Organic Pet - Flea and Tick Control

Thu, Aug 28, 2008

I love my pets, so I apply an ointment to their shoulders every month in an attempt to keep those nasty little fleas and ticks off of them and out of our home. As scared as I am of ticks, I consider it a necessity.

But…I recently read an article by Green Paws titled Pet Products May Harm Both Pets and Humans. Apparently there are dangerous chemicals in some of the pet products used. Chemicals with long names like organophosophates and tetrachlorvinphos. The toxins affect the nervous system by interfering with nerve signals. These chemicals hurt not only your pets, but also your family members, especially children who typically have close contact with your family pets.

So how do you treat your pet against fleas and ticks?

Bathe them weekly or every other week (use an organic shampoo if possible).
Be sure to look at tick’s favorite hiding places: around the ears, at the base of the tail and between the toes.
Wash your pet’s laundry on that same day
Vacuum carpet weekly to get rid of any flea eggs
if you have to use a chemical product, those that come in pills are said to be safer (and they won’t be transferred to your family by touching your pet)
Check the label

The good news is that six of chemicals similar to the ones mentioned were removed from pet products between 2000 and 2006. But there’s still work to be done. To learn more and to join the fight against toxins being used in pet products, visit the Green Paws website.