COMMON ISSUES THAT PLAGUE PETS!
FLEAS!
Nasty little buggers that are quite difficult to get rid of at times. Would you be surprised to know that a flea can jump 100 times its own height? Would you be surprised to also know that just one female flea will produce 20,000 eggs in a period of only three months?' Would you be surprised to know that it can take anywhere from three to six weeks for flea eggs to hatch? They can hatch at will from vibration due to clothes dryer, foot steps, doors closing, heat, etc.! YUCK!!
Some natural alternatives to pet prescription drugs that may be helpful are listed below:
1. Add Garlic to your pets meals on a daily basis.
2. Add Sulphur to your pets diet once a week.
3.Black Walnut Hulls (capsule form) will repel not only fleas but also, ticks and mosquitoes.
4. Use herbal shampoos that contains a combination of any of pine cedar, bergamot, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, juniper or geranium. There are some commercial flea pesticides that are Geranium based. While beginning the bathing process keep the fleas from running to your dogs head. They will head for the highest point away from the water. Prevent the fleas from escaping to the neck area and head build a soapy barrier around the neck that will catch the fleas attempting to climb. Fleas are very difficult to kill so be sure to leave the shampoo on for at least 10 minutes while lathering the soap into the animal's fur. Be sure to watch for the ones that will jump onto the sides of the bathtub.Keep in mind most prescription medications even, do not work immediately which can make a four to six weeks period not uncommon for these items to be effective. Be sure to start this early in the Spring prior to the tick and mosquitoes season sets in. It will help to prevent heartworm, lyme disease etc.
House infestations of fleas:
1. Diatomaceous Earth: It works against all insects and parasites. There are a couple of web sites that suggest using Diatomaceous Earth in your pets food as well as topically to control, fleas, roundworm, tapeworm, and even heartworm. It also touts being an effective odor neutralizer. The pet consumes it and the waste product from the pet has less smell! Sounds like miracle stuff. We are actually going to give it a try here in the Rescue.Use the following recipe:
Mix together 1 1/2 pounds of diatomaceous earth, 1 1/2 pounds of natural borax and 1 cup of salt for the extermination of the house and surfaces.
2. Nematodes-Buy a few million nematodes in the Spring and let them loose in the back yard. They are voracious little creatures and will make quick work of flea eggs-not to mention they will control grub worms.
NOTE: POOL GRADE D.E. IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE SILICOSIS (scarring of the lungs similar to asbestos poisoning) The only safe D.E. to use is natural pulverized or ground D.E. that can be found in plant nurseries and food storage shops. This D.E. has NOT been superheated, a process which creates fine threads of silicone glass which makes it a better filtering product, but makes it dangerous to handle or breath. Flour grade D.E. is meant to be used in granaries as a bug and egg deterrent and is fine enough to mix with flour. The Regular D.E. can be spread on carpets, or the cracks between wooden floors. Plan on not vacuuming for a while(at least a week) in order to allow the D.E. to cut up and dry up the little buggers, and be prepared for a little dust to be produced for a short while as you walk on it. Combined with Advantage treatment it should take of all the fleas for the rest of the year.DRY FLAKY SKIN
Important Food Nutrients:
1. For many years, pet owners have given fatty acids to their dogs and cats to change a dull, dry hair coat into a more glossy one. More recently, veterinarians have found that fatty acids play important roles in other areas of skin and coat health such as allergies, the control of inflammation, joint health, and the function of other body organs in dogs and cats. the Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids are essential.
TICKS
DISCLAIMER: Nothing written on this page is meant as a substitute for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by this web site. Only your Vet knows your Pet.
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