Is Your Pet Flea-Free?

One of the most common problems people have with their pets are fleas. Those pesky little parasites seem to be everywhere, and they can cause some serious problems if not taken care of. But did you know that some of the very things that you use to treat the flea problem on your pet can do more harm in the long run?

The chemicals we use to treat fleas act as poisons. They're strong enough to kill fleas, but whether or not they have long-term effects on your pets is still unknown. However, we do know that employees of companies that manufacture these chemicals are required to wear protective clothing and use respirators. Also, the product labels warn against skin contact, yet the directions often tell you to put such a product on your pet's skin. If the chemicals are potentially dangerous to humans, it's a safe bet that they are probably not the most healthy option for your pet. 

Has your veterinarian prescribed prednisone or another drug for your flea-bitten pet? These drugs might help to relieve the itching and inflammation that are associated with flea bites and allergies, but did you know they also suppress your pet's immune system? They also have possible long-term side effects, such as liver and thyroid damage, hypertension, heart attack, obesity, and water retention.