Spring Checklist for Pets

Heartworm
Heartworm is a serious parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Because the control of mosquitoes is difficult, a preventative treatment program is important. The first step is to stop by the office for a heartworm test to verify that no heartworms are already present. The Animal Wellness Center will then help you choose an appropriate prevention program.

Lymes Disease
Lymes Disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick and can also be quite serious. Several options for discouraging ticks are discussed below. Due to our exceptionally mild winter you should consider vaccinating for Lymes Disease or begin a tick prevention program.

Fleas
Fleas are more than just an itchy nuisance. They can spread tapeworms, and in cases where dogs are allergic to the bites, they can cause a skin condition known as flea bite dermatitis. Although the market is flooded with flea control products, most contain dangerous and toxic chemicals.

Getting fleas to flee and ticks to leave
We've covered this topic before (see Natural Flea Control) but today we'll make a few more suggestions. There's no shortage of flea and tick control products on the market-- foggers, shampoos, collars, dips and spot treatments. But many of these contain dangerous chemicals, which in large doses can cause breathing problems, tremors, vomiting and a whole list of other symptoms. Fortunately, there are some very effective alternatives.

The first thing to consider is the overall health and diet of your pet. Good nutrition along with plenty of exercise and fresh air are essential in building resistance to pests and diseases. You can help by adding nutritional yeast and garlic to your pet's daily ration. This changes the way the animal's skin smells and tends to discourage pests. Depending on the size of the animal, 1 to 3 teaspoons of yeast, and 1/2 to 3 cloves of grated fresh or the equivalent dry garlic are recommended. Start with smaller doses to make sure the garlic and yeast are agreeable to your pet's system.

Regular bathing, grooming, combing with a flea comb and the use of repellents are very helpful in preventing flea infestations. Rising Sun Animal Wellness Center carries several ready made products, including Cloud Nine Herbal Dip, and Natural Cat & Dog Flea Collars. The Wellness Center also has recipes available for making your own repellents using herbs such eucalyptus, rosemary, and citronella oil.

If you already have a flea infestation, the repellents will help, but will not stop the life cycle of the flea. If you have a mild problem you can shampoo your pet weekly with our favorite nontoxic VIP Shampoo, which contains the citrus ingredient d-limonene. Or you can try the “Lemon Skin Tonic” recommended by Dr. Pitcairn in his book Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. To make the tonic, thinly slice a lemon, including the peel and let it steep for several hours in 1 pint of almost boiling water. Sponge the solution over the entire skin area of the animal and let dry. This can be repeated daily.

Wash the pet's bedding in hot soapy water once a week and vacuum regularly, being sure to change the bag (preferably outdoors) after every use. You may also consider using borax or diatomaceous earth on carpets, hard floors and outside areas. These products dry the flea eggs and prevent them from hatching. Although diatomaceous earth is nontoxic, you should wear a mask when handling it and don't allow your pet to breathe it. The tiny particles can be irritating to nasal and bronchial passages. DO NOT use the diatomaceous earth sold for swimming pool filters, as this is ground even more finely and can cause chronic lung inflammation.

Steam cleaning your carpet is another effective way to kill flea eggs. If the infestation is is really out of control we suggest Frontline, a topical treatment containing Fripronil, which is available either as a spray or spot application. Fripronil disrupts the nervous system of fleas and ticks, and stays effective even after exposure to shampoo. Frontline will kill all the fleas and ticks within 48 hours. It provides 1 month of flea protection, and up to 3 months of tick protection. Fripronil collects in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the skin, and then continually coats the hair shaft, providing long lasting control.

Remember that fleas eggs are slippery and long lived. Roll up bedding on the way to the washing machine, and when using a flea comb, keep a bowl of hot water on hand for drowning the little buggers. Vacuum in all the hard to reach places, and use a sheet for your pooch’s car rides that gets washed afterwards. Keep the lawn mowed short so the sunshine penetrates down to the soil. And most of all, don't get discouraged. Your diligence will pay off, and the use of alternatives with keep you and your pet healthier and happier.

How to find us

Top | Home | Staff | Services | Products | Links