Green Your Pet Care – Getting Rid of Fleas naturally and inexpensively
As you calmly stroke your pet’s fur, you glance down just in time to see a small black bug jump onto your hand. Yuck! Fleas! Did you know that for every one flea on your animal, there are probably 30 of them in your pet’s favorite places…on the carpet or the furniture or even in your bed?
Once fleas are inside your house, getting rid of them is no small task. A single flea can lay up to 60 eggs per day. Each flea has a lifespan of 90 days, but the larvae can hibernate for up to one year without food.
Is your normal response to buy a flea collar? Many flea collars have insecticides and other ingredients in/on them that are dangerous to humans. The warning labels say such things as “avoid contact with eyes” and “keep out of reach of children” (as though children can resist pets). Why would you want to court disaster by putting this on your animal?
To rid your pet and home of fleas takes more effort than just buckling on a new flea collar. Believe it or not, simply keeping floors free of clutter and vacuuming regularly are the two best methods for preventing flea infestations and keeping the house flea-free.
Maintaining your animal’s health is another prevention, because fleas are more likely to prey on pets with weakened immune systems. Be sure their diet is a healthy one.
There are natural and non-toxic methods for removing the fleas from your pet’s fur, which, if they become habit, are great for prevention and maintaining a healthy family, furry and otherwise. Physically removing the fleas with a soapy comb (they drown in the soapy water) is considered the best way. Bathing is another alternative, if your pet will tolerate it. A mild soap will work; special flea shampoos are not necessary.
Beware of many herbal remedies like essential oils, as certain animals, especially cats, may develop skin irritations or have severe allergic reactions. Internal remedies like garlic tablets may have some effect on dogs, but garlic is toxic to cats! Whether you’re choosing a “natural” flea treatment or a “conventional” one, it’s best to discuss treatment options with your trusted veterinarian first.
If your pet is allowed outdoors, you will need to protect your yard and garden, too. Be sure to mow regularly so the sun can reach the soil. A layer of cedar chips along the fence acts as a repellent, and believe it or not, don’t kill every ant in your yard, as they eat fleas. There are also non-toxic desiccants like boric acid powder or diatomaceous earth (food grade) that can be sprinkled in the yard or garden. These are non-toxic to humans and animals, although they may cause dry or irritated skin with direct contact. The diatomaceous earth is also a good slug repellent, so you get a two-for-one green solution there!
You see, getting green often entails simple, more affordable solutions. Having a safe and pet-friendly green family is easier than you may have thought, and you can get started with these and many other green ideas by taking the free quiz at Going Green Today!
Category: Green Homes, Healthy Living
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Linda, I am loving reading your blogs here even though they don’t directly apply to us since we don’t have pets. They are very informative, and perhaps I can pass the info onto to friends that do have furry friends. You are extremely knowledgeable and well-informed, and express yourself beautifully! And yes, you have definitely had an influence on me, making me more green-conscious
I look forward to reading future blog posts that I can personally put into action.
Glad you’re enjoying them, Debbie. Never fear, there will be more topics besides pets. And feel free to use the handy-dandy “sharing” buttons at the bottom of the blog to spread the info to friends and family who you think might be interested. I love the color Green! How about you?