Why flea collars are bad

Jump to navigation. While some of these products are safe, others leave harmful chemical residues on our pets' fur and in our homes. These chemicals are highly hazardous to animals and humans, can damage the brain and nervous system, and cause cancer.

The April paper Poison on Pets II details a first-of-its-kind study by NRDC 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. These pesticide levels exceed acceptable EPA exposure limits, posing a serious risk to both adults and children when playing with pets wearing flea collars.

Worst of all, children and pregnant women are especially at risk—learning disabilities, motor development, hyperactivity and behavioural issues have all been tied with exposure to flea collar pesticides.

While residual toxins from flea collars can be hazardous to humans, they can be outright lethal for your pets. Ranging from skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress, to organ failure and even death, flea collars have a long history of harmful effects in both cats and dogs.

When used as directed, flea collars are still known to cause severe chemical burns and seizures in pets. A quick look at product review sites like Consumer Affairs or outlets like Amazon is enough to get a sense of the suffering flea collars commonly inflict on pet owners.

In cases of ingestion or misuse placing a dog-specific flea collar on a cat, for instance , flea collars are regularly fatal, with smaller and older pets being especially vulnerable. Flea collars are also notorious for interfering with pet medications—sometimes counteracting them, sometimes rendering them deadly. In contrast to received opinion, flea collars are not exactly highly effective. In most cases, flea collars can be useful at preventing flea infestations if toxic treatments can be considered useful but not at treating them.

In fact, many flea collars are not even strong enough to kill adult fleas. Thankfully, there are many pet-safe, family-safe options when managing and preventing flea infestation. Here are some of our favorites:. To protect your dog or cat from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, mites and other harmful biting bugs, apply Cedarcide Original directly to their coat daily or before activities that expose them to fleas and ticks, such as dog park visits, walks, or hikes.

Cedarcide Original is also awesome for killing and repelling fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, mites and other unwanted bugs indoors, in all life stages, including eggs. Average rating 4. Vote count: No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post. My dog has used the Saresta collar for 3 years. This year after putting a new one on her in the spring, she began to eat off and on, throw up a few times and then by mid-summer I discovered a soft large cyst on her neck.

The doctor said it seemed like it was more in her skin and not attached. She has been lethargic and lacks an appetite. Then she developed another large cyst on her hip that she bites at constantly. I finally concluded that it must be the collar. I took it off yesterday and continue to monitor her. Hi, I started using Seresto, and my puppy started scratching really bad.

Neck area, as well as neck area I took the collar off just to see is any more scratching none, only had on her for about 2 weeks so glad I read all the issues with this flea collar, not sure what to use now.

If any one can suggest a good medication for fleas please let me no. She has no fleas and I do not want her to get them. Many of our customers and our employees use Cedarcide Original daily or every other day instead of traditional, toxic approaches like collars.

I bought a Seresto collar for Dog and put it on. I had a male cat I loved who was extremely close to my Dog. They slept together played outside together.

About a week after putting the collar on my dog. My Cat started to act funny. A few days later the cat could not walk. I took him to the Vet they drew labs and said they were normal. He stayed their a few days getting fluids but never recovered. A did not know medication of a dogs flea collar could be toxic to my cat. I am wondering has anyone had any issues with Seresto collars on thyroid issues. It is our first time using a flea collar and the most expensive as I heard they work the best and they did do the job, but wondering as health issues have become in my dog since using Seresto.

We noticed at first both thyroids were enlarged just a little and now they have really got big over the last few months as we removed the flea collar early this year. At this time we are waiting for the biopsy to be schedule the doctor says he is sure it is cancer. I have had many lab dogs and in my family and never heard this is common as the doctor is saying as we usually end up dealing with hip issues with our lab dogs.

If it is cancer then our dogs lifespan is less than 2 years. I am just hoping it is something of a reaction from wearing this collar and it can be cured. Any thoughts or recommendation would be helpful as what I am hearing possibility from the doctor is hard for me to accept. Not a dog but we had thyroid problems in our cat diagnosed when she was 7 which is highly unusual in a cat of her age. Caused seizures and kidney problems.

She had radiation treatment and is now clear. She had prior to this always worn the seresto collar but never again as I am sure this was the cause. Yes, not on our dog but our cat, enlarged thyroid heart issues and one kidney has failed. Have had to have radiation treatment. Will never put a seresto collar on any pets ever again. I was told it was a more natural alternative.. We just got a puppy who has severe skin irritation burns due to having worn a serresto flea collar.

Diatomaceous earth consists of naturally occurring powdered mineral substances. When spread around the home, it works to minimize and prevent fleas from entering the environment.

Unless instructed by your veterinarian, never apply diatomaceous earth directly to your pets as they may experience severe skin irritation. Essential oils may also help limit or eliminate flea infestations in and outside of your home. Oils such as cedar, cedarwood, clove, lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, rose geranium, and peppermint are frequently used to control and prevent fleas. Pet insurance helps when the unexpected happens. References: Wehner, M. These pet collars have been linked to nearly 2, pet deaths.

Imidacloprid General Fact Sheet. Popular flea collar linked to almost 1, pet deaths. The EPA has issued no warning. Investigation begins into Seresto flea collar death allegations.

Seresto collars come under greater scrutiny. Diatomaceous Earth for Flea Control. What Essential Oils Kill Fleas?