Flea Control

The adult dog flea (either Ctenocephalides felis or C. canis) is a wingless insect equipped with a set of powerful hind legs that enable it to jump nine inches straight up or five feet sideways.

Fleas survive by sucking blood from your dog. To get this blood, the flea bites by drilling their mouthparts into the dog's skin and inject special anticoagulant saliva into the site to keep blood flowing while they engorge. This saliva is highly irritating to some dogs. These pets do not only itch at the site of the flea bite, they itch all over. The pads of their feet are often itchy, puffy and inflamed. Areas between the toe pads as well as the ears often become infected with bacteria due to the dog's constant licking and chewing. This constant licking, chewing, and scratching, especially around the base of the tail, is an allergic reaction to the flea saliva, known as flea bite dermatitis.

Recent scientific studies have shown that flea saliva contains approximately 15 different allergens that can cause reactions.

A flea allergy will also be noticeably seasonal and cause worse symptoms during summer and fall when fleas are most prolific.

You may notice that some dogs seem always to be infested with fleas, worms, or ticks, while others (even in the same household) have only occasional and relatively minor problems. The reason for this can often be found by comparing the general health of your dog's skin. Skin is the fastest-growing organ of an animal's body, with the outer layer of cells being replaced every three weeks. Optimum nutrition is essential for healthy skin; if your dog is not properly nourished, the skin will be the first area of its body to exhibit problems.

Dry, unhealthy skin causes itching, as well as more severe reactions to flea bites, the skin sometimes actually falls apart and bleeds. If this happens to your dog, it's important to realize that the fleas didn't cause the skin problems, they only worsened an existing situation. An effective form of flea control of numerous dogs would be by improving their diets. In addition to proper food, frequent grooming is essential to keep dog fleas away.

The female flea prefers to lay her eggs not on your dog, but in dark, damp places such as cracks in the floor, or a corner of the basement. (Most of the few eggs that do get laid on host animals soon fall off.) The flea lays up to 20 eggs at a setting and may deposit as many as 400 during her lifetime. Most flea eggs are laid when humidity is high and temperatures are moderate (65° to 85°F). It takes only about a week for the eggs to hatch. The eggs are dormant in cool weather, but, with the advent of milder days, they hatch into worm-like larvae, which eventually become fleas.

This larval form feeds on feces, debris, hair and vegetation. Its growth cycle, depending on environmental conditions, takes from 10 to 200 days. Each larva then spins a cocoon and pupates for a period that can range from seven days to a year.

Thus, one pair of adult fleas can cause the three stages of offspring - egg, larva, and adult - to be present in your home for almost two years!

Combine this with the fact that many commercial pesticides kill only adult fleas, leaving deposits of eggs scattered around your home, and it becomes easy to understand how it is that you can "kill every flea in the house" one week and be greeted by a whole new generation of fleas the very next week.

Flea control will not be effective just by killing the dog's fleas if you don't simultaneously cleanse their sleeping quarters and other equipment, in addition to treating your yard with effective sprays or powders designed to kill fleas. Regular and thorough vacuum cleaning of the dog's living area also helps to get rid of the flea eggs, larvae, and pupae. Make sure that you are sealing the vacuum bag in plastic and throwing it away each time you vacuum. You may also want to steam clean your carpets if you are infested. Flea control not only makes your dog more comfortable, it also reduces their chances of acquiring tapeworms since many fleas harbor tapeworm eggs.

Only Natural Pet All-in-One Flea Remedy for Dogs & Cats 8 oz 3 Pack

Kill fleas with an odorless flea powder that can be applied directly to the fur of a dog or cat and sprinkled on your carpet, hardwood floors, baseboards, furniture, pet bedding, dog pen, yard, and garden!

Who needs homemade flea recipes, that may or may not work, when there's this natural alternative pet medicine for flea control!

Homemade flea recipes either treat the dog or the environment.

This ALL NATURAL medicine alternative flea control safely kills fleas on your pets and in your home, and in the environment!

Flea control that is completely non-toxic, chemical-free, and odorless.

You can use it in your lawn or garden where your pets roam, and it won't hurt them. Its primary ingredient is diatomaceous earth, a natural flea remedy that has been used for hundreds of years.

As soon as fleas come into contact with it they become dehydrated and die. It's that simple!

And fleas cannot build up an immunity to it because it works mechanically, not chemically.

