Fleas and worms are common ailments of cats and dogs. Fleas can quickly multiply and get out of control if not detected and eliminated, and worms can cause health problems and even death if not treated. Although animals can easily contract fleas and worms, good hygiene and health care are necessary to take good care of pets. While there are strong chemical applications and medications commonly in use, natural remedies are available as a safer and gentler application for animals and humans alike.
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Steam Cleaning
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If you find a flea infestation in your pet's bedding or in an area of your home, immediate action is needed to get it prevent it from spreading and to eliminate it. Flea dirt, brown or black specks in bedding, on flooring or on pet's skin means fleas. Bedding should be washed or discarded and the area steam cleaned, including carpeting and couch and chair cushions. The animal should be bathed as well to rid fur and skin of live fleas. For mild flea problems, a good initial cleaning may eliminate the problem without further action.
Supplements
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If fleas are bad, supplements should be given along with conducting the hygienic measures of cleaning bedding, the environment and bathing the animal. Garlic, sulphur and black walnut hulls are available in capsule form and can be added to animal food to treat external fleas as well as internal parasites such as worms that may result from coming into contact with fleas.
Herbal Shampoo
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Herbal pet shampoos containing rosemary, eucalyptus, citronella or pine cedar are effective for killing fleas on skin and fur without strong chemicals. They are available from pet supply stores, online and catalog sources, or can be made by adding these herbs to mild baby shampoo.
Diatomaceous Earth/Borax/Salt Mix
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A mixture of 1.5 lbs. of food-grade diatomaceous earth, 1.5 lbs. of borax (not from a pool supplier) and 1 cup of salt, applied to the areas of bedding and environment, will kill fleas. Apply the mixture to the infested areas by spreading it where fleas and flea dirt are seen, in corners and cracks, in carpeting, and leaving it for a couple of days then vacuuming it up.
Wormwood Tincture
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Wormwood tincture, made into a tea or used in capsule form, is an effective de-wormer for animals and humans. It can be mixed in with food for animals or taken as a pill or tea by humans. Worms will be expelled in feces and animal droppings should be cleaned up and removed to avoid reinfestation.
Ground Pumpkin Seeds
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Ground pumpkin seeds are also an effective and mild de-wormer. Use by sprinkling on food for several days. Worms will be expelled. Good hygiene methods are necessary to avoid reinfestation.
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