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Dangers of Infants & Flea & Tick Collars

Flea and tick collars are often used to control fleas and ticks on household pets. Although they are still available, these collars are not used as often as they previously were because of safety concerns. Safer products are available. The active ingredients in most flea and tick collars are pesticides, which are toxic chemicals. They can pose health risks to the pets and to humans, especially infants.

  1. Ingredients and Interactions

    • Flea and tick collars may have any of a variety of chemical pesticides. There may also be some collars with herbal products, which would not be toxic but might have other problems. The pesticides are toxic; they are meant to kill the fleas. Many ordinary household products, such as some cleaning products, also contain toxic chemicals and can increase the dangers of the pesticides in the collars if they interact.

    Poisoning and Long-Term Risks

    • The chemicals in flea and tick collars can be dangerous to pets and humans. They can cause acute poisoning, which is a medical emergency. This is more likely to occur in children. There can also be long-term nervous system damage. Some studies have indicated the chemicals contribute to cancer risk. There is increased danger to pet-care workers, because they have more exposure to the chemicals. The pets that wear the collars can be poisoned by them. Always read instructions and warning labels before using these products.

    EPA Warning

    • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged with regulating use of chemicals such as those in flea and tick collars. It has not banned the most common chemicals in the collars, although some consumer groups have requested that it do so. The EPA warns that the chemicals come out of the collar, so you should wash your hands thoroughly after touching the collar or petting the dog or cat and keep your baby away from pets wearing such collars.

    Stronger Danger for Babies

    • Health risks from toxic chemicals such as those in flea and tick collars are more serious for children than for adults, because their bodies are still developing and are more sensitive to such substances. This would be especially true for infants. Common behaviors in babies, such as crawling on the floor and putting their hands in their mouths, make the danger more extreme.

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