This alternative pet medicine also has a 100% money back guarantee - if you are not completely satisfied with the results of Only Natural Pet All-in-One Flea Remedy they will refund your money in full!

Thousands of pet owners have used this natural approach to flea control with complete success.

Only Natural EasyDefense Flea & Tick Tag for Dogs & Cats

Safe, chemical-free way to keep harmful pests off of your pet that utilizes your pet's own energy to create a natural barrier.

Protect your dogs and cats from fleas, ticks and mosquitoes naturally! The Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Flea & Tick Tag is a safe, chemical-free way to keep harmful pests off of your pet. Using state of the art holistic technology, the EasyDefense Tag utilizes your pet's own energy to create a natural barrier to pests. There are no chemicals or pesticides involved. It is completely safe for pets and humans in the household.

The EasyDefense Tag begins to work within a matter of days, and it will remain effective for up to 3 years. Arm your pet with a natural defense against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, safely and easily. Just clip it and forget it!

Anibio Tic-Clip Insect Repellent Collar Tag for Cats and Dogs

Tic-Clip insect repellent collar tag uses the bioenergetic field around your pet to create an energy barrier that repels insect pests for two years.

The Anibio Tic-Clip offers a revolutionary approach to protecting your pet from ticks and fleas, without pesticides, squeeze-ons, sprays, or topical application of any kind! The Tic-Clip harnesses the power of the bioenergetic field around your pet to create an energy barrier that repels insect pests for two years. This insect repellent collar tag was created in Germany and has been a huge success with pets throughout Europe. The Tic-Clip is a top seller at our sister site, Only Natural Pet Store - Europe, and now we're bringing this amazing item to the US to offer you and your companions another safe, non-toxic weapon against ticks and fleas.

Sentry Natural Defense Flea & Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs up to 15 lbs
Sentry Natural Defense Flea & Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs 15 - 40 lbs.
Sentry Natural Defense Flea & Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs 40 lbs. +

Kills fleas, ticks and mosquitoes for up to four weeks, yet it's safe to use on your pets and around your family! Sentry Natural Defense Natural Flea & Tick Squeeze-On for Dogs kills fleas, ticks and mosquitoes for up to four weeks, yet it's safe to use on your pets and around your family when applied as directed. Each carton contains three monthly applications that feature natural active ingredients such as peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, lemongrass oil and thyme oil.

How Does Natural Defense Work?
Certain plants contain compounds that give them the ability to defend themselves against insects. Natural Defense is a synergistic blend of botanical extracts including peppermint oil, cinnamon oil and lemongrass oil. This combination of oils significantly enhances the pesticidal activity of Natural Defense. How? Octopamine!

Octopamine is a key neurotransmitter found in insects, it is the insect's equivalent of adrenaline. It regulates their heart rate, behavior and metabolism. The unique molecular structure targets and blocks octopamine neurotransmitter receptors in insects. Blocking octopamine results in a total breakdown of the insect's central nervous system. As mammals, fish and birds have no receptors for octopamine, the ingredients do not have this affect on them... or people!

Only Natural Pet Herbal Defense Oil Blend for Dogs

Keep mosquitoes, biting fleas & ticks off your dog with a natural blend of pure essential oils. Contains neem oil, citronella, lavender & cedar.

The newest addition to our popular Herbal Defense line, this concentrated insect repellent oil blend uses the natural power of Neem Oil, Citronella, Lavender, Cedar, and other essential oils to keep annoying insect pests away from your dog. Although pesticide sprays and squeeze-on products are one quick-fix solution, for most of us, the risks of using these toxic chemicals on and around our human and animal loved ones are just not worth it. Our all natural repellent oil is 100% DEET and pesticide free, with a scent that people love, but biting insects can't stand.

Only Natural Pet Herbal Defense Oil keeps mosquitoes and biting flies off your pet's vulnerable ears, saving days of scratching and discomfort from itchy bites. It will deter ticks and reduce your risk of picking up those disease carrying hitchhikers on your daily walk or when out for a hike. And of course, this natural repellent works great to protect your dog for a trip to the dog park, doggy day care, training class, etc., to minimize the chances of bringing home fleas, the worst insect enemy of all.

BeFree Flea Shampoo

This natural flea shampoo will help relieve your pets' itchiness, an anti-itch shampoo that normally shows an immediate improvement for your dog. Other dogs will show an increasing improvement after 2 applications.

