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Fleas,
Ticks, Worms
Natural Approaches to Dealing With Pesky Fleas
Natural Approaches to Dealing With Pesky Fleas
Learn how to use natural home remedies to protect your
dog from fleas
by Deena Caruso
contributing writer
July 26, 2004
Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & Traditional Flea
Bite Treatments
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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. )
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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
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.
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Herbs
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Add a pinch of garlic powder to food.
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Add apple cider vinegar to your pet's water.
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Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon dried Nettle onto your pet's
food (helps to reduce allergic response).
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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.
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.)
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.
- Deena Caruso
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural
pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets.
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