Holistic Cat & Dog Flea Care

Implement holistic practices to keep dogs and cats flea free.

At one time, controlling fleas meant synthetic foggers, flea collars, chemical topical treatments or bathing with toxic shampoos. With a recent surge in declining pet health and unwanted side-effects caused by conventional flea treatments, many are seeking a holistic approach. Dogs and cats can be treated safely and effectively with holistic methods. Holistic treatments can be used to keep not only your pet, but yards and household's parasite free.

Considerations

Avoid using toxic chemicals on your pet.

Many conventional flea treatments contain the pesticide permethrin. It kills fleas and other parasites by paralyzing their nervous system. However, it cannot differentiate between an insect's, dog's or human's nervous system. Acute poisoning or long-term health problems may result from using pyrethrin or other synthetic pesticides. Avoid harsh and toxic chemicals which can cause illness to your pet or your family.

Holistic Treatments

Herbs are excellent for holistically controlling fleas.

Herbs can be used holistically as a powder, shampoo or in a flea collar. Eucalyptus, fennel, rosemary, wormwood, yellow dock and rue are natural flea repellents. Natural pyrethrum made from chrysanthemum flowers may be implemented as well. Blend any or all herbs together in a jar with a shaker top. Bathe animals with holistic shampoo containing citrus oils, bergamot, cedar, pine, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, juniper or geranium. Use a holistic flea collar containing herbal oils such as citronella. Holistic collar are safe unlike chemical flea collars which release poisonous nerve gasses to kill fleas.

Outside Care

Beneficial nematodes eliminate parasites from the yard.

Beneficial nematodes are worms that attack fleas and flea larvae. They safely and holistically rid yards of flea infestations. Nematodes eradicate flea populations by seeking fleas in the larval, pupae and pre-adult growth stages. These stages typically represent 95 percent of the flea population. The nematodes gain access to the parasite's body though any body opening and emit a bacteria inside the flea's body. The flea dies within 48 hours. Afterward, the nematode sheds its skin, reproduces within the body of the dead flea and the new offspring seek out remaining fleas and the cycle is repeated.

Inside Care

Vacuum and sanitize weekly.

Vacuuming eliminates up to 50 percent of flea eggs and is as effective at controlling fleas at the pupal stage as the synthetic pesticide permethrin. Vacuum at least once a week and preferably everyday during peak flea season, usually middle to late summer. Clean underneath furniture and sanitize pet bedding often. Throw out vacuum bags once a week to eliminate possible re-infestation from fleas within the vacuum bag. After vacuuming, sprinkle diatomaceous earth on carpets, furniture and pet bedding. Diatoms are prehistoric creatures crushed into a fine powder. These diatoms have extremely sharp jagged edges which slice through a parasite's exoskeleton causing dehydration and death.

Improve Pet Health

Feed a high protein diet to improve pet health.

Fleas seek out sick or weak hosts. A dog or cat targeted or infested by fleas is unhealthy. Poor-quality, over-processed foods full of preservatives and poorly digestible ingredients cause poor overall health in pets. Feed a high quality protein diet whenever possible. A raw meat based diet is best, but a grain free, high quality holistic kibble that is free from chemical preservatives can improve digestive health. A healthy pet is a less attractive host to parasites.

References

• flea Control Guide: Natural Flea Control
• thedailygreen.com: Natural Flea Control
• shirley's Wellness Cafe: Safe and Effective Natural Control of Flea, Ticks, Bed Bugs, Lice and other Pests