Fiona's Blog
FLEA AND TICK TREATMENTS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Fleas and ticks have been rearing their ugly heads for a while now and I am sure many of you have been to the local pet store to get your treatments. But have you considered what is in these treatments that so many dog owners readily apply to their pets. Many flea and tick treatments contain one or more chemicals and pesticides which can have dire consequences for a dog’s health and wellbeing. Fipronil – is a broad-spectrum insecticide that belongs to the phenylopyrazole chemical family. Fipronil affects the insect's central nervous system. This is the active ingredient in Frontline. Frontline’s website give the impression that this product stays in the oil glands of the skin when in fact it enters the body and can cause toxicity to the liver and kidneys, alter thyroid function, cause thyroid cancer, seizures and reduce fertility. Imidacloprid – A pesticide which has, as of April 2018, been banned by the EU for the spraying of crops. This is the active ingredient in Advantage topical flea treatment. Studies have shown that Imidacloprid increases cholesterol levels in dogs, causes thyroid lesions, liver toxicity, and has the potential for damaging the liver, heart, lungs, spleen, adrenals, brain, and gonads. Permethrin - is a type of pyrethroid, which is a synthetic compound used in insecticides. Derived from the chrysanthemum, it is often misunderstood to be a natural and safe alternative for flea treatment. Permethrin has been developed to be far more toxic than the chrysanthemum. It is used as a widespread insecticide in agriculture, gardening, and is used in commercial household insecticides. It is a neurotoxin, which poisons the central nervous system. Permethrin is found in products like Nix, Advantix and flea shampoos and also in flea treating bandanas which are sprayed with the substance. These chemicals are not only having a devastating effect on our pets health but studies have shown that high levels of these toxins are also getting into our rivers and waterways causing extreme damage to our wildlife. Considering a natural flea and tick treatment can be just as effective at keeping the critters away and can also have great health benefits for your dog both physically and mentally and at the same time being safe for the environment. |