|
Chemicals that act as poisons are strong enough to kill fleas, but the long term effects on pets are unknown, although they are probably not safe to use. (Employees manufacturing these products must wear protective clothing and use respirators. Plus, the product labels warn against skin contact. So,if the chemicals are potentially harmful to humans,they are probably not the most healthy product for pets. )
Prednisone & other corticosteroid drugs used to give relief from flea bites help to stop itching & inflammation. But, they also suppress a pet's immune system and have possible long-term side effects: water retention, liver or thyroid damage, hypertension, obesity, & heart attack.
Healthy Alternatives
Strengthen your pet's immune system:
Eliminate food allergens from the diet, and supplement the diet with a well-balanced essential fatty acid (EFA), probiotics (bifidus & acidophilus) & digestive enzyme supplements. EFAs help to make your pet less attractive to fleas, and digestive supplements carry nutrients throughout the body & help to breakdown & remove waste materials that may lead to food allergies.
Herbs
- Add a pinch of garlic powder to food.
- Add apple cider vinegar to your pet's water.
- Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon dried Nettle onto your pet's food (helps to reduce allergic response).
- Add to food or squirt into pet's mouth a low- alcohol liquid tincture of Dandelion Root, Burdock Root, or Red Clover (helps eliminate wastes & supports immune system).
- For severe flea bite allergies (red, inflamed, itchy skin), licorice serves as an anti- infammatory. Also, an aloe juice can help to heal & to relieve itching. Directions: Add one cup aloe juice to 4 parts water. Pour the cool liquid onto affected areas of your pet's coat.
Environment Treatment
Since fleas spend 80% of their time in the pet's environment, not on the pet, apply herbal products to your pet's environmental areas (bedding, etc.). Look for products that contain extracts and/or oils of eucalyptus, citronella, juniper, cedar, citrus oil, or Canadian fleabane. (Citrus oil & Canadian fleabane contain d- Limonine which can kill fleas.)
Bathing
Bathe with a good, mild herbal pet shampoo formulated to bring relief and remove fleas and body wastes from the skin.
Only use shampoos meant for pets, not humans. (Human shampoos are often too harsh and may contain allergens that worsen a pet's allergic condition.)
Also, don't shampoo too often or irritation & dryness may occur.
About The Author: Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
|
|
|
RE: Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & Traditional Flea
Not all herbal remedies are beneficial either (belladonna anyone?). Garlic is toxic to cats (it causes anemia), cedar should never be used near rabbits or other small pets (long term exposure causes irreparable liver and kidney damage) and there are questions about the safety of d-limonine. Keep up on grooming and vacuuming; sweep Borax into the carpet a few hours before vacuuming (don't use salt, it absorbs moisture which may rot your carpet or encourage mildew growth). Any pet shampoo will drown the fleas, they just don't leave a residue to prevent new fleas from taking up residence. When you give your pet a bath, put a "collar" of soap around the neck before you get your pet wet to prevent the fleas from gathering on the head. Plant marigolds, chrysanthemums and fennel in your yard as natural flea barriers, and try to eliminate moist warm places (piles of leaves). Products that use pyrethrins come from specific chrysanthemums and are generally safe. Beware of acidifying your cat's water supply, this can change the acidity of the urine and lead to bladder stones. If you want to go all natural, speak to a homeopathic vet before trying some concoction at home.
Posted on 07/26/2004 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & Traditional Flea Bite Treatments
For years I have used no chemicals for fleas. We (pet and family) actually enjoy 'fleaing' our cat. We use a good flea comb and 2 containters of water, one big one with a couple of drops of soap in the water, and a clean small one for rinsing.
You have to move fast. Just keep the soapy water close to where you are working and plunge the comb in with the flea. Almost all of them will be around the neck and head, with a few around the tail area. Takes minutes. We try to do it twice a day. Even though our cat is always indoors, she still manages to get fleas but we start as soon as we see her scratching. Costs nothing, and works!
Posted on 07/26/2004 | Report Spam or Abuse
|
|
Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback (if you are a registered user). If you have not yet registered, click here to do so. It's FREE!.
|
|
 |
|
|
