Despite your best care and attention, a pet can be prone to flea and tick infestation. If that happens, it is only natural to buy flea and tick treatment products you’ve purchased before. But did you know these products may contain toxic substances? The chemical residue can attach to furniture, bedding, and floors, harming you, your pet, and your family in the long term. Hence, it is essential to check the product ingredients beforehand.

6 tips to choose non-toxic products to fight fleas and ticks in pets

Know about chemicals that are harmful to pets
Collars, sprays, shampoos, powders, and other topical products that we commonly use to remove fleas and ticks may cause respiratory and neurological problems in pets and humans. Look for the following chemicals that are harmful to pets and humans:

Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP)
It effectively kills fleas and pets but can be extremely toxic to pets, parents, young children, and pregnant women. Exposure to TCVP can cause brain development and may lead to learning disabilities.
Amitraz
Amitraz is another chemical that is used in flea and tick products. It can interfere with child development, cause low birth weight, and affect our endocrine system. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Amitraz may be a carcinogen.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is used in flea and tick shampoos but is unsafe for pets, particularly cats and dogs. It can damage your pet’s kidney and liver and cause internal bleeding, coma, and death.
Pyrethrins
Pyrethrins extracted from chrysanthemums are commonly found in flea and tick shampoo and other spot-on treatments. It can cause drooling, hair loss and seizures.

Groom and clean your pets and their surroundings regularly
Periodic baths with soap and water and daily grooming with a flea comb are the first preventive steps to kill adult fleas and remove the critters. Wash the pet bedding with warm water and soap every week. Use a vacuum and clean the places they frequent or rest, particularly their favorite corners, furniture, carpets, and cushions. If you notice flea infestation, the above-mentioned must be done daily.

Clean your yard and garden
Anticipate the flea season and clean the garden and yard by trimming your lawns and using non-toxic pest control to destroy adult fleas, ticks, and their eggs.

Look for ways to avoid flea and tick products
Take your pets to a vet and ask for effective oral treatments. They can be given this monthly, once in 12 weeks, or per your vet’s advice. Following this treatment regularly can prevent flea or tick infestation and eliminate the need for other treatments that may contain toxic or harmful chemicals.

Try natural and home remedies
Some natural and home remedies can prevent and remove fleas and ticks if you notice them early. Try the following:

Dip your pet in a tub of soap, gentle shampoo, and water
Rub fresh lemon or citrus juice on your pet’s fur
Keep the surroundings clean
Add natural predators like ladybugs in your yard which can eat flea larvae
Cover the legs and body of your pet with protective clothing if they walk on grass

Use non-toxic, and FDA-approved flea tick treatment products
Learn about ingredients and chemicals that are safe for your pets and family. Spend some time reading the ingredient label and looking for marked safe products. Read reviews about each product and look for adverse impacts on pets. Use breed-specific products, as what may be good for cats may not be ideal for dogs. Understand how to use the product and watch for any reactions or side effects. Some of the top safe and non-toxic flea and tick products include Heads Up for Tails – Anti Tick and Flea Powder, Captain Zack, Excuse Me, Fleas! – Dog Shampoo, Boltz Dogs and Cat Organic Natural Neem and Tulsi Spray, and Wondercide Flea and Tick Collars for Dogs and Cats.