We see our pets itch and roll onto the floor. The agony they display from intense itching causes us to quickly do something. We run for instant fixes to relieve the itching, assuming that the chemicals used kills and repels ticks, fleas or any unwanted insects without any side effects to us and our families. For years this had gone on, until the rise of sickness and deadly diseases began to increase at an alarming rate. The toxic chemicals in tick and flea collars have been linked to several diseases such as cancer, nerve damage, hormonal disruptors, memory impairment, reproductive and neurological damages [2]. Additionally, the national cancer institute indicates that the national expenditure for cancer care totaled almost $125 billion in 2010 and is estimated to reach $156 billion in 2020, a 25% increase. [1]
It is known that lifestyle and toxic chemicals in products have greatly impacted public health making us vulnerable to deadly diseases. This has inspired a closer look into the study of ingredients used in products.
Our lovely pet moves around the home, we touch them, our kids hug them and traces of these chemicals are spread all over our home. We rub our eyes, we pick up fruits, we can’t see the toxins, like an invisible killer, it slowly breaks down our system on a molecular level. Here are some of the toxic chemicals to watch out for;
1) Tetrachlorovinphos: This is seen at greater than 14% in tick and flea collars. This is an organophosphate insecticide. It is linked to hormonal disruption and cancer.
Pesticides which interact with estrogen have been linked to breast cancer (Colborn et al…,1996)
2) Permethrin, Pyrethrin/Pyrethoid: Cancerous, asthma and allergies initiator, nervous and endocrine disruptors, and very toxic to cats [2].
3) Fipronil : considered a likely human carcinogen, endocrine and nervous system disruptor and seen as high as 9.7% in tick and flea collars. Transfers of fipronil residue has been seen from just bare contact of a pet’s fur on wipes and even onto a child’s palm in some studies. [2]
4) Imidacloprid: The nervous system disruptor [2] seen as high as 10% in flea and tick collars.
Alternative options:
1) Use natural flea and tick collars containing essential oils like cedarwood, peppermint oil, geraniol and lemongrass oil. Flea and tick collars can be effective up to 3 months. However, continuous maintenance of your pet at shorter intervals with natural and non-toxic flea and tick products will be a better option for your pets and the entire family. This takes away the opportunity of bringing in deadly toxins into your home.
Continue to maintain your pet’s skin care with natural flea and tick products (https://www.midoricide.com/collections/natural-flea-tick-repellent) including sprays and using natural foaming mousse in between baths.
2) Maintain your pet’s skin care with selected organic neem products. Not only does this help your pet’s skin care, it is a known anti-inflammatory and skin healing oil. Furthermore, neem oil is non-toxic to you and actually good for humans. It is also a mild repellent which will help keep the bugs away from your dogs and cats. The pesky little pest hate neem and is sure to leave your pet alone. Check out midoricide’s collection of natural pet care products.
https://www.midoricide.com/collections/midoricide-natural-pet-care
References:
1) “Cancer statistics”, March 22, 2017,https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics)
2) “The National resource defense council”. April 12th 2017, http://www.simplesteps.org/greenpaws-products .
About the Author
Rose Hoeppner is the founder/ President & Chief Engineer of Midoricide Natural Products. She has been a talented researcher and developer in fortune 500 companies for the past 10 years authoring 12 technical reports and an invention disclosure. She has an enormous passion for natural care products and supports the innovation of green alternatives for natural pet care and personal people care products.
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