Richard Allport B.Vet. Med.,Vet.M.F.Hom., M.R.C.V.S.

Healthy adult cats and dogs with good immune systems rarely suffer from fleas, in my experience. To keep your pet free of fleas, therefore, keep your pet healthy! This means paying attention to:

Diet - Avoid processed food as much as possible; feed a diet of fresh food, preferably containing raw meat and bones.

 

Lifestyle & Environment - Ensure your pet has exercise appropriate to the breed and doesn’t become obese. Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, aerosol sprays and other household chemicals.

 

Medicines - Avoid frequent vaccinations, worm treatments and other conventional medications. Use natural alternatives where possible.

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In addition to the above, there are natural remedies that can help ensure pets stay free of fleas:

If you know or suspect that your pet has a large number of fleas, it is best to use a conventional flea treatment advised by your vet. The following remedies help keep fleas away, but will not cope with a severe flea infestation.

Garlic – either as fresh raw garlic, or as garlic tablets. Dose as follows



Because it is possible (though difficult) to overdose with garlic, it is recommended to give the regime shown above with breaks. One week on, one week off, is a safe dosage.

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Give one single tablet each week. Do not give garlic on the day the tablet is given. Give tablets away from food, by mouth directly, and avoid touching tablets of possible. For pets that are difficult to medicate, the tablets may be mixed with a little bland food (e.g. butter or white fish), but at least half an hour away from a main meal.

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This is a natural substance that can be sprinkled on floor surfaces to kill fleas and flea larvae. It is non toxic to pets, but fish tanks must be covered while it is applied, as it can be toxic to fish.

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Add three drops each of Lemon, Rosemary and Lavender essential oils to 150ml water, and comb this mixture through the coat daily during the ‘flea season’ (late Spring to early Autumn). This acts as a natural flea repellent.

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If you think your pet may have picked up fleas, but are not sure, look for signs of itching and scratching, or frequent licking of the skin. Search through the fur for any signs of adult fleas (small dark brown insects that run rapidly through the fur) or flea droppings (these look likes bits of grit amongst the fur, and will turn reddish brown if dampened on wet cotton wool).

Please note this advice is the view of the Natural Medicine Centre and your own veterinary practice may offer different advice regarding flea treatment.

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Richard Allport B.Vet. Med.,Vet.M.F.Hom., M.R.C.V.S. and Associates

The Natural Medicine Centre
11 Southgate Road ~ Potters Bar ~ Herts ~ EN6 5DR
Phone 01707 662058 ~ Fax 01707 646948