Fleas, ticks, and other parasites pose a serious threat to your pet pooches. Such pests could cause diseases and conditions that could be fatally dangerous. In such cases, it is completely normal to want to rely on oral and topical treatments for quick relief. But are these options safe, or do they pose any hidden dangers to our pets in the long run? Here are a few side effects to look out for:

Side effects of oral treatments
Oral treatments for ticks and fleas are very popular these days. While these options are usually effective, they contain a hidden danger for your dog. Oral treatments are usually sold in the form of a flavored chewable and are only available by prescription. Chemicals in the chewable block the nerve signals of the tick or flea, paralyzing the parasites and eventually killing them. These chemicals are absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream and spread throughout the whole body. In essence, we need to poison the dog to poison the parasites, albeit in small quantities. The FDA recently alerted pet owners about the potentially harmful effects of the class of chemicals used in chewable treatments. Some of the biggest effects mentioned were muscle tremors, impairment of movement, and even seizures in worse cases. Other side effects include ataxia, vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, and even lethargy. While oral treatments for ticks and fleas are best avoided, the FDA suggests working with the vet to choose the right product and quantity to prevent poisoning.

Side effects of collars and topical treatments
Aside from oral treatments for tick and flea prevention, dog owners can also opt for collars and topical solutions. These options are much safer than oral treatments but still have their own dangers and side effects. Chemical absorption in these types of treatments is done through the skin. Throughout the body, these chemicals are spread via the bloodstream. While mammals such as dogs can tolerate the chemicals used in collars and topical treatments to some extent, prolonged exposure can lead to side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, inflammation, kidney and liver damage, and even organ toxicity.