Comments on: book excerpt: make your own herbal flea powder!

By: Paulette

Paulette — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 17:37:37 +0000

I am wondering if this can be sprinkled onto carpet; let set for 15 minutes; then, vacuumed up. If that would do anything to flea investation? I thought of mixing up the powders (I know where I can get herbal powders) and then sprinkling it into our carpeting. But, then, i am afraid the dogs will sniff if up their noses as they do around the house sniffing things, like they always do. I wonder if used this way would be a bad idea because of this. Just wondering how to get rid of them in the carpeting. I vacuum; but, the vacuum can’t get them all. And, what herb would be a suitable substitute for pennyroyal? How about cedar?

By: Liz

Liz — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:27:00 +0000

I have had absolutely no issues with using this recipe for my pets. This is for preventative measures and not for when your pet has already been severely infested.
I have had my doubts with pennyroyal in the past. After doing my own research with trials, it is not toxic in very small amounts be it powder or a DILUTED essential oil.
For those I have made this powder for, I substituted peppermint or sage for the pennyroyal if that has been a concern. I will most certainly NOT use pennyroyal in any form on my cat due to their finicky grooming.

By: Percolator

Percolator — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:16:35 +0000

I had no idea about the size and reproductive capabilities until my cat got a dose last year. Tried washing her in a special soap that did no good. We finally went to the vet where she applied a chemical on the upper-mid back. I guess the oil moves around the cat or maybe the fleas always pass that area (?). Either way – it worked. 1 year without fleas.

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:11:12 +0000

Is this workable for cats, too?

By: Andrea Bryer

Andrea Bryer — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:49:40 +0000

I use frontline or advantage on my kids. It works! I also found I can use advantage on my hairless dog! I totally agree with Brandi! I like natural for my pets too… My Briard will scratch herself silly though for weeks after one flea bite. Florida is full of fleas! My vote is keep them comfortable! Does anyone however know of a “natural” yard spray or powder of some sort for fleas that would be safe to use around horses pasture? Thanks!

By: shelterrific » Blog Archive » five things we learned last week

shelterrific » Blog Archive » five things we learned last week — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:15:49 +0000

[...] 1. Killing fleas, whether done so with herbs or medicines, is no laughing matter. Brandi, a veterinarian from Seattle wrote in and said: “If you are worried about chemicals on the pet’s coat use an oral medication like program. These products also help reduce environmental contamination with flea eggs and larvae thus producing a flea-free home and yard. The flea products out there now are amazing and have really helped reduce the number of pets and humans that are literally sick of fleas.” See our post from the book Eco Dog on making your own natural flea powder here. [...]

By: Brandi

Brandi — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:04:30 +0000

I am a veterinarian and just thought I would weigh in. Not all natural remedies are safe and effective for pets. Pennyroyal can be toxic because it is a nonspecific toxin. Flea products are created to kill fleas specifically and have very little side effects for our mammals. Products sold by vets have been shown to be safe when dosed at large overdoses (20x recommended) even when ingested. If you are worried about chemicals on the pet’s coat use an oral medication like program. These products also help reduce environmental contamination with flea eggs and larvae thus producing a flea-free home and yard. The flea products out there now are amazing and have really helped reduce the number of pets and humans that are literally sick of fleas. Living in Seattle I used to see flea-anemic kittens and animals tearing up their skin because of fleas all the time. Since the new flea products this is a rare occurrence. While I am not against alternative medicine, natural does not always mean good. Hey fleas are “natural”.

By: Cat

Cat — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 02:15:44 +0000

I will definitely mix a batch and give it to my Yorkies. We also tried an all natural tick (and I think flea) liquid that you put on their back and so far it has worked great. I like the idea of the powder as it won’t leave that greasy look on their coat. Since the pennyroyal is powdered and not oil is should be okay.

Will definitely check out their shop next time I go Pine Hill/Margaretville area.

Hugs!!

By: Angela M.

Angela M. — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:15:13 +0000

Thanks for weighing in, Jim. Your book is gorgeous and full of great advice and ideas.

By: Mary T

Mary T — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:08:01 +0000

Hey, all — looks like the writer of the book weighed in — be sure to check out his post above.