The weather is heating up and more outside time comes with a higher risk of fleas and ticks on our pets. It's time to discuss effective, safe, and natural preventative options. I've been asked my opinion on flea and tick products for years now, but haven't openly discussed them. Now I have a platform to do so! I do have opinions that many may feel are "outlandish." So, keep in mind these are my opinions. I am not a veterinarian, my opinions are formed based on many years of personal experience, training and extensive research in animal care. It's totally up to you to decide if you want to consider them. You don't have to let your ferrets play outside for them to pick up fleas and ticks. Oftentimes they're dragged in on your clothes, shoes and other pets in the home. These topical products are marketed as "safe" for pets, but is that really truly the case?
I asked you all what are the most common flea/tick products you for your ferrets. The most popular responses were: 1. Advantage II Ferret 2. Advantage Multi 3. Revolution for kittens These products are chemical pesticides. With any sort of chemical and / or pesticide, there will always be a potential for dangerous side effects. Let's discuss the most common ingredients found in flea/tick products used on ferrets: 1. Imidacloprid 2. Pyriproxyfen 2. Moxidectin 3. Selamectin 4. BHT Preservative Imidacloprid Imidacloprid acts as a systemic insecticide with chemical similarity to nicotine, used on the insect's nervous system, also called neonicotinoids. Imidacloprid can be found in pesticides for crops and homes. (ref)
Pyriproxyfen Pyriproxyfen, also referred to as pyrethrins and pyrethroids, are synthetic compounds derived from Chrysanthemums, making them appear safe and natural. In reality, they account for more than half of major pesticide pet reactions including brain damage, heart attacks, and seizures.
Moxidectin Moxidectin works by interfering with neurotransmitters in parasites and is an active ingredient in Advantage Multi, popular flea/tick treatment for ferrets.
Selamectin Selarid (selamectin) is a topical parasiticide available for use in cats and dogs and found in Revolution products used on ferrets.
BHT Preservative Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a preservative used in Revolution products used on ferrets. BHT is related to BHA, a known human carcinogen.
My Thoughts With all of the confirmed and potential risks involved in topical flea/tick products, I will never feel safe administering them to my pets. Does this mean I will let my ferrets suffer if they contract fleas or a tick? Absolutely not. I will do what I have to to keep them safe and healthy, but I will not use them as preventatives. In my 15+ years of owning animals, I've never once experienced fleas. Ticks, are different as I live in a tick heavy area, but I've always removed them before they had a chance to latch on. With my ferrets, I've only noticed one detached tick that I was able to promptly remove off the fur. Additionally, the effectiveness of these products are pretty flaky. When looking at various websites that sell them, I noted the reviews are heavily mixed. Especially with Advantage II, there are countless negative reviews claiming ineffectiveness and chemical burns on their pets. How to prevent fleas and ticks naturally So you've decided to drop the monthly preventative. What can you do instead to help boost your ferret's immunity and keep them safe?
Again, you don't have to listen or apply what I say about flea/tick products. But it's my job as an animal educator to provide you with the tools and research needed to come to your own conclusions. Regardless of how you feel, we can all agree, keeping our ferrets safe will always be top priority.
5 Comments
Jenna
8/28/2020 07:59:09 am
Thank you for the input! It has changed my perspective on preventative parasite control for my fuzzies.
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Chris
4/26/2023 09:21:59 pm
Your ferrets can get fleas and ticks even if you don't let them play outside. They frequently enter the house on your clothing, shoes, and other pets. Although many topical medications are advertised as "safe" for pets, is that really the case? You can check out at PetCareRx.
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