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

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.

By: HazelStone

HazelStone — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:24:10 +0000

I second folks questioning the effectiveness of this. We tried every natural remedy we could when we had a bad outbreak for our four (!!!) cats a few summers ago. Nothing worked. We had to have them all flea shampooed by a prefessional and then sprayed the whole house, vacuuming constantly. Then we washed all the fabric in the house.

I hate saying this, because I LOVE nontoxic solutions but fleas are WAY beyond these remedies.

By: laila

laila — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 21:56:51 +0000

I also lived through a terrible infestation and the only thing that really worked was using a flea comb twice a day, washing all bedding daily, and washing floors daily. For the yard (if you think your pet is picking up fleas from your own yard - very likely if you have a flea problem) diatomaceous earth will kill the fleas by slicing up their exoskeletons.

I would consult an herbalist who works with animals before starting herb-based therapies. Pennyroyal can be very toxic to the liver in humans and animals.

Also notable: while most essential oils are fine for dogs, they can be deadly to cats.

Along with lots of vigilant cleaning and combing, pyrethrin shampoo was what helped us turn the corner.

Good luck to all who will battle fleas this summer!