Removing fleas from our beloved pets can be stressful as some treatments carry harmful substances. The Environmental Protection Agency released important findings from a 5-year study and indicated that many flea and tick treatments had caused illnesses and even the deaths of pets. Chemicals such as propoxur and tetrachlorvinphos commonly found in flea products also pose threat to children. Your whole family might be in danger. When your dog rubs his flea collar on your couch, the chemicals are transferred, thus exposing everyone in the household to health risks.
Pet retailers, service providers, pet parents, and veterinarians should be wary when using flea treatments. Pyrethroids, which are found in most insect control products, are toxic to cats and should only be used on dogs. Because so many flea solutions are toxic, there’s a need for natural, organic, and safe products. Stringent labeling has also been imposed to the manufacturers of pet products.
There are multiple flea treatment products ranging from flea collar, supplements, shampoo, combs, carpets, wipes, pet bedding treatments, powder and many more.
- One natural product available in the market is the Nexgard’s soft beef-flavored chewable flea and tick preventative product. You can buy this from here: https://www.petcarerx.com/heartgard-plus-chewables-for-dogs/10765. This chewable tablet is DFA approved and proven safe for your pet dog. It has an afoxolaner, which is a natural ingredient that helps treat and control fleas for a full 30 days.
- Another natural way to repel fleas is by giving your pet TickLess Pet Ultrasonic Flea & Tick Pendant, a completely natural device that repels pests by transmitting harmless ultrasound impulses.
- The Zodiac Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs, Puppies, Cats, and Kittens is also a safe treatment for fleas. This preventative treatment has s-methoprene, which is a chemical effective against developing insects and kills flea and tick eggs for up to two months.
Safe and natural components to look for in a flea treatment include the following:
- Brewer’s yeast
These are supplements which are rich in Omega fatty acids, vitamin B, and antioxidants that not only improve health but also repel insects away.
- Diatomaceous Earth
A powdery substance composed of the fossilized remains of marine life containing mineral elements of silica reported to have amazing effects on pets, people, and the planet.
- Essential oils
Some essential oils may be harmful to your pets, so do your research properly before using products with these oils. Lavender and eucalyptus may cause allergies to some pets while pennyroyal is believed to cause seizures and even deaths. Safe oils include tea tree oil, peppermint, lemongrass, geranium or cedar.
Holistic approaches and natural remedies are also now being administered to treat fleas. Pet health care providers recommend that pets be fed with natural products rich in nutrients. More specifically, they should not take grains such as corn, wheat, and soy. Exposing your pets to a healthy lifestyle will help develop their immune system, making them less susceptible to pests.
Using natural insect control methods is still one of the most recommended ways to treat fleas. Wash pet bedding regularly, bathe your pet, clean the surroundings, and use flea combs to catch fleas then drown them in water.