Attack of the Flea – Summer is Coming
Since summer isn’t far away, I felt that I should get everyone prepared. Growing up in South Florida the three predictable visitors were fleas, hurricanes and mosquitoes. We had terrible problems with fleas. Our dogs would itch and itch all day long. We’d bath them with flea soaps on a regular basis but it was a constant battle. Now, with two dogs of my own, it’s a totally different story.
You may think that I’m going to discuss the wonders of modern flea and tick killers. Actually the solution to our flea problem rests in where we live. It may be hard for many to believe, but there are actually places where fleas just don’t survive well.
Fleas love humidity and moisture which is something we don’t have much of here in San Diego. My wife used to wonder why our dogs were so itch free (she grew up in Northern California). Upon doing some research for my web site, I came across the striking fact that fleas can’t survive without moisture. Their shells are just too fragile and they dry up. Eggs need relative humidity of 70-75 percent to hatch, and larvae need at least 50 percent humidity to survive. In humid areas, about 20 percent of the eggs survive to adulthood; in arid areas, less than five percent complete the cycle.
Although the flea problem to some may be or sound trivial, it certainly isn’t. If you’ve ever seen an animal infested with fleas, it can be a heart wrenching experience. The pain and misery they go through is horrible. One of the sad parts of the problem is that owners will go through utilizing severe poisons with total abandon to eliminate the problem. To some degree it is understandable but it is also dangerously naïve.
Toxic substances or poisons kill. There’s really no way around that issue. Having a dog ingest, either orally or through the blood stream via the skin or respiration, a poison will have negative consequences. Because problems aren’t immediately apparent doesn’t mean they will never step to the fore. Information is coming to light that the leading flea prevention products are being linked to some serious health problems.
So what do you do if you have serious flea problems but do not want to become addicted to products like Frontline or Advantage (which I think are amazingly effective but also toxic products)? First, always use the least amount of any chemical, pills, or poisons possible (obviously consult your vet and use your own discrimination for all treatments and issues).
Second detoxification is absolutely vital. The problem with chemicals is that they stay in the system and aren’t eliminated or processed. This is because the organs (such as the liver and kidneys) are overloaded by the foreign chemistry. It is analogous to getting honey out of a jar. The honey sticks to the jar despite all the shaking, tilting, scraping, etc. You have to flush the jar out for the honey to get completely out. The same goes for any animal that has experienced chemical exposure. The chemicals must be flushed from the system and eliminated (usually through bowel or urine but can also be through their skin, ear wax, nostrils, etc). Fortunately, there are several method and products for detoxification that can assist in the elimination of unnecessary chemicals and toxins.
Third, improve elimination and diet. Eating as healthy as possible is critical at all times but especially when undergoing extreme chemical stress. Eating healthy means one thing for all animals, human or pet. It means healthy chemical free, no herbicides, no pesticides, free range, and raw foods. For dogs that means raw meats, bones, vegetables, fruits, and some grains. Processed foods are not good. There is no way to say it more clearly. More “vitamins”, “minerals”, and fillers do not make foods healthy. They actually give the impression of health where little exists.
Fourth, utilize natural alternatives. There are several natural flea control products. In combination, they provide assistance in reducing the difficulties. For example, garlic not only helps rid dogs of fleas but it also helps your dogs immune system. Brewer’s yeast is a great source of amino acids and Vitamin B as well as a good flea fighter. A very little known, but ancient, flea fighter is neem oil. I recommend everything from neem soap to oils. Other natural products that assist include comfrey, citronella, pennyroyal, eucalyptus, and borate (powder good for carpet treatment). Two options that work well for healing are homeopathy and Chinese herbs.
Fifth, cut the humidity. Fleas survive on humidity. This option can be virtually impossible if your dog or cat is an outdoor pet. For indoor pets, you may want to utilize a dehumidifier and get that humidity to as close to 10%-20% as possible. You’ll be stunned by the results and your dog may come to love your dehumidifier more than you.
With summer on its way, the fleas will be too. However, with proper planning you can put a serious dent in the misery they cause you and your pet.