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Post by Nancy & Polly on Apr 26, 2013 22:31:26 GMT -7
Has anyone found an herbal remedy that actually works? I hate putting that poison on my animals, but fleas are no good either.
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Post by doxiemom6 on Apr 27, 2013 10:03:20 GMT -7
Thank you, all, for your input. I think I will go ahead and have the titer drawn before I do anything.
I wanted to ask if anyone has used any of Dr Karen Becker's organic products. She is a holistic wellness veterinarian and I've been following her for a couple of years on the internet. As with everything, it ultimately is our decision as good furbaby parents, to do the best for our "kids". But I've always used Frontline and now, after seeing what Wienie has gone through,I want to take every precaution - whether scientifically founded or not- to avoid chemicals. Dr Becker's site has primarily been informative and interesting but I've not bought anything from her. Anyone else tried her flea/tick products?
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 27, 2013 12:12:10 GMT -7
Simple bath with sudsy lather will drown fleas plus a bath allows you to more easily check your dog head to tail. Frequent body checks and using a flea comb is a must. It is the eggs in your home that will hatch and start the cycle all over again that need to be also killed. I used to live in Tampa, Florida so I have had "the" battle with fleas. It took me a year to rid my home, my fenced-in yard and dogs finally from fleas. It was a matter of weekly baths, daily flea combing and regular carpet attention to do it. More work, but to me highly preferable to using toxic poisons on my dogs. The other option I can recommend is to move to NW Montana. We have no fleas in this cooler climate. So I may be a bit out of date on natural flea products and hope others will chime in. I hope some of the ideas in these articles will be of help to you. Some non-toxic options to consider: healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/natural-flea-and-tick-control.aspxvitalanimal.com/non-toxic-flea-control/Preventing Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes by Michael W. Fox, DVM: tedeboy.tripod.com/drfoxvet/id154.html |
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 28, 2013 9:19:35 GMT -7
I plan to try Dr Becker's flea and tick remedy and will research her website on that and also a non toxic heartworm preventative. I subscribe to her newsletter and have for quite a while and respect her opinion on many issues.
We only have to worry about fleas and ticks during spring and summer out here in Indiana unless we have a mild winter which wasn't the case this past winter.
Will keep you all posted on what I think of her flea and tick spray and how Tyler gets along on it.
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member 
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294 
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 28, 2013 10:18:37 GMT -7
I've always used K9 Advantix due to fleas being Very bad in our area, and deer being very close to us, but really want to get away from the toxins..Do you have a link I can read up on this Dr Becker, if not, I can google it...Thanks Pauliana..  Never mind, I see it's the one I have been reading...duh! |
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 28, 2013 12:09:51 GMT -7
Hi Debbie!
Tyler was on Trifexis, which is a tablet with flea and heartworm preventative, only in the spring and summer but am not wanting to have him on it any longer due to the neuro toxins and his IVDD. Our Vet wants him on it year round.. Not willing to risk it. There has got to be a better way!
If you come across anything that you think is worth checking into be sure and let us know and I will do the same.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 28, 2013 12:38:15 GMT -7
Dr. Becker explains how heartworm products work Excellent reading for owners who want to know: snipurl.com/22evge5 [Dr. Becker on heartworm prevention] A few years ago, the American Heartworm Society's web site published the following information: "Laboratory studies indicate that development and maturation requires the equivalent of a steady 24-hour daily temperature in excess of 64 F (18 C) for approximately one month. Intermittent diurnal declines in temperature below the developmental threshold of 57 F (14 C) for only a few hours retard maturation, even when the average daily temperature supports continued development.” As a result, heartworm disease is not only geographically limited, but also seasonally limited. Since that time, they have removed the 64F (18C) reference, and the current information available from the same web site is thus: "As these vectors expand their territory the number of unprotected animals infected will continue to increase. A pivotal prerequisite for heartworm transmission is a climate that provides adequate temperature and humidity to support a viable mosquito population, and sustains sufficient heat to allow maturation of ingested microfilariae to infective, third-stage larvae (L3) within this intermediate host. It has been shown under laboratory conditions in three mosquito species that maturation of larvae within mosquitoes ceases at temperatures below 57ºF (14ºC) and similar activity is expected in other mosquitoes capable of transmitting heartworms. Heartworm transmission does decrease in winter months but micro-environments commonly present in urban areas virtually ensure that the risk of heartworm transmission never reaches zero. Some species of mosquitoes overwinter as adults. While heartworm larval development in mosquitoes may cease in cool temperatures, development quickly resumes with subsequent warming." www.pawsitivevetcare.com/heartworm-in-the-okanagan.php |
