UPDATE - 6 Popular Natural Ingredients

We all want to provide the very best care for our furry friends.  However, the latest research into some popular “natural” flea control ingredients uncovers some alarming new information!

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Essential Oils

We see essential oils everywhere. . .and for good reason!  They are immensely powerful and often very useful assistance to so many areas of our lives.  However, according to "Michelson Found Animals" (www.foundanimals.org), essential oils are not recommended for use on our pets.  Since animal body chemistry is different than ours, direct application to an animal's body can be harmful when left on them or diffused in their environment.  However, if you do wish to use some in small amounts periodically, only do so with a vet's approval.  Our view on essential oils and animals is that they're likely to do more harm than good, so better to be safe than sorry.  Keep essential oils away from your pets and store them in secure containers that your dog or cat can't get to.  (Source:  Michelson Found Animals, www.foundanimals.org).

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Brewer's Yeast

Brewer's yeast, or nutritional yeast, is safe for human consumption.  However, it can create allergy problems for both dogs and cats.  Symptoms of an allergic reaction are flaking skin, red skin lesions, mutilated skin, licking, scratching, rubbing, and chewing.  These allergic reactions are caused by a yeast infection and left untreated can result in ear infections and other yeast-related illnesses.  Digestive problems can also occur since the yeast increases gas and fermentation in the stomach.  And since brewer's yeast is high in chromium, which stabilizes blood sugar, it can interfere with the insulin cycle in your pet. (Source: www.familypet.com).

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Garlic

Garlic is very harmful to cats and dogs.  It is considered to be about 5-times as potent as onions and leeks. Certain breeds and species are more sensitive, including cats and Japanese breeds of dogs (e.g., Akita and Shiba Innu).  Recent studies show that garlic can cause damage to the red blood cells making them more likely to rupture, leading to anemia. GI upset can also occur (e.g., nausea, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea). Signs of garlic intolerance can be delayed and not apparent for several days. While studies show that a tiny amount may be tolerated by some dogs, large amounts can be very toxic. (Source:  Pet Poison Hotline, 2019,  www.petpoisonhelpline.com).

 

Mink Oil  

Mink oil is used in medical and cosmetic products. It is obtained by the rendering of mink fat, which has been removed from the pelts destined for the fur industry. The use of mink oil is simply for creating shine on your pet's coat and not for eliminating fleas. Unfortunately, the first ingredient in most formulations of mink oil for a coat's shine is isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol, which is absorbed through the skin by breaking down the natural oils. Once absorbed and through continued use, the alcohol can cause skin irritations and respiratory tract irritation as well due to inhalation of its vapors. (refer to "Rubbing Alcohol" below).

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Rubbing Alcohol

Recent studies show that rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) should never be used on your dog or cat! It is not only harmful for them to inhale but is also dangerous for them to lick. Alcohol also delivers ingredients into the skin by breaking down its natural oils and the anti-bacterial layer of the skin. Even though rubbing alcohol is touted as a mild antiseptic, cleaner, and disinfectant, it has unfortunately found its way recently into many "natural" or "organic" pet care products and can result in the following:

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• Skin irritation and excessive dryness.

• Delays in healing of skin tissue - alcohol removes the skin's naturally occurring moisture barrier.

• Isopropyl alcohol can also cause respiratory tract irritation from inhalation of its vapors.

• Isopropyl alcohol is a neurotoxin that contains petroleum-based propene, which makes it unfit to ingest. The liver oxidizes the alcohol into acetone and, with prolonged exposure, this process can negatively affect the kidneys.  (Source:  www.healthlinkbc.ca).

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Boric Acid 

Boric acid is a powerful weapon against household pests but the chemical carries risks. Categorized as a poison, boric acid can present dangers to both humans and animals. According to the Pet Poison Hotline (www.petpoisonhelpline.com), boric acid can be safe in very small doses. Even though boric acid has been used for decades as an affordable pest control in yards, we now know more about the dangers. If you do choose to use boric acid in your yard, please use extreme caution around your pets.

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Conclusion

We now know that there are truly natural ingredients that don't cause harm. One of those ingredients is food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE), which is so safe it can be eaten!  DE is the main ingredient in Phleaz Organic Flea and Tick Control Lotion.  (Source:  www.diatomaceousearth.com).

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