Poisons on Pets: 3 Simple Steps to Protect Their Health and Yours

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Poisons on Pets: 3 Simple Steps to Protect Their Health and Yours

Janelle Sorensen

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Humans have an undeniable affinity for four-legged critters (especially cute, little baby ones) and today there are over 100 million cats and dogs living with American families. Beyond cuddles, kisses and friendship, pets provide a variety of health benefits like lowering blood pressure, decreasing anxiety and increasing immune function. But, the products used on our furry friends, like flea and tick treatments, can pose health risks – both to Fido and his human family.

According to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC),

“The simple truth is that the chemicals in many of these products are not safe, either for pets or humans. Government regulation of these products has been lax. The result is that many of the products sold by the millions in grocery, drug and pet supply stores, even when applied as instructed on the box, can cause serious health consequences to pets and humans.”

In their first-of-its-kind study, the NRDC found that dangerously 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. NRDC also found that residues from two pesticides used in flea collars -- tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur, among the most dangerous pesticides still legally on the market -- were high enough to pose a risk to both children and adults who play with their pets.

What can you do?

#1 Help get the worst toxics off the shelves completely! Sign the online petition.

#2 Learn about natural ways that you can fight fleas and ticks. Green Paws also has a comprehensive list of brand name products with their chemical ingredients and information about the health risks from insecticides. Download the free chemical guide, which will tell you what toxic ingredients are the most dangerous for you and your pets as well as offer suggestions for safer options.

#3 Educate others. Take steps to better inform your veterinarian and other pet owners about safer alternatives for the control of fleas and ticks on pets. Get your step-by-step action kit with all the materials you need at Green Paws.

Quick tips from the Green Paws Pocket Guide:

• Chemicals to Avoid: Amitraz, Fenoxycarb, Permethrin, Propoxur, Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP)

• Chemicals to Use Sparingly (Avoid using around pregnant women or small children): Fipronil, Imidacloprid, Metaflumizone, Pyrethrins (Pyrethrin is known to be very toxic to cats), Selamectin

• Safer Options when Chemicals are Needed: Lufenuron, Nitenpyram, Pyriproxyfen, S-Methoprene, Spinosad

• Avoid Toxic Chemicals: Use a flea comb, Vacuum, Bathe your pet and wash their bedding regularly, Maintain outdoor areas