An abundance of flea and worm treatments exist on the market, however, an increasing number of pet owners realize the high level of poison that these treatments bring into their homes and look for an alternative cure. Likewise, many of the so-called natural products on the market contain hidden unnatural products, such as pesticides. Pet owners uncomfortable with these products can turn to natural dietary changes and essential oils.
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Diets
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Advocates of the natural diets argue that commercial pet foods are full of additives that make the animals more enticing to internal parasites and fleas. Advocates further argue that a natural diet, free of preservatives and additives, will strengthen the immune system and boost levels of antioxidants, which work as natural repellents towards many types of insects, including fleas. These diets typically consist of meats (chicken, lamb, beef), rice, and vegetables.
Garlic
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Garlic has been used to treat a host of veterinary conditions, according to Dr. Lisa S. Newman, founder of Azmira Holistic Animal Care. Garlic is reported to both treat and prevent internal parasites and fleas in animals ranging from turtles to horses to dogs. Convenience, as well as reported efficiency, plays a role in the preference to garlic; the substance can be administer in raw clove form, in garlic powder, or through specifically flavored garlic treats available from the pet store. Raw garlic should never be used in cats, as it has been proven to be toxic to them.
Controversy
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Garlic is in the same family of plants as onions, which cause a fatal condition known as Heinz factor anemia, when given to dogs and cats. This condition is brought on by the chemical thiosulphate and causes the red cells to burst. Discrepancy and disagreement exist over whether small doses of garlic will have the same effect as onion. Newman, while acknowledging that the Animal Poison Control Center of the ASPCA considers garlic toxic, argues that garlic does not contain large enough quantities of thiosulphate to cause Heinz factor anemia in dogs.
Yeast
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Nutritional yeast or brewer's yeast can be added to an animal's food and will work as a deterrent to both fleas and worms. Yeast, like garlic, changes the taste of the animals' blood, when given over a prolonged period, and makes fleas particularly adverse to biting. Unlike garlic, yeast can be given safely to cats.
Natural Oils
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Natural oils, such as tea tree oil, neem oil, flaxseed oil and walnut oil are recommended for use as natural methods to remove fleas. Some natural oils can be applied to the skin while others can be applied to the animal's food. Again, this method should never be used on cats, as essential oils can build up in the cats system and ultimately cause a fatal toxicity.
Warnings
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Like humans, our pets can develop allergies to any of the natural cures offered. This is particularly true if the animal is exposed to larger quantities of the natural product offered. When treating the animal, watch his reactions carefully and look for any signs of obvious discomfort, vomiting or pain. If the animal exhibits signs of a reaction, take her to the veterinarian immediately.
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