My last post talked about taking care of your pet from one end to the other. Most of us hope that’s all we ever have to worry about. Unfortunately sometimes there are health issues that concern us. Fleas and ticks may be a nuisance, but they also carry diseases that can affect you pet.One of the best ways to treat these concerns is with a natural solution or preventative care. Just as with humans, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Some of the solutions below may surprise you, but they are proven to work – just ask Annie!Flea CareToo many soaps and sprays are toxic to the animal and the environment. Consider more natural solutions to problems like combating fleas the natural way by frequent and thorough vacuuming (disposing of the vacuum bag afterwards), bathing and combing your pet often, using herbal flea repellents such as pennyroyal, and adding garlic and brewer’s yeast to your pet’s food. All Natural Pet has some great natural products for flea control. I use their Brewers Yeast tabs for Annie, my loving spaniel. She thinks it’s a treat and gobbles them downGroomingSome natural home products can also be used on pets. Shaklee’s Get Clean products are safe on pets. Its H2 concentrate can be used to wash the dog and for flea baths. Additionally, Shaklee products are completely safe for them to walk on (wet or dry) without risk of damaging their liver or other internal organs.MedicationsToo many medications aren’t good for Fido anymore than they are for you. Many homeopathic remedies used on humans can be used on pets. Flower essences work on the emotional, mental and psychological aspects of health. And since pets don’t have the ‘inner skeptic’, the flower essences usually work quickly and easily! There are many sources online. Some vets also treat pets holistically. I have used a pet chiropractor for adjustments and acupuncture for my dog instead of surgery (as recommended by a traditional vet).So truly what’s good for you is good for your pet. All it takes is a little focus on how to shift your shopping and regular practices to accommodate these new habits. Not only will the earth be better off because of them, so will your pet.For more on the above ideas, check out these posts:Ready to save the planet? Post your green intent and blog about your green successes and struggles, tagging your posts "greener life." We may feature your post in this series!Doreen Pollack owns Down 2 Earth Gardens, a garden consulting business in Phoenix, AZ. She is also a Permaculture practioner, author, speaker and educator.
Puppy image by xobellefemme via Flickr
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