Many flea and tick medications contain pesticides that not only kill the pests but also can harm your dog. Some treatments that are called "natural" also contain harmful substances. There are certain factors to look out for.
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Dangerous Insecticides
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The Natural Resources Defense Council recommends avoiding treatments using any of the following chemicals: chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, phosmet, naled, tetrachlorvinphos, diazinon and malathion.
Possible Medical Issues
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Because most treatments are absorbed into your dog's skin, the medication can enter the animal's circulatory system and cause nerve and/or brain damage.
Puppies
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Even more so than with adult dogs, chemical flea and treatments should not be used on puppies. The natural defenses in their bodies have not developed sufficiently to withstand harmful effects from the pesticides.
Beware of 'Natural' Treatments
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Some treatments advertised as "natural" are not safe. For instance, pyrethrum is derived from chrysanthemums and is a natural flea killer that causes paralysis and death in fleas, but it also can be harmful to a dog's central nervous system.
Dipping
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Dipping your dog can be particularly harmful to children in the house because of the chemicals contained in the dipping liquid. According to a study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "...a child's exposure ... on the day of treatment alone can exceed safe levels by up to to 500 times..."
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