Tick & Flea Control Dangers

While it's important to protect your pets against tick and flea infestation, pet owners should also be aware of the dangers of such products. Available in powder, spray, pill and collar form, flea and tick products carry the potential for harmful side effects.

Identification

If your pet experiences severe vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures or breathing problems, it may have overdosed on flea and tick prevention products.

Effects

Pets that show an adverse reaction, such as a rash, should be bathed immediately to remove any traces of the product.

Warning

Do not use a flea and tick product before speaking to a veterinarian if your pet is sick, pregnant, nursing or elderly.

Prevention/Solution

Carefully follow the printed instructions. Administer the correct dosage and ensure that you use the product just on the intended animal. For instance, use cat flea and tick products only on cats and dog products on dogs.

Misconceptions

People, not just pets, are susceptible to the dangers of these products. Children under the age of 6 are particularly vulnerable to pesticides, which may cause acute poisoning as well as damage to their still-developing brain and nervous system.

References

• Dangers of Chemical Pest Control Products - Safe Alternatives
• US EPA Taking care of fleas and ticks on your pet