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Original poster

Alarming story about spot-on flea treatments...

36 replies

Changed18 · 01/02/2024 10:43

Just saw this story:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/01/vets-pesticide-flea-treatments-river-pollution-pet-owners-toxic-insecticides-hands

Our cat never goes out but we've been faithfully treating her with flea treatments since I think it's required for the conditions of her pet insurance (which we've never claimed on). Now I'm concerned we've been getting neurotoxins on our hands. Any thoughts?

Vets urged to stop giving pesticide flea treatments after river pollution study

Pet owners risk contaminating their hands with neurotoxins for at least 28 days after application, scientists find

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/01/vets-pesticide-flea-treatments-river-pollution-pet-owners-toxic-insecticides-hands

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 01/02/2024 19:27

The biggest issue comes from dogs rather than cats, which is why for the last 10 years the veterinary profession have been keener on tablet flea treatments for dogs rather than spot-ons.

PerpetualChaos · 01/02/2024 19:54

Lonecatwithkitten · 01/02/2024 19:27

The biggest issue comes from dogs rather than cats, which is why for the last 10 years the veterinary profession have been keener on tablet flea treatments for dogs rather than spot-ons.

Because dogs go into rivers etc?

cbbo · 01/02/2024 20:35

There are other types of flea treatments available if you speak to your vet!! You don't have to use a spot on

lifeispainauchocolat · 02/02/2024 07:15

You can get injections or tablets - there's no need to use spot one.

CatSighs · 02/02/2024 11:46

@Scampuss @SaturdayGiraffe Garlic is toxic for cats and dogs, but presumably the 1.4% garlic present in the flea treatment is well below the threshold of toxicity (certainly, I can't smell garlic from the bottle - only a Marmite/yeast extract smell). The company is well-established for many decades, the product is widely available (PetsAtHome etc, so presumably if lots of cats are being treated with it, any problems would have been observed by now), and most importantly, my vet has OK'd it so I feel quite confident using it.

lifeispainauchocolat · 02/02/2024 13:54

Garlic is only really toxic if it's given regularly in large doses. It's not a problem to give it as part of a natural repellant in small doses.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 02/02/2024 17:04

We used to flea and worm Harry as a preventative and I would take the chances with the treatment rather than risk a flea infestation!

verdantverdure · 02/02/2024 17:08

Flossflower · 01/02/2024 15:29

And yet another reason not to let your cat wander.

The pesticides get in the river when humans wash their hands.

verdantverdure · 02/02/2024 17:11

It depends which flea treatment you use.

Stronghold does not use the pesticides mentioned. Advantage and Frontline do.

PerpetualChaos · 02/02/2024 17:19

verdantverdure · 02/02/2024 17:11

It depends which flea treatment you use.

Stronghold does not use the pesticides mentioned. Advantage and Frontline do.

Have you used Stronghold? We were using Advantage and will swap if it's any good.

verdantverdure · 02/02/2024 18:38

We use Stronghold @PerpetualChaos. It's recommended by our vet as being the most effective.

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