What Are the Dangers of Flea & Tick Medications for Dogs?

Insect-killing toxins in many flea and tick medications present dangers for pets or humans. As unsafe as some products are for pet caregivers and their families, they are worse for the pets themselves. People are warned not to get flea and tick medications on their skin, to wash hands after applying the product and to keep the pesticides away from children, at the same time as these substances are being absorbed into our dogs̵7; skin.

  1. Pesticide Poisoning in Pets

    • Immediate symptoms of pesticide poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and respiratory problems. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms after you apply flea and tick products, wash the product off your pet and contact your veterinarian.

    Dangers to Humans

    • In research conducted by Dr. Richard A. Fenske, assistant professor at Rutgers University, results showed that ̶0;applying flea pesticide treatments to carpets results in illegally high air pesticide levels in homes ... and that it is incorrect when Pesticide Applicators state it is safe to return home several hours after application.̶1;

    Children̵7;s Vulnerability

    • An April 2009 research report ̶0;Poison on Pets II̶1; describes a study showing that high levels of pesticide residue can remain on a dog's or cat's fur for weeks after a flea collar is put on an animal. ̶0;Residue levels produced by some flea collars are so high that they pose a risk of cancer and damage to the neurological system of children up to 1,000 times higher than the EPA's acceptable levels.̶1;

      An earlier NRDC study about ̶0;Poisons on Pets: Health Hazards from Flea and Tick Products,̶1; highlighted potential health hazards to humans and pets from flea collars and other flea and tick control products. This report stressed that because children̵7;s bodies and brains are still developing, they are more vulnerable and more sensitive than adults to the effects of toxic chemicals. Young children's tendency to put their hands in their mouth makes ingesting toxins easier as does the fact that infants and toddlers spend their time crawling on rugs, playing with pet toys and touching items and areas on which toxins from flea and tick medications accumulate.

    Safer Alternatives

    • One good resource for learning about safer, chemical-free flea and tick treatments is the NRDC's Green Paws site which suggests healthier alternatives to using flea and tick medications and pesticides. Especially effective are regular baths, combing pets with a flea comb while inspecting for fleas and paying special attention to the areas between the toes, at the base of the tail and around the ears, where ticks tend to attach themselves. Vacuuming weekly to eliminate flea eggs and washing your dog̵7;s bedding on bath day will reduce and possibly eliminate flea infestations.