A collection of useful tips found while researching natural alternatives to the popular Spot-on products found in pet stores, supermarkets, and those prescribed by many veterinarians.
| Thiamine (vitamin B1) | Found in brewer's yeast; add to food as a daily supplement (1 mg per 5 lbs body weight). |
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| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 tsp daily in drinking water. |
| Zinc | Use chelated zinc: 10 mg daily for cats. |
Regular grooming and inspection of your pet's skin and coat will alert you to existing flea problems. For long-haired cats, this helps reduce hairballs and tapeworm infections.
| Bathe Regularly | Use baby shampoo or mild soapy water. |
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| Lemon Rinse | Slice one whole lemon into a pint of hot water, steep overnight, sponge onto pet's skin, air-dry. |
| Inspect Stool | Check for worm-like particles, indicating flea larvae ingestion. |
| Neem Oil Sprays/Shampoos | Helps soothe and heal irritated skin. Avoid essential oils on cats (toxic). |
Most fleas live and develop in your house and yard, not on your pet. Treating the environment is essential.
| Plug-in Traps | Sticky pads under warm night-lights near pet areas. |
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| Vacuuming | Daily vacuuming; dispose of bag immediately or vacuum flea powder. |
| Wash Bedding | Frequently wash bedding, tumble dry in hot dryer. |
| Diatomaceous Earth or Pyrethrum | Sprinkle on pet bedding, carpets, and floors; work in with a broom. |
| Boric Acid (powder) | Work into carpet, flooring, furniture, and bedding. |
Most fleas and larvae are within 50 feet of your pet’s favorite spot, so focus there.
| Diatomaceous Earth/Pyrethrum | Spray yard; repeat after rain or watering. |
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| Beneficial Nematodes | Spray yard with hose sprayer or watering can. |
| Maintain Yard | Rake leaves, cut grass, water often, eliminate shady or damp areas. Fleas cannot survive direct sunlight. |