Over at the Paw Print Post blog at USAToday.com, the section's editor asks a vet to shed some light on natural remedies for pets. Look out for more on the natural pet health category in the May issue of ihr!
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Vet advice: How to go natural on pet flea and tick treatments
11:09 AM
Readers of this blog raised questions in the comment section of several posts last week on the Environmental Protection Agency's announcement about spot-on flea and tick treatments.
Some readers wanted to know what natural remedies exist that might be safer than the treatments outlined by the EPA to have caused deaths in small dogs. I turned to veterinarian Shawn Messonnier for some answers. Messonnier is the author of several books including The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats.
Question: Why not use spot-on agents (Frontline, etc.) and flea collars?
Answer: They are unnecessary for most pets, contain chemicals that can last in the body for a long time, and can cause side effects.
Q: What natural alternatives are safe to use on dogs?
A: Organic shampoos/sprays/powders containing neem, citrus oil, etc.
Q: Do cats require different natural treatments than dogs?
A: No but make sure the product you are using has been tested on cats and is safe for cats.
Q: Are there any outdoor treatments that are safe/green to use in a pets yard?
A: Absolutely! The best one to use is beneficial nematodes, which are microscopic worms that eat fleas including the resistant cocoon stage of the flea life cycle which no chemical can kill.
SOURCE: content.usatoday.com
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