BeFree Flea Shampoo's ingredients contain Citronella, Niaoli, Rosemary, and Tea Tree Oils, which gives the added benefit of having a residual deterrent for mosquitos, flies, and fleas attacking your pet!

If you have a question about this natural dog product, I encourage you to visit this page: Ask Us Questions. Enter your question or concerns in the form, and the company will try very hard to answer it within 24 hours.

Cat and dog owners say Hartz Mountain Corp. flea medication hurt their pets
A wave of lawsuits filed by cat and dog owners who claim their pets were sickened or killed by anti-flea or tick medication is targeting five New Jersey companies that make or sell the treatment.

Secaucus-based Hartz Mountain Corp., Summit VetPharm LLC of Rutherford, Morristown-based Bayer Healthcare LLC, Merck & Co. Inc. of Whitehouse Station and Sanofi-Aventis Inc. of Bridgewater are named as defendants in suits filed over the last four months.

Most recently, five pet owners filed suit against Hartz Mountain and Summit VetPharm last week, in U.S. District Court in Newark, alleging that their flea or tick treatments contained Pyrethrin, or a synthetic version of the chemical Pyrethroids, which are "known to poison animals."

Both companies are owned by Sumitomo Corporation of America, the New York-based subsidiary of a Japanese trading and investment company, the suit says.

The suit accuses the companies of negligence, violating New Jersey's consumer fraud law and liability for creating an "unreasonably dangerous product." The products named include Hartz Ultra Guard flea and tick drops and Summit VetPharm's Vectra 3d.

A Hartz spokeswoman said, "Hartz has not been officially served with this suit, and it is company policy not to comment on litigation." A spokeswoman for Sumitomo Corporation of America, did not respond to a request for comment.

Also named as a defendant is Sergeant's Pet Care Products Inc. of Nebraska, which makes flea and tick products.

The suit follows two similar suits against Hartz filed in Arizona and New Jersey. One states that Hartz, with 1,600 employees, holds a 50 percent share "of the retail sales channel" and makes 20 percent of such products sold.

Summit VetPharm also faces similar allegations in a second suit filed in New Jersey.

Bayer Healthcare, which makes K9 Advantix flea and tick control medication, also faces at least one suit. So does Merial Ltd. of Georgia, a joint venture of Merck and Sanofi-Aventis, which are also named as defendants in the suit.

Most of the suits seek class action status.

Natasha Joseph, a spokeswoman for Merial, declined to comment on the suit but said the company has confidence in its product.

"Our adverse events have been very low since the product was introduced," she said.

Sergeant's Pet Care Products and Bayer did not return requests for comment.

Filed on behalf of pet owners, the suits contain detailed descriptions of how animals treated with flea and tick drops were allegedly sickened or died.

Rich Parsons of California said he worried he might be carrying fleas when he returned from helping reconstruct parts of the Mississippi Gulf after Hurricane Katrina, and might infect his Scottish Terrier, Duffy. So Parsons treated his dog with Hartz flea and tick drops, the suits says.

"Duffy, tragically died at the veterinarian's facility three days later," the suit says. It adds that the veterinarian said the death was due to a "reaction to the insecticide."

The suits says Parsons contacted Hartz, which reviewed the case and denied any responsibility, saying that the dog's death was due to "underlying health problems."

Parsons and other plaintiffs want the court to order a recall of the flea and tick products and to award them compensation for damages.

The Parsons suit says that "in 2008 alone, there were approximately 48,000 reports of adverse events from the spot-on or squeeze-on products including pyrethrins, Permethrin, or other pyrethroids."

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which regulates the products, has seen a "sharp increase in adverse consequences" from them, the suit says. It cites an EPA advisory released last May, updated in January, stating that although many people use the products without harming their pets, owners should "take precautions" when using them.

"Adverse reactions reported range from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures, and in some cases, death of the pet," the advisory said.

Michael S. Green, an East Brunswick attorney whose firm has filed four flea and tick suits, said they were prompted in part by the high number of complaints to the EPA.

Green, whose firm specializes in class action suits, said the medication, usually in drop form, is generally put on the dog's shoulder blades so the animal can't lick it but it is absorbed into the skin.

"It's supposed to be attacking the nervous system of the insects," he said. "But clearly it also in some way is causing adverse effects on the nervous system of the dogs as well."

