Holistic Flea Treatments?

Question

With chemical /pesticide flea treatments such as revolution, program, atvantage etc. causing so many health problems ( ie cancer, liver failure etc.) in dogs and cats . Can anyone recommend a holistic aproach to not only killing off the fleas but also repelling them?

Thanks Barb for the answers . Next question though is where do I get the
Damascus earth?

Answer 1

Penny royal, southern wood, wormwood, alecost, and lavenders, are natural flea/insect repellents and can be grown around the kennel, or dried and put under the animal's bedding.
Damascus earth in a powder form can be brushed into the coat to kill off the fleas that are there. (It is very old seashells that are crushed up). The grit dries out the fleas without harming your animal, even if they lick it off.
Natural pyrethrum powder can be used the same way. (keep away from fish, is poisonous to fish), but do not use a concentrate or oil.
Collars with certain oils on (eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender) can make your dog unattractive to fleas, as can dog washes containing these. Some animals have sensitive skins so patch check the animal first.
Keeping the area around where the animals live flea free keeps them flea free for longer too.

****Thanks to wont_eve for the correct spelling. But as to why do the Companys spend that much money on insecticides, the answer is simple. Some people want a 3 second fix and don't care what sort of poison they have to use to affect that.

Answer 2

The holistic vet in my area (certified, with a list of degrees a mile long) uses Revolution in her practice. Says any of the supposed natural remedies are significantly more dangerous to cats than either the fleas or the Revolution. In any case, healthy animals can get fleas too. Cats get fleas due to them being in their environment, not because they are in poor health. A healthy cat does not 'repel' fleas. If fleas are present - and they can be present indoors as we bring them in on our shoes and clothing - an indoor cat will get them as well. Get a safe flea treatment like Revolution or Frontline Multi for your cat, and your cat will be protected against both fleas, mites, and heartworm.

Answer 3

Fleas are a major pest. There are various species of fleas - cat fleas, dog fleas, rat fleas and rabbit fleas.
You can get rid of them by the safest and cheapest methods like boric acid.

Answer 4

This one is very easy & cheap! Garlic, you can either use the pill form or raw cloves...most dogs like the raw cloves. I would use at least one clove a day for 2 weeks..depending on the size of dog..bigger dogs use 2-3 cloves....Yep it really works!