What danger do fleas and ticks pose to dogs?
Fleas and ticks pose a serious threat to canine health. Some of the most common illnesses associated with flea and tick bites include Flea-bite Anemia, Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Tapeworms, Anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. In addition, flea or tick bites can cause serious discomfort even if there is no disease and flea infestations can spread to humans from dogs.
There have been over 400 pages worth of stories posted on the site, and they’re all heartbreaking. Commenter Joni Flowers lost a Yorkshire Terrier.
One brand, in particular, Hartz, has consistently been under fire for the rate at which its toxic products lead to animal deaths. A post circulating Facebook this past week told a chilling story of warning.
A website called HartzVictims.org serves as a community for victims to share their stories and their desire for action. The “About” page explains its creator’s motivation.
As it turns out, many animals have tragically fallen victim to these dangerous products. Their devastated families want justice.
You wouldn’t think we’d have to be hyper-vigilant about the dog shampoos we find on the brightly lit shelves of our favorite grocery store. Just because it’s got a nice label and a place on the shelf, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe though.
Hartz Dog Shampoo—A Quick Look Pros
Cons
| Safe for: | Dogs and puppies over 6 Months |
| Fragrance: | Yes |
| Targets: | Fleas and ticks |
| Recommended Frequency: | Fleas and ticks |
The most important purpose of Hartz Dog Shampoo is to treat and prevent pest infestations such as fleas or ticks. Hartz dog shampoo is a pesticide-based formula. This means that it uses a mild poison to destroy fleas, ticks, and flea eggs without posing a major risk to larger animals like dogs. Pesticide-based formulas are highly effective at destroying and preventing fleas, and most effective flea treatments use some form of pesticide. However, pesticides should be used with caution, so you should always follow the directions on Hartz Dog Shampoo directly and stop using it if you see signs of a reaction.
Although the primary purpose of Hartz Shampoo is pest control, part of what sets it apart is its functionality as a shampoo. One of the primary ingredients in this shampoo is oatmeal, which is a natural ingredient with many purposes. It helps smooth and moisturize fur, treat dry skin, and soothe irritating bug bites. These functions are important in helping your dog feel healthy and have a healthy skin and coat. Reviews suggest that most owners are happy with the ability of Hartz Dog Shampoo to clean fur.
Hartz Dog Shampoo is a pesticide-containing shampoo, and that means that it will always carry an inherent risk. A small percentage of dogs will have a reaction to the shampoo. These reactions can include inflammation and skin irritation. If use continues over time in sensitive dogs, there is a possibility of major complications, including an increased risk of epilepsy and seizures. These problems are significant; however, they are rare side effects. Although Hartz Dog Shampoo is the most popular brand of flea shampoo, less than 5% of EPA complaints related to flea products were related to the Hartz Brand. This shows that Hartz Dog Shampoos, although not risk-free, are much safer than average.
We recommend using flea and tick shampoos occasionally if your dog is likely to encounter pests, but for dogs who stay mostly indoors or in cultivated areas, a strong pesticide may not be necessary. If you choose to use this shampoo, always follow safety instructions, including monitoring for adverse reactions and keeping the product clear of your dog’s eyes.
FAQ
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