Toy breeds are extremely popular because of their compact size, perfect for apartments and easy to take along when traveling. However, toy breeds can also be fragile, including being allergic to flea bites. Therefore proper flea and tick prevention is important. Recent concerns about the chemicals in these products have made pet owners turn to other ways to prevent infestations.
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Commericial Insecticides
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Flea infestation on your pet and in your home can be a troublesome problem, and the risk of Lyme Disease from ticks poses a serious threat to your pet's health. Veterinarians routinely recommend commercial flea- and tick-prevention products even for very tiny toy breeds. However, there is a growing body of anecdotal evidence that suggest that 'spot-on' products can adversely affect pets' health. The active chemicals in these products, such as chlorpyrifos, naled, diclorvos, phosmet, tetrachorvinphos, diazinon and malathion, can cause reactions like twitching, whining, scratching, disorientation, hyperactivity, panting, seizures and even death.
The EPA is closely monitoring cases of these reactions and periodically advises the manufacturers of these products to change the directions for use and package warnings. Toy breeds, because of their size, may be particularly susceptible to reactions to flea and tick products, and close observation after use is advised. If there is any sign of adverse reaction, immediate bathing of the pet in Dawn (dish-washing liquid) to remove the pesticide residue is the best course of action. Next call your vet. The National Resources Defense Council recommends avoiding the use of these chemicals, suggesting good grooming techniques and the use of insect-growth-regulating compounds like Nylar and methoprene instead.
Natural Products
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Owners of toy breeds may prefer to use more natural products. Lemongrass, lavender, neem oil and geranium oil are all said to be effective against fleas and ticks. These oils are generally applied on the back of the neck, between the animal's shoulder blades. Other flea and tick products contain pyrithrin or citrus oils, which are also effective and safer to use than insecticide products. It is also recommended that owners supplement their pet's diet to help fight off an infestation with B-complex vitamins, Omega 3 and 6, brewer's yeast, fresh garlic or apple-cider vinegar
Intensified Grooming Efforts
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You can also minimize the amount of flea- and tick-control products you use by increasing grooming efforts to make sure your pet has not brought in fleas or ticks from daily outings. Inspect your pet carefully when you return home. Remove any fleas or ticks you find and destroy them. Apply antiseptic to any tick-bitten areas. Brush or comb the animal carefully.
Regularly vacuum areas of the house where your pet rests or sleeps. Steam-clean carpeted areas on a regular schedule and, after drying, apply a boric acid/Borax solution which dehydrates flea eggs and larvae. Re-vacuum.
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