Slowly killing our dogs...........

[shandoggy1]

I don't and won't ever buy into these flea and tick spot on treatments because of the harmful and toxic pesticides that they are made with and the effects it can have on my beloved dog. I opt for natural preventatives. The thing that blows my mind is that some of these raw fed dogs who eat a natural diet get these harmful pesticides put on them every month (my dog eats natural organic kibble as well as home cooked meals ) I know most of us worry about what goes into our dogs belly's but what about what goes on them

“Spot-on” flea-killers are
effective, but the long-term
effects of their constant use is
unknown. In effect, our dogs
are test subjects that will
determine their safety.
*Basically our dogs are guinea pigs and lab rats for these products*

Read this article...http://www.apnm.org/publications/res...leachemfin.pdf

[KennelMom]

I've had ZERO luck with "natural" flea preventatives. The only thing that works are the chemicals...but I do use them sparingly - only in the months they need them. Considering our greys have gone to the bridge at 13, 14, 14 and 14 years old, I think we must be doing something right.

I know one racing person that uses a Bayer tree and shrub insect killer...the active ingredient in that is exactly the same as what is in Frontline, but a very small percentage of the price. Personally, I'm too worried about what the "inactive" ingredients are to use something like that on my dogs.

[calgal]

What kibble is natural organic? Have you toured the plant that makes it to see what all they use?
I agree with you about the chemicles people put on their animals that is so harmful. I keep plugging away at trying to get the message out there that they are slowly killing them.

[shandoggy1]

I have heard from several dog owners that this works very well!

*Here is a recipe that I cross posted from the ACD forum I am on *

Natural flea/tick repellent

Here's the recipe I have from some dog folks hot South Texas - people who use it say they've never, ever seen a flea or tick on their dogs or cats.

* Take a BIG fat lemon (the more rind the better) and slice it paper thin.
* Put in a bowl with a tablespoon of crushed rosemary leaves (or a
6 inch sprig of fresh).
* Pour a quart of hot, near boiling water over the lemon/rosemary mixture. * Let steep overnight.
* Strain and put into a large spray bottle.
* Keep in fridge.

Shake well before applying.

The lemon in this spray along with the rosemary oil will give your dog a beautiful shiny coat and keep fleas and other bugs away (including mosquitoes, so you get extra heartworm protection).

[Ritz459]

I use the Frontline plus on our dogs, but only during the summer months when ticks (never really had a problem with fleas) are everywhere. I normally only apply it to them once a year toward the middle/end of May and they are fine.
This summer I'm going to put Cedar woodchips in their doghouses...not only will it give them something to sleep on and make them smell all fresh and clean, it repells bugs.
And I'm not sure that it is damaging my dogs, as Blackie is twelve and Rose is eight, and they are both fit as a fiddle and ready to tackle even more years. Especially Blackie...normally Labs his age have a super-grey face and/or are starting to feel "fragile"...he is as tough as he was when he was six and there is barely a grey hair on him anywhere. The only thing wrong with him is the faintest arthritis in his knee and two fatty tumors on his belly.

[linnie]

I dont use anything unless we get a flea prob in the area, this year was bad.
I do agree however that the solution is probably worse than the problem.
This year I ended up using lavender on Annie and it finally got rid of the rotton fleas.

[shandoggy1]

Linnie, I have heard that the lavendar works well! I just made my first batch of the rosemary and lemon and it has made Caiza's fur so soft and shiny and I can't forget how nice it smells. I have a friend who has been using the rosemary for years as a natural repellent and swears by it!

[trainingrixie]

The lemon/rosemary mixture sounds delightful! I'm going to make some up for the girls. Is it okay for cats too? I'm assuming it is considering its just rosemary and lemon.

[shandoggy1]

I would assume myself that it is safe for the kittys to!
Did you see the recipe?
Here's the recipe I have from some dog folks hot South Texas - people who use it say they've never, ever seen a flea or tick on their dogs or cats.

* Take a BIG fat lemon (the more rind the better) and slice it paper thin.
* Put in a bowl with a tablespoon of crushed rosemary leaves (or a
6 inch sprig of fresh).
* Pour a quart of hot, near boiling water over the lemon/rosemary mixture. * Let steep overnight.
* Strain and put into a large spray bottle.
* Keep in fridge.

Shake well before applying.

The lemon in this spray along with the rosemary oil will give your dog a beautiful shiny coat and keep fleas and other bugs away (including mosquitoes, so you get extra heartworm protection).