For some lucky folks, longer days and higher temperatures signal sun-drenched, carefree summer days. But for dog lovers, warm weather means flea and tick season, time to be ever-vigilant protecting our pooches from parasites. Fleas and ticks are more than just an itchy nuisance - they can cause serious health problems for our pets and ourselves.
Fleas can spread tapeworm.
Dogs may also be allergic to flea bites and get a skin condition called flea bite dermatitis. But many of these contain dangerous chemicals like organochlorines, organophosphates and carbamates. According to Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, these chemicals in large doses can cause breathing problems, tremors, vomiting, skin irritations, permanent nerve damage and death. Some dogs experience hair loss and sores around the neck from flea collars, plus the chemical fumes given off by the collars can negatively affect everyone in the house. Unfortunately fleas reproduce so quickly, those that survive the chemical barrage have developed resistance to insecticides.