Chemicals that act as poisons are strong enough to kill fleas, but the long term effects on pets are unknown, although they are probably not safe to use. (Employees manufacturing these products must wear protective clothing and use respirators. Plus, the product labels warn against skin contact. So,if the chemicals are potentially harmful to humans,they are probably not the most healthy product for pets. )

Prednisone & other corticosteroid drugs used to give relief from flea bites help to stop itching & inflammation. But, they also suppress a pet's immune system and have possible long-term side effects: water retention, liver or thyroid damage, hypertension, obesity, & heart attack.

Healthy Alternatives

Strengthen your pet's immune system:

Eliminate food allergens from the diet, and supplement the diet with a well-balanced essential fatty acid (EFA), probiotics (bifidus & acidophilus) & digestive enzyme supplements. EFAs help to make your pet less attractive to fleas, and digestive supplements carry nutrients throughout the body & help to breakdown & remove waste materials that may lead to food allergies.

Herbs

-Add a pinch of garlic powder to food.

-Add apple cider vinegar to your pet's water.

-Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon dried Nettle onto your pet's food (helps to reduce allergic response).

-Add to food or squirt into pet's mouth a low- alcohol liquid tincture of Dandelion Root, Burdock Root, or Red Clover (helps eliminate wastes & supports immune system).

-For severe flea bite allergies (red, inflamed, itchy skin), licorice serves as an anti- infammatory. Also, an aloe juice can help to heal & to relieve itching. Directions: Add one cup aloe juice to 4 parts water. Pour the cool liquid onto affected areas of your pet's coat.

Environment Treatment

Since fleas spend 80% of their time in the pet's environment, not on the pet, apply herbal products to your pet's environmental areas (bedding, etc.). Look for products that contain extracts and/or oils of eucalyptus, citronella, juniper, cedar, citrus oil, or Canadian fleabane. (Citrus oil & Canadian fleabane contain d- Limonine which can kill fleas.)

Bathing

Bathe with a good, mild herbal pet shampoo formulated to bring relief and remove fleas and body wastes from the skin.

Only use shampoos meant for pets, not humans. (Human shampoos are often too harsh and may contain allergens that worsen a pet's allergic condition.)

Also, don't shampoo too often or irritation & dryness may occur.

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Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products. Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets.. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com. deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665