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Why Conventional Dog and Cat Flea and Tick Products are so Dangerous. The
number one issue in pet care is tick and flea prevention. K9 Advantix and
Frontline are two topical treatments that can kill fleas and ticks for up to
four weeks. However, they both rely heavily on toxic chemicals to get the job
done. While the ultimate goal of killing pests has been accomplished, the long
term effects on your pet, and even you, can be harmful.
One
of the primary ingredients in Frontline is an insecticide called fipronil.
Fipronil is a newer insecticide and according to PubMed, people should be very cautious in using it. The article
suggests it would be unwise to use a fipronil-based product on pets that are
touched or groomed often as the effects are of concern to humans. Fipronil has been found to be deadly to
bees, lizards, and certain species of birds. It is also moderately toxic for
mammals such as rats and mice. While long term studies are still in the works,
the warning signs of fipronil usage are obvious. Frontline is probably not the
treatment you want to use on your family’s pet.
Similarly,
the label on K9 Advantix warns users about the product, directing people to
avoid contact with clothes or skin. With how much we touch our pets, someone
using K9 Advantix on their pet would most likely come in contact with the
harmful product. The label also indicates the product can have serious negative
effects on cats. In a multi-pet home, K9 Advantix would become even more
dangerous if used. An article in Whole
Dog Journal warns that using insecticides on a dog can cause liver damage,
nervous-system damage, and even cancer. If these chemicals can have this effect
on your pet, just think what potential effects it could have on you and your children!
Luckily
Organic Pet Boutique offers safe and viable flea and tick treatments for pets.
ShooTags are insect-repelling tags that attach to your pet’s collar. They are
designed specifically for different animals with an electromagnetic strip that
keeps away targeted pests for up to 4 months. Another natural option
offered is the Sentry Natural Defense Flea and Tick Squeeze-On. This product is
composed of ingredients like thyme, lemon grass, cinnamon, and peppermint oil.
These oils react to block the neurotransmitter receptors in insects, which
completely destroys the pest’s central nervous system. Other animals and humans
lack these specific receptors, meaning the product has no negative effects on
those species. Looking back at the chemicals used by K9 Advantix and Frontline,
and thinking about their possible harmful effects on you and your pets, doesn’t
it make you want to choose something you know will be safe?
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