Dog Breeds Sensitive to Flea Products

No matter what the breed, a dog can suffer from sensitive skin making it more likely to have a negative reaction to products designed to repel fleas and ticks. The Humane Society of the United States warns that certain flea products on the market can be harmful to any dog, and even cause death to some pets.

  1. Breeds Prone to Skin Sensitivity

    • According to "The Simple Guide to Grooming Your Dog," published by THF publications, dogs with white or light-colored coats, thin or no fur and pink skin seem to be more sensitive and certain breeds do seem to be more prone than others to sensitive skin. Its list of the most sensitive breeds includes: yellow Labrador retriever; Italian greyhound; Chinese crested; Dalmatian; Great Pyrenees; Pekingese; white poodle; Manchester terrier; west highland terrier; whippet; Tibetan terrier; Pembroke Welsh corgi; saint bernard; saluki; komondor; English bulldog; French bulldog; cocker spaniel; Boston terrier; bichon frise; Afghan hound; English springer spaniel; golden retriever; bulldogs; and sharpei. But, the report warns that any dog, no matter what the breed or color, can suffer from skin sensitivity. "An injury or a flea infestation can cause any dog to develop skin problems," the report says. "But for those breeds with sensitive skin, take extra care to proceed gently so as not to aggravate the skin."

    Flea Control Product Dangers

    • The HSUS offers detailed information on the dangers of certain pesticides to pets. "Spot-on" flea treatments containing pyrethroid have reportedly caused at least 1,600 pet deaths in five years, according to the Center for Public Integrity in a 2008 analysis of pesticide incidents reported to the Environmental Protection Agency. More than half the serious medical reactions, such as seizures, brain damage and heart attacks, also involved pyrethroid, the Center reports. A report by the Natural Resources Defense also shows a link between flea products and serious pet health issues. Besides pyrethroid, it warns to watch for organophosphate insecticides (OPs) and carbamates that can be dangerous not only to dogs, but to humans as well. If chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, phosmet, naled, tetrachlorvinphos, diazinon or malathion are on the ingredient list it means the product contains an OP. If carbaryl or propoxur are on the list, the product contains a carbamate, according to the NRDC. The HSUS warns that it is critical to carefully read labels of any flea products before using them on your pets. Many products are still available on store shelves that contain these potentially dangerous ingredients because the EPA has a backlog of pet products to be tested.

    Signs of a Negative Reaction

    • Dilated pupils, skin irritation, vomiting, salivating and shaking are all signs your dog may be suffering flea/tick treatment poisoning. Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately if you suspect he is having a reaction to flea products. The HSUS asks that any incidents of flea product poisoning be reported to the EPA's National Pesticide Telecommunications Network at (800) 858-7378. The HSUS is also tracking these incidents and asks that you report your experience to them at The Humane Society of the United States, Companion Animals Department: Flea Products, 2100 L St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20037.

    Natural Flea/Tick Remedies

    • Many pet owners opt for the natural approach to flea control to avoid possible negative reactions from chemical treatments. There are many natural products that can be either applied on or fed to your dog to get rid of fleas. Essential oils, especially citrus (or pyrethrum) and eucalyptus, are natural flea repellents. Natural treatments that you can feed to your pets include saffron oil, garlic, brewer's yeast, and powdered kelp.