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FACTS ABOUT FLEAS
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Dealing with scratching that’s caused by fleas is another common doggy problem that we face. No matter where you live or what weather you’re having, FLEA problems are always there to greet you. Although some may think of it as a minor problem, it should be dealt with properly and with caution. According to some sources, Fleas can be a source of both irritation and disease. Dogs and cats scratch constantly when heavily infested, resulting in soiled and roughened coats and, sometimes, in nervous conditions.
The most serious effects occur when a pet develops an allergy to flea bites. As few as one or two bites can cause severe itching and scratching in allergic pets. Fleas that have fed on rodents may transmit diseases, including plague and murine typhus. For this reason, avoid close contact with wild rodents such as squirrels, rats and prairie dogs. Their fleas can bite you and may transmit disease.
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TREATING YOUR DOG
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BATHING
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Your pet’s first line of defense against fleas is a flea comb and a good bath. Soap acts as a gentle insecticide and helps control light infestations on your pet. Though time consuming, combing helps reduce the need for insecticides. Flea combs have fine teeth that remove adult fleas from fur. Most dogs seem to enjoy this treatment; pay special attention to the face and neck, and the area in front of the tail.
Dip the comb frequently in soapy water or an alcohol solution to kill fleas removed from the pet.
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NATURAL OILS
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There are nature’s repellants that can ward off fleas. Most common ingredients are citronella, cedar, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and lavender.
Essential oils are specially formulated to repel fleas and ticks without using insecticides. They are great for misting your dog’s legs any time that you go out where fleas would be likely to be found. They are a repellant, not an insecticide, though. They can be found at most good health food stores.
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SPOT TREATMENT
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Spot Treatments are the new front line in the flea battle. Applied only once a month, some will actually repel a significant number of fleas.
This is a great benefit to the allergic pet that cannot tolerate even one bite. The best will also help prevent re-infestation by rendering the
fleas unable to reproduce. If you plan to use this process I suggest that you visit for vet before buying a spot treatment product.
Remember more expensive is not always more efficient. So, because you asked for it, here are some homemade concoctions that can help your dog overcome some ailments. But before starting, let me just remind everybody that these homemade remedies may help your dog but it’s still highly advised that you seek help from your vet.
Here we go…
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FLEA REMOVER
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DISHWASHING SOAP
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Any brand of dishwashing liquid soap is a good flea remedy for dogs. Dishwashing liquid soap contains certain oils that kill any fleas
hiding in the dog’s fur. It doesn’t dry the dog’s fur out, like some other flea shampoos.
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LEMON
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A natural flea eliminator is lemon. Slice a lemon. Pour boiling water over it. After letting it sit overnight, spray the water on the dog.
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BLEEDING
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Apply pressure right away. If this does not stop the bleeding, fasten a tourniquet close to the wound and between the wound and
the heart. Go to the vet immediately!
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FOR SOME DOGGY SKIN AILEMENTS
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* Dab with milk of magnesia to calm irritated skin.
* Aloe vera from plants and creams. Apply gel directly on the spot.
You can also dilute with water, put it in a spray bottle and spray it on the spot.
* Dab with organic apple cider vinegar
* Apply a mixture of baking soda and water to the affected areas.
This also helps soothe itchy human skin in case you, too, have a sting, rash or poison ivy.
* Petroleum jelly or Bag Balm use either to seal in moisture. Also
excellent for chaffed paw pads.
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SUNBURN OR MINOR BURN
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If your pet gets a burn or sunburn, see your veterinarian. You can bathe the pet in an oatmeal-type bath or with Aveeno. Apply towel soaked with cold water soaks or an ice packs for 20 minutes. Wash gently with mild soap, clipping back hair if necessary. Blot dry, then apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin. You can protect the area by gently taping gauze dressing around it or wrapping in a dry towel.
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CHEMICAL AND ACID BURNS
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Flush chemical burns with a lot of fresh water.
Apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not place an ice pack directly on the skin. Instead, wrap the pack in a light towel or cloth.
Neutralize acid on the skin by rinsing with a solution of baking soda and water. Neutralize alkali with a weak vinegar-water solution.
Blot dry, apply antibiotic ointment and tape gauze dressing loosely around the affected area. Olive oil can also be applied. See your vet.
For more serious burns, wrap the burn in a soft, clean cloth or towel, treat for shock, and go immediately to the vet or emergency animal hospital.
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RINGWORM
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Cleanliness is key to prevention and treatment.
First, wash bedding in hot water and bleach. Use bleach to clean wherever you can, and discard brushes, combs, beds and toys that could lead to re-infestation. Treat the affected animal with an iodine-based shampoo, followed by an anti-fungal cream on the infected parts. Sometimes lime sulphur dips are used. Sometimes oral medication is also prescribed for severe cases. Since ringworm can continue to live in the spore stage for many months, an animal who does not have active spots could still have a flare-up. Most ringworm infections in dogs are self-limiting unless the animal has immune system problems or metabolic diseases such as diabetes, or are on steroids. See your vet for treatment guidance.
Again, let me remind you that although these homemade cures can help your dog, it’s still advised that you seek the help of your vet.