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Post by Pauliana on May 8, 2013 9:48:16 GMT -7
From djaustin: I found this..I know everyone is ALWAYS looking for "natural" remedies for fleas and such, I haven't tried these yet, as we haven't had the need, but I'm going too, if anyone else does, I'd like to hear some feedback. I do know that Dawn original dish soap will kill fleas DEAD, if your pet is infested. So here's the link for the other I mentioned: everydayroots.com/flea-remedieswww.ehow.com/way_5608181_homemade-tick-repellent-recipe.html |
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Post by Pauliana on May 8, 2013 9:52:38 GMT -7
A bath using Dawn does kill fleas on a dog. It's a great emergency defense. One day two years ago our cousins brought their dogs over and got Tyler, who was flea free, infested. I had a major battle on my hands and first thing I did was bathe him with Dawn and that worked to start with. The Frontline flea preventative that I had him on at the time didn't work. I had to rid the house of the fleas using natural methods because I have Parakeet and have to be careful about putting toxins into the air. Birds are 90% lung and air sacs. I used Peppermint oil Castile soap by Dr Bronner mixed with lots of water in a spray bottle.. His Eucalyptus oil soap works too.. His products are available in health food stores and some supermarkets. I use this for ants too. Plus the house smells good! www.drbronner.com/ |
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 15, 2013 5:24:53 GMT -7
I have had a lot of success using Diatomaceous Earth. It's a fine powder that you can use to treat your yard, home and pet bedding. You must use the Food Grade type - not the kind used in pool filters. You can even rub it into your pet's fur - just be careful not to make a cloud of dust for them to breathe. It might irritate their nose and throat if they breathe it in. But it's safe - people even eat the food grade type for certain health benefits. vetmedicine.about.com/od/parasites/a/Diatomaceous-Earth-For-Flea-Control.htm |
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Post by RustysMom on Nov 10, 2013 18:19:02 GMT -7
I also use Diatomaceous Earth. I am lucky in that I don't have a huge flea problem though, so I can't really vouch for whether it is effective in areas with big flea issues. Be sparingly when putting it directly on the dog though, it tends to dry their hair and skin out pretty badly if you use too much. It really shouldn't take much though
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Post by sianrees on Dec 20, 2013 8:13:29 GMT -7
i use the flea repellant, wormer & vaccine from herbal pet supplies on facebook, it's also where i get the joint & mobility powders for dai from.
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Post by nyoung6 on Apr 19, 2014 4:58:58 GMT -7
My 5 year dachshund who was diagnosed with IVDD last year is having a terrible reaction to advantix. I gave him the treatment on Monday & his ears have been flicking & twitching non stop. I called the vet & she said to bathe him with dawn dish soap. They have only slightly improved since Wednesdays bath. Any other dachshund parent experience this? I feel so bad.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 19, 2014 8:49:21 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. We are friendly group and just go by first names. My name is Paula what is yours? All meds are poisons whether taken orally or applied externally. They have the potential to cause reactions. Some can be mild and temporary. The touted low percentage of adverse reactions though will seem like 100% if it happens to your dog. We encourage all owners to research each med before use to know all potential reactions to monitor for and what actions to take. Very easy now a days to Google "name of med" + "adverse reaction" You may be interested in this discussion on our Forum on ways to avoid neuro toxins for pest control on a dogs born with a neuro disease (IVDD) dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/300/ |
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Post by Kelly & Bob on May 7, 2014 13:44:21 GMT -7
Paula, are there any links to literature about neuro toxins and neuro diseases?
nyoung6, I have used K9 Advantix for years without issue, but only in the summer/Fall. I had to use it after I had a bad 3-month battle with fleas on my dog and in my home. Frontline did not work. The vet told me that different suspension formulas can be absorbed differently by dogs skin, so that some flea treatments work well for some dogs and not others. Also, some dogs can react to the ingredients obviously. But like I said, I never had any issues.
