Summer is around the corner, and as our pets spend more time outside, it’s important to prevent ticks and fleas that can cause seizures, bloodborne diseases, and other severe health issues. However, an article was published recently raising concerns among pet owners about how to safely protect their pets from pests. 
USA TODAY Article Spreads Fear Among Pet Owners About Seresto Flea Collars
A recent article from USA TODAY has caused many pet owners alarm about proper flea and tick prevention. “Seresto, one of the most popular flea and tick collars in the country, has been linked to hundreds of pet deaths, tens of thousands of injured animals and hundreds of harmed humans, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency documents show” the article reports.
The USA TODAY article raises concern noting several incident and death reports: “Since Seresto flea and tick collars were introduced in 2012, the EPA has received incident reports of at least 1,698 related pet deaths. Overall, through June 2020, the agency has received more than 75,000 incident reports related to the collars, including nearly 1,000 involving human harm.” The majority of these claims involve rashes, but some report seizures or even death.
Seresto Collar Benefits, Elanco Official Statement of Safety 
Seresto, developed by Bayer and now sold by Elanco, is a popular flea and tick treatment solution for many reasons. Nongreasy and practically odorless, Seresto is marketed for all sizes of dogs and cats and is claimed to begin working within he first two hours of use. Adjustable and water resistant, Seresto collars provide protection for up to 8 months with no need to remember monthly dose administration. Relatively affordable, Seresto collars are intended to prevent fleas and ticks that cause discomfort and carry diseases.
Elanco Animal Health has released an official statement regarding the concerns and incident reports, reminding pet owners that a claim does not mean there is a direct correlation or cause. Elanco continues, “Seresto is safe and effective when used according to label instructions.”
Barkery and Bath Cautionary Statement
What does this mean for you and your pets? With flea and ticks becoming a bigger concern as warm weather approaches, how can you make the best decision for your home? Don’t worry – the Barkery and Bath is here to support you as always in making the right choices for you.
The Barkery and Bath does take these claims seriously and want to reiterate that any pharmaceutical product comes with risks and may not be suited for each and every pet. We want to encourage all pet owners to read labels & inserts, research ingredients, and decide whether or not the product is appropriate for their animal. Any flea and tick preventative that contains chemicals runs a risk of some sort of reaction. This note of caution is something we would ask all pet owners to employ regarding any product – not just Seresto collars.
Use discernment when purchasing product as well. Here at the Barkery and Bath we are strongly insistent on buying your pet food, medication, or other products from reputable and safe sources. If purchasing Seresto collars, please avoid vague Amazon dealers or third-party vendors.
Additionally, we at the Barkery and Bath want to extend a special word of warning to anyone with pets who have pre-existing conditions. People whose dogs or cats have health concerns should opt for natural alternatives instead to be on the safe side.
Natural Alternatives for Flea and Tick Prevention
While you can still find safe and effective Seresto collars at the Barkery and Bath, we do offer natural alternatives for anyone using extreme caution or who expresses concerns over chemical flea treatments. Both lines of preventative can be found on our online store! Don’t forget to read the labels and use products appropriately as instructions direct.
Earth Animal Nature’s Protection is a natural flea & tick program, working naturally from the inside out and top to bottom for year-round relief of fleas and ticks. Nature’s Protection uses the power of plants, like medicinal herbs, essential oils, and vitamins & minerals to build your dog or cat’s immunity and gently, but powerfully repels and protects against flea and ticks.This easy 2-Step Protocol ensures your pet is safeguarded, inside and out. Nature’s Protection provides water resistant, spot-on treatments that contain no synthetic chemical pesticides or insecticides, along with a daily internal powder to add to your pet’s food. Thi
s all-natural flea and tick protocol has been tested and approved by our own staff! Click here to learn more about Nature’s Protection, or visit our online store to order now.
Wondercide is another natural alternative for flea and tick prevention. Wondercide delivers the results you expect from conventional flea and tick meds and pest services, without the harmful chemicals. These safe, plant-based sprays for pets & your home will kill, repel, and prevent 98-100% of ticks, fleas and mosquitoes with oils that are safe for your pets but repulsive to the pests. Choose from scents like lemongrass, rosemary, or cedar, or peppermint! Among the Wondercide product line, you will also find ready-to-use flea & tick spray for yard & garden. Wondercide’s Yard & Garden Spray easily attaches to a garden hose to repel fleas, ticks mosquitos, and flies – and is safe for beneficial bugs like bees & butterflies.
As always, the Barkery and Bath is here to help! Please drop by or contact us online if you have any concerns or questions! We can’t wait to see you and your furry companions soon!
