There is a variety of commercially available flea treatments that are marketed for use on dogs. Many of these flea treatment products are a lot more dangerous than consumers realize, and may be posing a serious threat to pet health. When choosing a flea shampoo, powder, spray or topical preventative, it is vital to consider the ingredients and how they may impact the health of your dog.
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Function
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The purpose of commercially available flea treatment products is to repel or kill fleas in order to prevent an infestation. Some of the most effective flea treatment options, however, are pesticides and other toxic substances. These substances are meant to be harmful to the fleas without being harmful to the dog, but that does not mean that they are completely harmless or that allergic reactions cannot occur. Some flea treatment products are designed to kill fleas, while others are meant to keep fleas from coming back, depending on what compounds are in the product.
Types
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Flea preventatives come in many different styles. Examples include flea shampoos and conditioners, topical insecticides, flea collars and sprays. Different companies offer their own product lines, including such names as Bayer Advantage, Frontline, Revolution, Hartz, Sentinel and Adams. Some of these brands are more harmful than others depending on what types of chemicals and toxins they include within their products.
Topical Treatments
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Topical treatments like Frontline and Advantage are generally considered to be safe, but some dogs can still experience allergic reactions and skin reactions to the ingredients in the product. Frontline and Advantage contain different ingredients, so a bad reaction to one does not exactly necessitate a bad reaction to the others. Hartz products have caused the greatest number of bad reactions due to the chemicals in the product, and so most veterinarians will advise against using them.
Flea Collars
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Flea collars are particularly dangerous as far as flea treatments go, because they are coated in a powdered insecticide that can be inhaled by the pet, or people and other animals that come in contact with the collar. The insecticide products on these flea collars, when inhaled, can cause breathing problems, dizziness and other health issues depending on the affected person or pet. Flea collars are also not as effective as other flea preventatives because a flea only has to avoid the collar to avoid death, making flea collars a preventative choice worth avoiding.
Considerations
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If you have any doubt about a particular flea treatment, speak to your veterinarian for advice. Your veterinarian will be able to endorse the flea treatment products that she feels are safe for your particular dog and situation. This is the best way to make sure you avoid any potentially harmful or dangerous treatments in favor of a remedy that is actually going to work without putting your dog at risk.
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