OTA - Protect Your Pets Project - pet health and safety

TOXIC CHEMICALS: Pets can ingest tiny amounts of toxic chemicals over a number of years that accumulate and concentrate heavy metals and toxic chemicals in their bodies. These toxins can eventually cause irreversible damage to their organs and add to the risk for cancer and other diseases.

PESTICIDES: Pesticides are designed to be nerve toxins. The level of pesticides in flea bombs and flea collars may have adverse consequences for pets. Pets can absorb these poisons from lawns and garden products too.

Many common pet products contain dangerous levels of these heavy metals and poisons.

Lead...is a known carcinogen, and can cause damage to the nervous system and brain. It’s often found in products with bright colors or dark pigments and those made from vinyl other plastics.

Chromium...is a suspected carcinogen. Can damage the endocrine system, and has been linked to cancer of bladder, lungs and kidneys.

Cadmium...harms the joints, kidneys and lungs. Pesticides are nerve toxins and cause cancer and damage reproductive organs.

MORE on flea control...

Flea products contain pesticides, which are poisons, and also contain toxic ingredients that are not disclosed to consumers or veterinarians. The EPA is intensifying its evaluation of “spot-on” pesticide products for flea and tick control due to increases in reported undesirable reactions in pets. Reactions range from skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures and, in some cases, death of the pet. Government studies indicate that, contrary to manufacturer’s claims, flea products can be absorbed into the skin of pets and their owners. Their effectiveness is also being scrutinized.

Dangers: “Spot-on” flea-killers are effective, but the safety record of long-term use of dangerous synthetic chemicals is troubling. Our pets have become test subjects in a large experiment. However, there are safer, effective alternatives to toxic products for flea control!

Solutions: Improving your dog or cat’s health is the first line of defense that can include better nutrition, supplements, garlic and vitamin B complex. Some people have success with natural topical preparations. Products are available that use essential oils of cedar, tea tree, citronella, eucalyptus and pennyroyal (the last 2 are toxic to cats).

Oregon Toxics Alliance works for all Oregonians to expose and challenge root causes of toxic pollution and help communities find solutions that protect human, animal and environmental health.

Oregon Toxics Alliance is a state-wide non-profit organization working on toxics reform. OTA helps communities with local problems pertaining to pollution. For example, we're working with local and governments, businesses, and individuals to reduce the levels of benzene - a known carcinogen - in Oregon's air. Our Healthy Children and Safe Schools program is addressing pesticide issues within and around schools. We are also working to eliminate field burning in the Willamette Valley, a major contributor to heart and lung issues for Valley residents.

Protect Your Pets a project of The Clean and Green Oregon Campaign

Protect Your Pets
a project of The Clean and Green Oregon Campaign