Read this before buying over-the-counter flea
and tick products for your pet.The Humane Society of the United States Although there are many brands of over-the-
counter flea and tick products available at
supermarkets and pet supply stores, it is
critical to read their labels and consult
with your veterinarian before using them on
your companion. These products may contain ingredients that
could harm pets and children. Generally
speaking, flea and tick treatments widely
available in supermarkets are not recommended. Never use dog treatments on cats, and vice versa.
Due to a sharp increase in the number of
incidents being reported from the use of
spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick
control for pets, the Environmental Protection
Agency announced in April 2009 that it is
intensifying its evaluation of whether
further restrictions on the use of these
products are necessary to better protect pets.
The Center For Public Integrity released
information on its website for its Perils
of the New Pesticides study in 2008. At
least 1,600 pet deaths related to spot on
treatments with pyrethroids were reported
to the EPA over the last five years, according
to an analysis of EPA pesticide incident
exposure data by the center. Over-the-counter flea and tick products could
also pose a threat to human health, according
to some experts.The center reported that pyrethroid spot-ons
also account "for more than half of 'major'
pesticide pet reactions reported to EPA over
the last five years--that is, those incidents
involving serious medical reactions such as
brain damage, heart attacks, and violent s
eizures. In contrast, non-pyrethroid spot on
treatments accounted for only about 6 percent
of all major incidents."
So WHAT should you do?1. Read the label carefully- and ENSURE that
the topical flea product is designed for your
pets species ( ie dog or cat) and appropriate
weight.2. Avoid the cheaper Grocery Store Topicals3. Consider some holistic options..Here is some of what you can try:A HEALTHY PET. A healthy pet will have less of
a problem with fleas than an unhealthy one.
If your pet has a skin problem such as an
allergy caused by food, fleas will make the
irritation worse, and may reproduce that much
quicker because they have an easier time feeding
on weakened skin. Do all that you can to boost
your pet's immune system - you may find that
just by improving your pet's overall health,
you will gain control of your flea problems.
To help boost your pet's immune system, use a
natural health supplement such as, Dr. Jones' Ultimate Canine Health Formula,
or with a herbal health tonic. SHAMPOO. Bathing is effective at soothing
irritated skin and eliminating some of the
adult fleas. There are a number of flea
shampoos combined with oatmeal. Use cool
water and leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes.
Bath immediately prior to putting on Advantage
and do not bathe again until it is reapplied.
Your pet can be safely shampooed once weekly.SUCK THEM UP AND WASH AWAY. Thoroughly vacuum
the areas where your pet spends time.
Concentrate on bedding, carpet, cracks and
crevices. Regularly wash your pet's bedding.
Do not forget about the car.BAD SMELLING HERBS. Aromatic herbs may help
repel fleas. Pennyroyal and Catnip are most
effective. A scientific study isolated a
compound in catnip that was extremely effective
in repelling fleas. Purchase some catnip at
your local pet supply store and regularly give
it to your cat during flea season. BRUSH AWAY. Purchase a flea comb (a small fine-
toothed comb) and regularly brush your pet.
Keep a soapy water dish nearby and drop the
fleas in as you catch them.CHINCHILLA DUST. This is correctly called
'diatomaceous earth,' which consists of the
skeletons of microscopic algae. It can be
purchased in pet supply stores, but be sure
it is the kind meant for pets, not the
glassified type which is used in swimming pool
filters. It can be used on your pet and in
the house. Apply it weekly during flea season,
vacuuming 3 days after applying.
To learn how to avoid costly vet bills
and properly care for your pets please visit
Pamper Pet Care.
and tick products for your pet.The Humane Society of the United States Although there are many brands of over-the-
counter flea and tick products available at
supermarkets and pet supply stores, it is
critical to read their labels and consult
with your veterinarian before using them on
your companion. These products may contain ingredients that
could harm pets and children. Generally
speaking, flea and tick treatments widely
available in supermarkets are not recommended. Never use dog treatments on cats, and vice versa.
Due to a sharp increase in the number of
incidents being reported from the use of
spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick
control for pets, the Environmental Protection
Agency announced in April 2009 that it is
intensifying its evaluation of whether
further restrictions on the use of these
products are necessary to better protect pets.
The Center For Public Integrity released
information on its website for its Perils
of the New Pesticides study in 2008. At
least 1,600 pet deaths related to spot on
treatments with pyrethroids were reported
to the EPA over the last five years, according
to an analysis of EPA pesticide incident
exposure data by the center. Over-the-counter flea and tick products could
also pose a threat to human health, according
to some experts.The center reported that pyrethroid spot-ons
also account "for more than half of 'major'
pesticide pet reactions reported to EPA over
the last five years--that is, those incidents
involving serious medical reactions such as
brain damage, heart attacks, and violent s
eizures. In contrast, non-pyrethroid spot on
treatments accounted for only about 6 percent
of all major incidents."
So WHAT should you do?1. Read the label carefully- and ENSURE that
the topical flea product is designed for your
pets species ( ie dog or cat) and appropriate
weight.2. Avoid the cheaper Grocery Store Topicals3. Consider some holistic options..Here is some of what you can try:A HEALTHY PET. A healthy pet will have less of
a problem with fleas than an unhealthy one.
If your pet has a skin problem such as an
allergy caused by food, fleas will make the
irritation worse, and may reproduce that much
quicker because they have an easier time feeding
on weakened skin. Do all that you can to boost
your pet's immune system - you may find that
just by improving your pet's overall health,
you will gain control of your flea problems.
To help boost your pet's immune system, use a
natural health supplement such as, Dr. Jones' Ultimate Canine Health Formula,
or with a herbal health tonic. SHAMPOO. Bathing is effective at soothing
irritated skin and eliminating some of the
adult fleas. There are a number of flea
shampoos combined with oatmeal. Use cool
water and leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes.
Bath immediately prior to putting on Advantage
and do not bathe again until it is reapplied.
Your pet can be safely shampooed once weekly.SUCK THEM UP AND WASH AWAY. Thoroughly vacuum
the areas where your pet spends time.
Concentrate on bedding, carpet, cracks and
crevices. Regularly wash your pet's bedding.
Do not forget about the car.BAD SMELLING HERBS. Aromatic herbs may help
repel fleas. Pennyroyal and Catnip are most
effective. A scientific study isolated a
compound in catnip that was extremely effective
in repelling fleas. Purchase some catnip at
your local pet supply store and regularly give
it to your cat during flea season. BRUSH AWAY. Purchase a flea comb (a small fine-
toothed comb) and regularly brush your pet.
Keep a soapy water dish nearby and drop the
fleas in as you catch them.CHINCHILLA DUST. This is correctly called
'diatomaceous earth,' which consists of the
skeletons of microscopic algae. It can be
purchased in pet supply stores, but be sure
it is the kind meant for pets, not the
glassified type which is used in swimming pool
filters. It can be used on your pet and in
the house. Apply it weekly during flea season,
vacuuming 3 days after applying.
To learn how to avoid costly vet bills
and properly care for your pets please visit
Pamper Pet Care.
No comments:
Post a Comment