From Harmful to Harmless

It's flea and tick season, and as dedicated pet parents, we all want to keep our fluffy friends safe and healthy. That's why it's important to be aware of the potential dangers lurking in most flea and tick treatments.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been warning pet owners for years about the potential dangers of chemical flea and tick treatments containing isoxazoline, which is effective at killing insects but is also dangerous to our beloved pets. Regular use of FDA-approved chemical flea and tick preventives can lead to adverse reactions in dogs and cats, including muscle tremors, seizures, and ataxia. These chemicals are continually used in products such as Nexgard, Simparica, Bravecto, and Revolution Plus.

With the risks often outweighing the benefits, it might be time to explore other options that prioritize your pet's safety. But if using chemicals is unavoidable, following a detoxification protocol to clear the pesticides from your pet's system is a wise decision.

Safer Flea and Tick Strategies

1. Early Prevention
Start natural, multimodal parasite prevention early during flea and tick season to minimize the need for chemical applications. In addition to solutions for your pet, consider spraying your lawn, the inside of your home, and pet beds.

2. Daily Pest Checks
Following outdoor activities, use a flea comb on your pets and diligently inspect for any unwelcome hitchhikers. Flea infestations and engorged ticks often occur when daily parasite checks are neglected. Keep tweezers or a tick-removal kit handy to quickly remove any ticks you find.

3. Natural Deterrents
Apply a natural repellent every time you head into high-risk areas. At Fetch, we carry a range of natural flea and tick products, including sprays, collars, and powders, that contain powerful essential oils like lemongrass, clove, cedarwood, rosemary, and peppermint to repel pests. We carry TropiClean and Wondercide products in our store and our very own Bug Off Shampoo, or find recipes online to create your own homemade repellants.

By implementing natural prevention methods and being thorough about checking for pests, you can protect your pets from the dangers of chemical flea and tick treatments while keeping them safe from harmful parasites. At Fetch, we're here to help you make the best choices, so your furry friends will be by your side for a very long time!