (BioSpot) product, also a consistent time-frame for liver toxicity after absorption through the skin. . . To date, most of the dogs have dramatically improved but a few still remain symptomatic.”
Is it possible for a dog to be exposed to multiple pesticides?
However, the cumulative effect – potential damage from continued use of one specific pesticide product or multiple products over a dog’s lifetime – is unknown. Also unknown is the potential for synergistic effects – combined impacts of chemical exposures from their home and outdoor environments. Neither the cumulative nor the synergistic effects of chemicals in products are required to be tested by the EPA before a product is made commercially available. So, our dogs may be more vulnerable to unknown chemical-related dangers than the happy commercials would have you believe.
Can you poison a dog to kill fleas?
Tempting as it may be to simplistically consider fleas as horrible insects, the bane of dogs everywhere, poisoning your dog in a vain attempt to wipe fleas out of existence doesn’t really make sense. Even though more than half a billion dollars annually are spent on products that kill fleas in that vain pursuit.
