Be Aware of What You Put On & Near Your Pet

Continued from March 2014 holistic newsletter

Fleas, flies, and other pests can be a big problem and many pet owners use products with chemicals in them.  These products can cause lethargy, stomach conditions, skin problems and even death.  Yes some animals can “tolerate” it better than others but that does not mean there are not long term effects.  Remember chemicals weaken the immune system at minimum.  And “natural” products like pyrethrins and citrus based can be toxic to cats and other pets.

  • Consider our Pest Busters spray to help keep fleas and ticks off of your dogs.  It’s made with essential oils.  Learn more about essential oils in our April 2012 newsletter in the archives.
  • You can also consider creating your own aromatherapy blend for your dogs and horses from oils of your choosing such as eucalyptus, lemongrass, cedarwood, citronella and clary sage. What is the best way to know what oils you should use on your animals and how many drops of each oil?  Muscle testing!   If you do not know how to muscle test, we offer an instructional ebook that teaches you how to do it on people and animals. 
  • If you are looking to prevent OR treat fleas, diatomaceous earth (DE) works wonders.  You always want to use food grade.  You can get it online or at your local pet or feed store.  You can sprinkle this all over your pet’s coat.  The diatoms kill the fleas.  Just avoid each of you breathing it in while you are dusting.  (See below for info on using DE elsewhere.)

Now let’s take a look at what you put around your animals. 

Inside your home can lurk many dangers.  Think about their paws that go over a variety of surfaces in your home.  Not only can they absorb things through their skin but also they often lick their paws and body.  Take a close look at what you are cleaning your carpets, floors, countertops, laundry, etc. with.  Ingredients such as ammonia, bleach, chlorine, formaldehyde and glycol ethers can cause all kinds of health problems such as anemia, kidney problems, liver issues and yes, cancer.

There are horror stories out there including a client’s dog whose nose was deteriorating due to the commercial carpet cleaner the apartment complex had used on the carpet.  Did you know that the Swiffer contains propylene glycol in it?  I hate to admit I used to use it until I realized that was in it.  This is main ingredient in anti-freeze.  I switched to a Shark which I love.

There are great house cleaning alternatives such as white vinegar, lemon and baking soda.  If you want to try to get fleas out of the carpet, sprinkle food grade diatomaceous earth all over it, let it set for 24 hours, then vacuum.  There are even electric flea traps.   

Click here if you want to learn some wonderful non-toxic formulas and techniques for cleaning your home.

Many animals spend time outdoors.  Take a look at what you are using on your lawn and for pests.  Or perhaps you are walking on someone else’s lawn, whether private or public.  Baits, herbicides and insecticides can contain harmful ingredients such as:

  • 2, 4-D
  • Carbofuran
  • Coumaphos
  • Cyothioate
  • Diazinon
  • Fampfhur
  • Fention
  • Metaldehyde
  • Methomyl
  • Phosmet
  • Tetrachloryinphos

These can cause all kinds of health issues such as muscle problems, damage to nervous system and organs, seizures, cancer and yes, be fatal.  Consider non-toxic options such as:

  • Corn gluten for your lawn 
  • Cayenne pepper and diatomaceous earth for pests
  •  If you are walking on other people’s lawns, look into what they use, wash your dog's feet off after walking, or consider booties or invisible boots.  The invisible boots are also great for de-icing salt which also causes issues such vomiting, tremors and burns on the feet.

Click here to learn more about non-toxic alternatives and formulas for your lawn and garden.  

Many people have plants inside and outside their homes.  There are quite a number that are toxic.  Not every animal is wise about not chewing on plants that can cause them harm.  Click here to look up toxic and non-toxic plants for dogs, cats and horses.

So as you are considering spring cleaning, take a look at your home and yard from a holistic and non-toxic point of view.  Your animals will appreciate it not only for their health, but your health, too!

Blessings!

Kim