While many pet owners want to make sure their animals remain pest-free, it might not be a good idea to have the pet wear a flea collar. Composed of harmful chemicals, it is recommended that children avoid contact with the collar.
-
Fleas and Ticks
-
Naturally, no responsible pet owner wants their pet subjected to the problems associated with fleas and ticks. In addition to the sheer nuisance factor, both fleas and ticks can transmit diseases to both human and dog alike.
The Use of Flea Collars
-
One of the methods used to keep fleas and ticks off of a dog is a flea collar. Flea collars were first introduced in 1964. Designed of a unique plastic compound that released insecticide over a slow period of time, the flea collar was a boon in the battle against pest infestation.
Toxins in the Flea Collar
-
Flea collars contain powerful insecticides, such as Carbaryl, tetrachlorvinphos, and propoxur. As of September 2010, flea collars will no longer contain Carbaryl, due to pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency. However, they will still contain many toxic ingredients.
Children and Flea Collars
-
Children are notorious for playing with their pets and then putting their hands into their mouths. It is precisely in this manner that some of the toxins from the pet's flea collar can be transmitted. Since children are more prone to neurological problems in their early stages of development, the less exposure a child has to toxic agents, the safer and healthier they will be.
Natural Ingredient Flea Collars
-
There are certain natural-ingredient collars that are available. Some people recommend taking a cloth collar and placing one or two drops of essential oil of peppermint on the collar to keep fleas off the dog.
-