The EPA is investigating reports of skin irritation, seizures and even death from between-the-shoulder flea and tick treatments for dogs and cats.
Flea and tick treatments for pets fall into that murky area in a lot of consumers’ minds: We know the chemicals are designed to ward off or kill bugs … but somehow we don’t associate the products with the term “pesticides.”
Read Dan Shapley’s article in full on The Daily Green
This is something I’ve always suspected and have been cautious as to how often I use it for my Winston. When we lived in Los Angeles he was prone to ticks so I used the little tubes of liquid prevention once a month. The first time I got a tiny bit on my fingers I knew immediately how toxic it must be. It stung and made my fingers twinge which made me hate applying it to my dog. Now that we’re in Chicago I only use it in the summer and at that I try to use it as little as possible. I wish there were safer alternatives that really worked but that is difficult. Be sure to read the full article as there are some good tips on things to do to naturally prevent fleas. Growing up my mother put brewer’s yeast on our dog’s food. I read last summer to sprinkle powdered garlic on their food, which I did since I had it but now over the winter I read garlic may not be good for dogs so I will be picking up brewer’s yeast next time I head to the store.
