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FLEE, FLEAS!!! |
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Walk down any street in
this town and one is likely to see a dog busy scratching or chewing. Fleas are most likely the culprit causing
so much distress. But, fleas cause
more than distress. Flea ridden
puppies are very likely to be anemic!
Many dogs build up an allergy to the saliva and only one flea bite can
send them in to frenzies of chewing often resulting in “hot spots” – raw
patches of skin with secondary infections.
It is said that the itch can become so bad dogs have chewed holes in
their legs and tails - and worse. Traditionally people race
to the pesticides (flea collars, spot ons,
shampoos, etc.) to give their dogs relief from the bothersome pests and,
frankly, there may be times that is necessary but, there
are other, much safer ways to proceed.
.Let’s look at some alternative methods of control. It may surprise some but
the very first place to begin controlling parasites – not just fleas! – is
with diet. The healthier a dog (or
cat!) is, the better the immune system, the more likely she can resist being
attacked by these dreadful critters. Food with ingredients free
of hormones and pesticides is just a beginning. Feed what your dog is meant to eat – fresh
meat and RAW bones. Totally avoid cheap commercial products
which are most likely to contain colorings, sugar, chemical preservatives and
most certainly no high quality sources of meat.* It is said that these ingredients
(colorings, chemical preservatives, etc.) contain toxins which are secreted,
at least in part, through the hair follicles and can exacerbate skin problems
including flea bite dermatitis. Supplements worthy of
consideration for any diet include salmon or flaxseed oils. They are full of essential fatty acids that
promote healthy hair and skin. A clove
of fresh garlic added to your dog’s diet at least several times a week build up the immune system and may
even generate an odor offensive to fleas!
(Use caution with cats! They
are more susceptible to a form of anemia caused by damage to red blood cells
associated with garlic and onions. Try brewer’s yeast instead.) Groom your dog (and cat!)
frequently. Dead hair and mats give
fleas a lovely home in which to hide and breed. Dogs are at a serious disadvantage in their
attempts to kill those critters buried deep in a mat.*** Daily grooming is probably ideal with long
haired dogs but grooming at least every other day when dealing with any fleas
is a must. Get a flea comb and use it. Flea combs are useful only for adult fleas,
of course. Give special attention to
under the arms, groin area, and base of the tail. Regular bathing if you
build up lots of lather and leave it on for 10 minutes minimum will kill
fleas – it smoothers them. First make
a ring of lather around your dog’s neck so fleas do not all run to high
ground. Then progress so that the
entire body of the dog is covered in lather of a high quality proper canine
shampoo. Flea-repelling shampoos will
contain oils such as lavender, rosemary, tea tree, mint and citrus. Since fleas and their
various life forms do not spend all their time on dogs you must treat the
environment. Vacuum**anything that can
be reached by your vacuum cleaner daily,
wash anything that can be laundered at least weekly and sprinkle cedar
shavings, lavender seeds or eucalyptus
leaves in and around areas frequented by the dog. Unprocessed diatomaceous
earth (not the pool type) can be sprinkled in cracks, corners of floors and
even on carpets to kill fleas. Keep
gardens free of flea breeding grounds:
accumulations of leaves, brush, cool shady areas – fleas do not like
sun! Keep in mind that when you
resort to chemically based products that your dog AND you are exposed to
these chemicals. It may be a way to
start to get control but please reread this article for the very best ways to
have a flea free critter in your home. *The protein count comes
primarily from grains – dogs did not evolve to eat grains! Cats
must have meat for health!!!! **Good use (maybe the
best?) of a flea collar is to cut off a piece of it, place in the vacuum
cleaner bag and toss bag the whole shebang. ***When dogs successfully
kill fleas they often ingest fleas and they will very likely ingest tape worm
eggs!!!! H |