Also I think Frontline is overused in my area and the fleas are resistant. I live near a river and my town has lots of stray cats, and as a result lots of fleas that I cannot control. I have tried herbal things, everything from Diatomaceous Earth to brewer's yeast, to spraying Dawn soap on my lawn. Nothing really worked :/ I used to use Sevin pest granules on my lawn. They are food safe, but it's still poison. They worked, but my dogs tend to eat the grass so I didn't want to use them anymore.
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Post by John & Marley on May 7, 2014 16:05:42 GMT -7
Paulina, are there any links to literature about neuro toxins and neuro diseases? nyoung6, I have used K9 Advantix for years without issue, but only in the summer/Fall. I had to use it after I had a bad 3-month battle with fleas on my dog and in my home. Frontline did not work. The vet told me that different suspension formulas can be absorbed differently by dogs skin, so that some flea treatments work well for some dogs and not others. Also, some dogs can react to the ingredients obviously. But like I said, I never had any issues. Also I think Frontline is overused in my area and the fleas are resistant. I live near a river and my town has lots of stray cats, and as a result lots of fleas that I cannot control. I have tried herbal things, everything from Diatomaceous Earth to brewer's yeast, to spraying Dawn soap on my lawn. Nothing really worked :/ I used to use Sevin pest granules on my lawn. They are food safe, but it's still poison. They worked, but my dogs tend to eat the grass so I didn't want to use them anymore. Is there no Animal Control in your Town ? A Feral Cat population can get way out of control. I had two Ferals try to have litters on my Porch a few years ago... |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
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Post by PaulaM on May 7, 2014 20:59:58 GMT -7
Kelly, topical flea medications are all neuro toxins and somehow using those with a dog that has a neurological disease which is what IVDD is. In my mind just doesn't seem like a good idea at all. It is always a good idea to look up the active ingredients in a product for yourself. I used to live in Florida and know well the big battle it is to get rid of fleas. It took me almost two years of constant carpet vacuuming with quick disposal of bag and lawn treatments. Daily combing with a fine comb to get rid of fleas and washing bedding to finally be flea free. A fenced in backyard kept most flea carrying critters out. I take it you have seen this thread on the fea topic? dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/300/ |
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Post by Kelly & Bob on May 8, 2014 10:12:05 GMT -7
Paulina, are there any links to literature about neuro toxins and neuro diseases? nyoung6, I have used K9 Advantix for years without issue, but only in the summer/Fall. I had to use it after I had a bad 3-month battle with fleas on my dog and in my home. Frontline did not work. The vet told me that different suspension formulas can be absorbed differently by dogs skin, so that some flea treatments work well for some dogs and not others. Also, some dogs can react to the ingredients obviously. But like I said, I never had any issues. Also I think Frontline is overused in my area and the fleas are resistant. I live near a river and my town has lots of stray cats, and as a result lots of fleas that I cannot control. I have tried herbal things, everything from Diatomaceous Earth to brewer's yeast, to spraying Dawn soap on my lawn. Nothing really worked :/ I used to use Sevin pest granules on my lawn. They are food safe, but it's still poison. They worked, but my dogs tend to eat the grass so I didn't want to use them anymore. Is there no Animal Control in your Town ? A Feral Cat population can get way out of control. I had two Ferals try to have litters on my Porch a few years ago... Hey John, nope, there is no Animal control in my town unfortunately (I actually called borough hall and they told me to buy traps myself, yikes). It's a suburban/urban area and there is also a large number of residents who have indoor/outdoor cats (who also have fleas). They leave nice little treasures in my mulch that my dogs love to eat  Thanks Paula, yes I did check the thread and see now that it's moved . When i was dealing with fleas for months, I tried every kind of alternative method I could think of (rubbing DE in fur and spreading into carpets, brewer's yeast tablets which actually gave my frenchie a yeast infection in his ear, vacuumed religiously, clove oil spray bug repellants that my dogs HATED the smell of. I never did garlic because that is absolutely toxic to dogs. Not sure why it's recommended though). None of these worked in the slightest either and I was absolutely going mad. I was terrified we had to bomb the house because we actually had flea bites on ourselves. I can't believe you dealt with that in Florida. How did you not go insane? I don't think I'd have the stamina to do that for 2 years. I stopped short of ordering nematodes for my lawn, because even if I control my lawn, I realized cannot