NATURAL TICK & FLEA CARE

By Dr. Shawn Messonnier

There are several methods of tick control available. Both conventional and complementary methods are effective. Conventional methods usually involve chemical collars, sprays, topical spot-on products, and dips. Collars are notorious for being ineffective in controlling external parasites on pets; however, a new tick collar containing the chemical amitraz is effective in preventing ticks from attaching to the pet. Sprays, spot-ons, and dips are effective. However, many pet owners worry about health hazards to themselves and their pets from exposure to the potent chemicals contained in the products. While the occasional use of the products can be safely recommended for pets with potential exposure to large numbers of ticks, in general the more natural methods are safer for pets.

Natural preventive methods of tick control involve herbs or volatile oils. These can be applied to the pet as topical products including dips and cloth herbal flea and tick collars. Herbs which have shown anti-parasite properties include those which are given orally to the pet as well as those which can be applied topically. Oral herbs include garlic, burdock root, dandelion, and red clover. Topical herbs include feverfew, pyrethrum (from Chysanthemum,) mullein (available as Rotenone,) and Canadian fleabane.

Volatile oils that may be effective include geranium oil (rose geranium,) pennyroyal oil, lavender oil, and citrus oils (which contain d-limonene.) These oils are generally safe. However, pennyroyal oil has been associated with fatalities in dogs and is not recommended due to the narrow safety margin. Properly diluting the stock oil is very important in preventing toxicity; undiluted oils are often more toxic than the conventional chemical products currently available. Because of safety concerns and the fact that cats have a more difficult time detoxifying many chemical compounds, it is best to avoid using most essential oils on cats.

Other natural therapies which can have insecticidal properties include neem, citronella, diatomaceous earth, sodium polysorbate, and beneficial nematodes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

By Melissa Steele

When dealing with flea problems, you have three areas to control: inside, outside, and your pet. Each of them requires different treatments, but all of them have natural remedies that are effective and inexpensive alternatives to store bought brands.

Inside

As you begin the process of flea-proofing your home, your initial focus should be the floor followed by the furniture. Clean, clean, clean!

A good solid cleaning of your floor if hardwood or linoleum keep fleas from getting comfortable in the cracks and joints. Repeat this regularly to keep the fleas from coming back. Remove small area rugs during the flea season or clean weekly to keep fleas from bedding down.

Stay away from wall-to-wall carpeting and vinyl flooring when you re-decorate. Choose instead easy to clean ceramic tiles, hard or soft wood, linoleum, or cork. Vacuum daily if you are currently infested and once or twice a week for prevention. It is recommended that you seal and freeze the vacuum bag before you reuse it to kill larvae. Steam clean furniture, carpet, and the dog bed with hot water only. Wash your pet immediately afterward and two days later, vacuum up dead and newly hatched fleas. Follow this with a weekly cleaning of the dog bed in hot water and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Certain desiccant dusts and boron-based mixtures can be used on your carpet to kill fleas. These are toxic but far less so than most on the market. Keep children and pets out of the room when you use these and vacuum thoroughly afterward.

Outside

The fleas that live in your yard are most likely not yet adults. Focus on killing the larvae and eggs and you'll get rid of your flea problem outside.

Get rid of piles of grass cuttings or leaves.

Mow the lawn regularly.

Flood out the areas where your pet spends most of her time with water. An outdoor hose works better than buckets.

Like ladybugs in a garden, nematodes feed on flea larvae. They are small worms and can be purchased online, through catalogues, and some garden supply stores.

Diatomaceous earth or DE mixed with water can be sprinkled on your lawn, deck, garden, and walkways monthly. Every other month is fine if its exceptionally dry where you live.

The most important part! Making sure that your pet is healthy by feeding her human grade food, making sure she always has plenty of water, and treating illnesses immediately will help her fight off fleas. Low stress rates, supplements, clean air, and loving owners also increase your pet's immune system and ability to fight fleas.

Your Pet

Daily supplements like a crushed garlic clove, brewer's yeast, and Vitamin B with B1 all help your pet to fight fleas. Make sure to adjust the dose to the size of your pet. Topical remedies include 10 drops of essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and cedar mixed with one tablespoon of olive oil and sprayed directly on your pet's skin may help. Eucalyptus and pennyroyal essential oils can be used for dogs but are toxic for cats.

Slice a lemon and let the slices sit in a couple of pints of boiling water. When the water cools, this can be used to wash down your pet's coat. Daily combing with a flea comb and weekly bathing with non-insecticidal soap is necessary during the height of flea season.

Some pets are allergic to certain supplements or may be on medication that interferes with your flea care. Consult your holistic veterinarian if you see no results after three to four weeks of use.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Melissa Steele is a freelance writer for PawDigs.com This site features Pet Essentials with Style including stylish dog beds of all sizes and styles.www.pawdigs.com