It is important to protect our pets from fleas and ticks, but chemical products contain dangerous chemicals that can harm your pet.  Research by the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) in the year 2000 found clear links between the chemicals in flea products and serious health conditions, both in terms of immediate reactions and long term cumulative exposure,  bladder cancer in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats are just two conditions proven to be linked to flea treatments.

There are numerous cases of cats and dogs becoming seriously ill and even dying after being exposed to commonly used products and many products on the market have never been tested for safety.   A class action law suit is currently being taken against Hartz in America on behalf of hundreds of pet owners whose animals died after being exposed to flea products, more information can be found at http://www.hartzvictims.org

There are alternatives, flea combs can be effective if used regularly and combined with natural products containing for example, citronella and garlic.  These keep fleas at bay and do not expose your pet to the dangers of harsh and toxic chemicals.