Parasites
By Shari Mann

Most pests and parasites respond well to natural treatments. Prevention can also be handled from a holistic approach. In general, most Wellpet members feel that an animal in optimum health and receiving premium nutrition is not as great a risk for parasites as less healthy animals.
Question: How can I control fleas naturally?
There are several approaches to preventing and/or dealing with fleas naturally, beginning with the environment and extending to external and internal treatments of your pet.
Question: What can I do inside the house?
Good housekeeping is paramount. Daily vacuuming is highly recommended, with special attention paid to cracks and crevices, and hidden spaces in your upholstered furniture. In addition, some people recommend Flea-busters borax treatment (Do NOT attempt to cut corners by using laundry borax) or diatomaceous earth (Do NOT use pool-grade DE).

Question: What if I see fleas on my pet?
Daily combing with a very fine flea comb will remove most fleas. Dip your flea comb in soapy water to kill the fleas you catch by this method. Natural flea shampoos and powders or sprays help topically, as do the new growth regulators. (Be advised that there are proponents on both sides of the use of these products).

Question: What can I do outside to prevent fleas?
Putting out repellant plants such as basil, marigolds, or pennyroyal will help around kennel areas. If your environment is not overly dry during the summer, you might want to try nematodes, which feed on flea larvae on the ground.

Question: What can I do nutritionally to prevent fleas?
Nutritionally, a variety of supplements have their champions. Some prefer garlic, others extra B vitamins or brewer's yeast, and still others swear by ACV.

Question: Should I worry about worms?
The next most common concern is worms. There are several herbal worming formulas available. Some members recommend ground green pumpkin seeds, garlic, black walnut hull extract, grated carrot, fasting and castor oil, or a combination of the above. And, though fecal exams may show a false negative, if no parasites show up under the microscope, the consensus is, don't worm your animal.

Question: What about heartworm?
The third parasite of concern is the heartworm. Depending on your location, they may or may not be a problem you need to consider. If they are prevalent in your locale, you will probably want to use some preventative. Again, there are proponents pro and con the monthly heartworm medications. Some prefer the daily heartworm medication, others forego the treatment altogether and use a heartworm nosode. Most concur that it is preferable not to use the monthly product that contains a wormer in addition to the heartworm formula.
One standard recipe that I have copied here is this:
Does anyone know of a good insect repellant that isn't dangerous and works? Avon Skin so Soft doesn't seem to do it..any suggestions?

Best thing I know as a topical repellant is to make your own.

Slice a lemon, put it in 1-1/2 cups of boiling water; cover it and steep it (let it sit) for 10-12 hours.(IN A GLASS CONTAINER) Strain out the lemon. You can increase the quantity as needed (I don't know how many dogs you plan to do).

Wet a cloth or sponge with the liquid and rub it over the dogs; get them wet on top, but not sopping. I never do the tummies or under the chin, but would if I had a hairy breed.

Shari Mann

Some links:

Bio Flea Halt!
(http://petvetsupply.com/cat-health-care-flea-and-tick-control.html) nematodes
The Complete Book of Flea Control (http://www.4fleas.com)
Canine Worms (http://www.canismajor.com/dog/worms.html)