Fleas are a common pest in warmer climates and during the warmer months. Most dog owners are familiar with this formidable foe, and many succumb to the temptation to "bomb" their pet to try to reduce or obliterate an invading army of fleas. Because a vast array of chemical sprays, flea dips and smelly flea control collars are readily available, many people assume that chemical solutions must be the most effective.
Unfortunately, most people don't realize the extent of the chemical warfare in which they are engaging on their dog's fur and skin. It is possible to manage fleas naturally and effectively.
First, clear the battleground (your home and yard). Repeat this step often at the onset if you've noticed fleas.
Vacuum your house from top to bottom, even under carpets, rugs, sofa cushions, pillows, and mattresses... everywhere! Then immediately get rid of the vacuum bag by sealing it in a plastic bag or burning it. If you don't, you'll have supplied your "captives" with plenty of tasty fast food since fleas live on dust and debris until they become adult fleas-- you'll have aided the enemy instead of destroying it. Follow up with a light dusting of a natural flea powder or pennyroyal wherever Fido likes to relax.
Outside, sprinkle garden-grade diatomaceous earth over the lawn, under bushes and wherever you've got shady spots because these are all places fleas love to set up shop. When diatomaceous earth gets on fleas, it dehydrates and kills them. Reapply a week or so later. Plant some pennyroyal around your yard. This mint-like herb ground cover is easy to grow and naturally deters fleas.
Next, bathe your pup periodically using a natural dog soap with essential oils like pennyroyal, eucalyptus, citronella, rosemary or wormwood. If you leave the lather on for a few minutes, the fleas won't stand a chance!
Groom your dog daily with a flea comb, drowning any fleas you find in a glass of warm soapy water. The flea comb is the most essential tool in managing fleas and will eliminate adult fleas, larva and eggs that may be in your dog's coat.
Reinforce your strategy with an herbal collar or natural flea spray which contains essential oils. Just make sure to check with your vet before using an herbal collar if your dog is lactating or pregnant. This is an important step to help maintain a flea-free pup, especially if you frequent public parks, dog parks, and other areas that have lots of other pets present.
Another great tool for reducing fleas is to use a natural supplement that contains garlic, brewer's yeast or zinc, all of which help keep fleas at bay. Just don't feed your dog straight doses of garlic because too much can be toxic to dogs. Of course, a nutritious, natural diet is also essential for helping keep fleas at bay as pests tend to bother less healthy animals.
Why are fleas so tough to manage? It has a lot to do with their life cycle!
Adult fleas are just a small minority of the population (they represent about 5% of the total population), so if you see fleas jumping, there are probably many more, waiting to mature.
Adult fleas can jump 9 inches up or 5 feet sideways. They only eat blood and don't hang around their host unless they need to eat (they can last 2 months between meals!).
The adult female lays up to 20 eggs at a time, with a lifetime production of about 400 eggs. Most eggs are laid when it is warm and humid, and it only takes about a week for the eggs to hatch into larvae, which feed on feces, debris, hair and other organic matter.
The larva cycle lasts from 10 - 200 days. After which they spin a cocoon and pupate for 7 days - one year. The broad range exists because environmental conditions have a big impact. Basically, the warmer and wetter the conditions, the faster the cycle.
Amazingly, one pair of adult fleas can have 3 stages of offspring (egg, larva & adult) in your home for almost 2 years! That's scary!
Since the vast majority of fleas are eggs and larvae, to be the most effective in controlling fleas, the effort should be directed at the eggs and larvae, not the adult flea. Unfortunately, most commercial flea control products are focused on the adults; and the most typical method of ridding the dog of the adult flea is the use of toxic chemicals, which are poisonous and harm not only the flea, but also the dog, the family and the environment. The natural way, as always, is the best choice.
| Kathleen is the proud owner of Gretel, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, as well as an online source for natural dog food and gear, Global Dog Natural Pet Products. She leads an active and sustainable lifestyle and enjoys promoting natural & eco friendly alternatives for families and pets. Interested in more information for your naturally active dog? Check out http://www.globaldognaturalpetproducts.com |
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment