more cautionary tales
Be aware that claims like “natural” and “non-toxic” are permitted to appear on product packaging but, because there are no regulatory definitions in place for these words, they’re just marketing terms used in a tactic known as greenwashing. But because you are now an informed consumer, you will be able to make better choices when it comes to flea and tick products. So, just like with pet food, ignore the advertising on the front of the package and read the ingredient label on the back.
Also be aware that even truly natural ingredients, namely essential oils and botanical extracts, can also damage skin or trigger allergic reactions in both pets and people. First, less is more in this department. In other words, don’t over saturate a cloth collar with essential oil thinking that will make it more effective. It won’t, but it is bound to irritate your pet’s sensitive nose and neck.
In addition, certain herbs are considered toxic to pets when used incorrectly or ingested. For example, essential oils that contain phenols (clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, thyme) can cause liver damage in cats, while oils containing ketones (clove, lavender, citronella, thyme, cedar) can produce neurological symptoms, if ingested.
fetch the good stuff
There are several herbal allies that effectively and safely repel or eliminate fleas and ticks. One of the most effective, and best studied, is geraniol, an alcohol obtained from the
essential oil of geranium, although it is also found in the
essential oils of lemongrass,
rose,
lemon and
citronella. Research from the University of Florida over a 17-year period starting in the late 1990s demonstrates that this fragrance and flavoring agent is as effective as diethyltoluamide (DEET) in repelling a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, gnats, dog ticks and fleas.
Some essential oils, such as cinnamon and peppermint, work by blocking the activity of an insect neurotransmitter called octopamine at receptor sites. This action negatively impacts the insect’s central nervous system, heart rate and metabolism. However, because birds, fish and mammals, including people, lack octopamine receptors, they are not affected.