What Are the Dangers of Flea & Tick Shampoos & Dips?

Flea and tick shampoos and dips contain ingredients that can be dangerous to pets and children and adults who work with these shampoos and dips. According to the National Resources Defense Council, flea and tick shampoos and dips contain poisons meant to kill insects, but these poisons can also be hazardous to pets and people, especially small children. According to Earth Time's website, many of these products even contain DEET. Recommended alternatives posed by the National Resources Defense Council include simply washing your pet and vacuuming areas you suspect fleas and ticks live. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect poisoning in your children or pets.

  1. Poisoning Children

    • Children, especially small children, can be vulnerable to the poisons used in flea and tick shampoos and dips. According to the National Resources Defense Council, children are more likely to be come ill, even life-threatening ill, from the poisons contained in flea and tick shampoos than from other types of poisons. The ingredients in flea and tick shampoos and dips have been know to cause brain and nervous system problems in the people who handle these products.

    Cat Poisoning

    • According to the National Resources Defense Council, cats can be particularly vulnerable to flea and tick shampoo poisoning because when cats groom themselves they take in and digest the poisoning. Signs your cat has been poisoned include hyper salivation, inability to control urine, diarrhea and vomiting and tremors, according to the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.

    Dog Poisoning

    • The toxic ingredients in many flea and tick shampoos and dips can absorb into your dog's skin. According to Vet Info's website, ingredients in flea shampoos and dips can cause irritation in a dog's skin. If your dog's skin becomes irritated and it starts licking, your dog will digest the poison from the flea shampoo or dip. Earth Times's website recommends using lemon juice boiled in water in a spray bottle to naturally kill fleas and tick on your dogs. Signs of dog poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of interest in food, breathing difficulties and tremors.