control other environments they frequently come in contact with, like when we're out on a walk, or they are boarded, or when we go on vacation. They can come in contact with fleas in all those locations and they bring them home. Or the neighborhood cats can all jump my fence and bring them back in, which they probably do. I'm in PA and it's tick heaven, and I'm near a river and a wooded area, so the mosquitoes are just absolutely awful. The Advantix II worked on all 3 so I was happy with is. I have never witnessed any adverse reactions with Advantix II on my dogs. Now I'm really getting worried though, especially now that I know one of my dogs has IVDD. Sentry makes a topical treatment called Natural Defense with the following ingredients: Active Ingredients Peppermint Oil 3.00% Cinnamon Oil 4.50% Lemongrass Oil 4.50% Clove Oil 5.00% Thyme Oil 5.00% Other Ingredients - (Vanillin, Isopropyl Myristate) 78.00% I never used it, but once when I was buying the Sevin flea granules for my yard, a man at ACE hardware told me to use that (the Natural Defense herbal topical) on my dog instead of getting the lawn treatment. He said he used it on his dogs and it seemed to work, but it makes them smell "like a christmas candle" (his exact words!). Sentry doesn't have a great track record as a pet company, so I never attempted to try it. If any members could chime if they used it, or on another commercially available topical, I'm all ears. I did start using a yard/mosquito fogger called EcoSmart that helped A LOT with the mosquitos, and had my neighbor recommend using huge outdoor incense sticks which I'm going to try this summer. Unfortunately these 2 options only work for flying insects and not fleas. |
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Post by Kelly & Bob on May 8, 2014 10:21:27 GMT -7
Oops! Paula, I'm reading through your Mercola link from the top of the thread and I think the Natural Defense topical oil is similar to the one that they sell. Hmm. I would be very interested in reading any members' experiences with these or similar products.
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Post by John & Marley on May 8, 2014 12:44:56 GMT -7
So no Animal Control. So if your dogs ran wild and peed on their lawn and pooped on their yards they would call the cops on you or raise Holy Hell. Whats wrong with that picture. But they can let their cats out and roam on your property and ruin your garden and leave poops for your dogs to eat and get sick from not knowing what diseases they may have. I called my animal control and they said they can lend me trap but it was a 4 week wait on the list , they lend them out for a week at a time. So I went out and got traps my self. If a owner of animal doesn't control their animal its FERAL and trespassing . Buy a trap and relocate the Ferals some 20 miles away from you. Since my county wouldn't do anything for me, I trapped them and found a Park across a river over 20 miles from me and let them free there. I do suggest getting a industrial size garbage bag to put the trap with cat in it before you put it in your car so what critters they have on their bodys stay in the bag and don't get loose in your car, then trash the garbage bag and put the trap back out for the next trap guest. when your done with the trap wash it with hot waster and put it away for when you may need it next. Here is a link to tractor supply for the traps I got. they are not pricey and work well.
www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/catch-and-release-live-animal-trap-pack-of-2
GFA Catch and Release Live Animal Trap, Pack of 2
$34.99
Its a hassle and annoying that you have to clean up after lazy neighbors but people are rude and inconsiderate and I don't like putting TOXINS in my yard or on my dog.
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Post by Nancy & Maisy on Apr 28, 2015 19:54:23 GMT -7
I have been using Sentry Natural Defense [Active Ingredients: Peppermint Oil 3.00%, Cinnamon Oil 4.50%, Lemongrass Oil 4.50%, Clove Oil 5.00%, Thyme Oil 5.00%] on my doxies for a few years with fairly good success. It works well if I treat both the dog with it and also put an entire tube's worth in my vacuum cleaner bag on a couple of cotton pads (I always save the cotton from inside of supplement bottles, etc., for this purpose). Maisy was scratching at the beginning of this disc episode and I really wanted to get the fleas under control so that she wouldn't be moving so much. I actually applied the Sentry ND a couple of days before her diagnosis and she stopped scratching a couple of days later. So, at least here in the Seattle area it's working well. My husband likes the smell and while I don't love it, it's not a bad smell; kind of like a pine scented potpourri.
One word of caution; I wouldn't try it for the first time if your dog is having a disc episode! My dogs hate the smell of it and they run and roll and rub right after it goes on, doing everything they can to get it off. Try it when they're not having an episode and keep them crated so they can't go crazy with the running and rolling. |
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Never mind, I see it's the one I have been reading...duh!
