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Hey, Katie K-9!KatieK9@readthecitizen.comwww.KTK9.com 651-429-5433 |
Hey, Katie K-9!
Last year my Carin Terrier, Rufus, had a severe reaction to one of those products that you put on their backs to kill fleas and ticks. I almost lost him. I have heard you talk about eliminating the use of chemicals on dogs. Can you give me some natural ideas to help control fleas and ticks?
Thanks You,
Connie and Rufus
Connie and Rufus
First of all, thank you for looking into other ways to repel fleas.
Did you know there are 1900 known species of fleas? The most common is the Cat Flea, which will feed on cats, dogs, squirrels, and most species of animals, including humans.
Fleas become resistant to chemical use over time.
The toxic chemicals we use against them just build a better flea at considerable cost to our pets and environment. When you read the back of the package (wear rubber gloves, do not inhale, no contact with skin, dispose of as hazardous waste), don't you wonder why we are putting this on our best friend? When you and the kids pet your best friend, where do you pet him? Where all the chemicals are. Poisons are a short-term remedy and can cost our pets their lives over time. Their livers have to process all the toxins out of their systems.
So why do our vets sell them? Because we buy the products and create the market. Let's create a market for doing it naturally.
Buy a bandana - choose what fashion statement you want to make - and cut it in half.
Go to a natural health store that carries natural oils. Oils that repel fleas and ticks are: pennyroyal, eucalyptus, or cedarwood. Put 2-3 drops on the bandana, then place it in a Ziploc bag and let it set for 24 hours before tying the bandanna around the dog's neck.
I make four bandanas at a time, so when one starts losing its smell, I have the next one ready while I wash the old one.
A pinch of garlic powder over your dog's food daily also helps repel pests. To repel pests from your home, garden and pets naturally, get the book "Tiny Game Hunting," by Klein & Wenner.
Flea collars are only good for your vacuum bags - vacuum bags are a flea's heaven! Cut them into quarters and place one in your vacuum bag. Place the other quarters in a Ziploc bag and use one with each new bag. A good flea program includes washing your pet's bed weekly, vacuuming weekly (don't forget under the furniture and the couch cushions). If your pet's coat is healthy and shiny, that will help repel pests. Pests love flaky dry skin.
Here's to going natural and healthier!
Katie K-p!
Hey, Katie K-9!
I HATE ticks! Do you have any ideas on how to keep them off of me and my pets? Any ideas on how to get them off ? I HATE touching them!
Tina
Tina
Ticks are pretty hardy, unfortunately. If you are taking your dog into heavily-wooded areas, use a tick collar (Zodiak or Victory are the better ones) and leave it on for one hour aft er you get back, then place it in a Ziploc bag until you need it again. Do a tick check daily with a good flea comb.
Most ticks are under the chin, around the face and ears, and in the dog's armpits. The skin is thinner there and the ticks can get a hold easier. The flea comb will also catch deer ticks.
Keep a glass with rubbing alcohol handy so as you comb through and find them you can place them in the glass. As for getting the ticks off, you can put Vaseline around the tick. Be sure to get close to your pet's skin, as this will suffocate them and they will fall off in a day. Soak a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol or gin and rub it around the base of the tick. This will kill them but this will sting your pet.
The old wives' tale of being sure to get the head out so an infection does not develop is false. The deeper the tick burrows in, the more chance of an infection. After you remove the tick, put hydrogen peroxide on the area twice a day for a couple of days. Your pet will have a scab or bump there for a while, but all should be fine. The sore heals from the inside out.
If you are in an area with an exceedingly high tick problem and you feel a need to use chemicals, regular Frontline is the only one I recommend.
As for not touching a tick, I hope you have a good friend or partner.
Happy ticking!
Katie K-9!
The Katie K-9 radio show is now on every Sunday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m. on FM107.1 Send in your dog questions to "Hey, Katie K-9!" by mailing them to The Citizen, P. O. Box 393, Hugo, MN 55038 or e-mailing them to Katie at KatieK-9@ReadTheCitizen.com. Check out KTK9.com.