Ref: http://animalcare.my/2012/04/06/always-read-the-labels/
Ref: http://animalcare.my/2012/04/07/please-read-the-labels-part-2/
A reader was very concerned and worried after reading the above two posts, so she called to ask if there were alternatives to using chemical flea control.
I said I’d read up as much as I can and share whatever I’ve found out, but before I do, kindly take note of the disclaimer for this post:
Disclaimer: Whatever is written below is just a sharing. Please consult your veterinarian for professional advice.
Now, here goes:
1. The safest way to get rid of fleas in a pet is to use a FLEA COMB. This can be purchased from any petstore.
2. Try essentials oils like cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, lemongrass, orange, peppermint, pine needle, rosemary, sage or tea tree oil. Mix 1/8 teaspoon of any one of these with 473 ml (16 ounces) of liquid castille soap for use as a natural flea shampoo. DO NOT APPLY THESE OILS DIRECTLY ONTO THE SKIN.
3. Getting rid of adult fleas may not address the problem as the flea eggs would still be around. Use a vacuum-cleaner to suck up the flea eggs. It works. Websites like readyresearch have an enumeration on their websites, listing the best pet vacuums.
4. Fleas generally attack a weaker pet. So, the fact that our pet has fleas may be an indication that it is not in very good health. Take care of our pet’s immune system by giving it more nutritious food (read: home-cooked food, if you ask the holistic people).
Experts from pest control Morwell recommend you to fumigate your home regularly to prevent infestation of tick and fleas that can affect the health of your pets.
From Dr Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (2005), Pg 126:
It is a common observation among veterinarians that the animals in poorest health attract the most fleas. So, the problem is not just the presence of the fleas. It’s that we have weakened our pets to the point where fleas can take advantage of them. Moreover, our excessive use of vaccines, antibiotics and cortisone-like drugs has created severe allergy problems so that many pets cannot tolerate fleas at all.
And on Pg 127:
I recommend building up your animal’s health and resistance as much as possible through a healthy diet and lifestyle. Along with that, it is important to practise thorough sanitation and cleaning.
A reminder when using chemical products to control fleas: If any medication is harmful to you, it is harmful to your pets.
And here is something else, some sources say garlic is toxic to cats and even dogs. But some pet nutritionists says it is good for them. Hence, another ongoing debate…
The argument for garlic: Extracted from Andi Brown’s The Whole Pet Diet, Pg 80:
We all know garlic has numerous beneficial properties. It’s used to treat everything from the common cold to cancer, but more importantly for pets, it stimulates digestion and boosts the immune system. It is rich in protein, vitamins A, B1 and C, and essential minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and selenium. It also contains 17 amino acids. When used in the right proportions, it is a natural antibiotic and it is recommended by every holistic veterinarian I know. Why? Because vampires aren’t the only bloodsuckers this flavorful bulb repels. It helps control intestinal parasites, including tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms, and repels the bane of some pets’ existence – fleas. It is also an excellent antifungal agent.
The argument against the use of garlic: http://jennifercopley.suite101.com/onions-garlic-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs-a196013
Please do more research and decide wisely.
To garlic or not to garlic, that is the question.