Source: NorthJersey.com

NEW YORK- The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today released data demonstrating that cats are more susceptible to illness and death as a result of the misuse of spot-on flea and tick control products. The data, collected by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, also indicate the overwhelming majority of animal illnesses associated with proper use of spot-on flea and tick control products are mild. The EPA has recently stated on their web site that they are intensifying their scrutiny of topical spot-on products.

"Products labeled for dogs must never be used on cats-doing so can result in serious illness and even death," says Dr. Louise Murray, Medical Director of the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. "A veterinarian must always be consulted before using spot-on flea and tick treatments on very young, old, sick or pregnant pets."

The ASPCA receives more than 700 calls daily from veterinarians and pet parents, resulting in over 150,000 annual cases involving medications, insecticides, plants and foods. ASPCA epidemiologist Dr. Margaret Slater analyzed data from public calls managed by the ASPCA regarding flea and tick products. The data identified two key findings. When cats were treated inappropriately (not per label directions), they are significantly more likely to experience severe reactions: no illness despite a call to the ASPCA (18%), mild illness (17%), moderate illness (45%), major illness (19%), and death (2%). When dogs and cats were treated correctly (per label directions), the likelihood of severe adverse reaction was significantly less: no illness despite a call to the ASPCA (7%), mild illness (69%), moderate illness (22%), major illness (2%), and death (0.1%).

"The important take home message is that although adverse reactions can occur with all flea and tick products, most effects are relatively mild and include skin irritation and stomach upset," says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA veterinary toxicologist and Senior Vice President Animal Health Services. "Pet parents should not discontinue using products as directed by the product label when faced with a flea infestation."

Using products as directed and making necessary adjustments based on health will greatly reduce adverse reactions from flea and tick or any other medical products. Fleas cause anemia (low blood counts), carry tapeworms, and can transmit infections such as Bartonella; ticks transmit many diseases including Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The risk to pets from these diseases is greater than the risk of adverse reactions when products are use appropriately.

To learn more, visit the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center.

All of the dog health links above, and in my other dog medicine and health links on the right side of this website promote a companies' products that:

1. Are manufactured according to the highest pharmaceutical standards - using only the best quality raw ingredients from nature's medicine chest.

2. This company and their suppliers are registered with the FDA as accredited suppliers and manufacturers of health supplements. Their natural products are sold all over the world and are manufactured to strict international standards in a GMP accredited manufacturing plant.

3. All of their natural remedies are manufactured in an FDA registered pharmaceutical facility under close supervision. This includes formulation, acquiring and testing of raw ingredients as well as final manufacturing. This gives me the confidence to say that when you are buying one of these products, you are buying the safest and the best!

4. Manufacturing is done strictly according to the principles of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and all raw ingredients undergo stringent testing before being approved by their registered manufacturing pharmacists.

5. They offer a free email 'Ask Our Experts' service run by trained consultants ready to advise you on the best choice for your health and your pet's health.

6. They have an Unconditional One Year Money Back Guarantee.

If you have a question about any of these natural dog products, it's usage, or it's dosage, I encourage you to visit this page: Ask Us Questions. Enter your question or concerns in the form, and the company will try very hard to answer it within 24 hours.

Breed Specific Dog Lover Gifts and Calendars

I'd like to help you find the most unique and thoughtful collectibles and gifts for people who love dogs. I've created some pages that are solely dedicated to certain dog breeds, that will save you countless hours of searching the internet for that 'perfect' gift. Check out your favorite dog breed, and you'll see that they're stuffed full of items for dog lovers!

Basset Hound Dog Lover Gifts and Collectibles

Beagle Dog Lover Gifts and Collectibles

Border Collie Dog Lover Gifts and Collectibles

Boxer Dog Lover Gifts and Collectibles

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Labrador Retriever Dog Lover Gifts and Collectibles

Lhasa Apso Dog Lover Gifts and Collectibles

Papillon Dog Lover Gifts and Collectibles

Pug Dog Lover Gifts and Collectibles

Pomeranian Dog Lover Gifts and Collectibles

Poodle Dog Lover Gifts and Collectibles

Rottweiler Dog Lover Gifts and Collectibles

Schnauzer Dog Lover Gifts and Collectibles

Herbal Natural Dog Medicines

Dog medicines that are prescribed for dog's health problems hold many 'shushed-up' side effects. Find the most prescribed dog medicines on this page and their side effects

Natural Herbal Dog Health Care

Dog Health Care including dog first aid instructions, dog cpr, dog vitamin information, and a dog health care guide

Natural Dog Allergy Medicine

See the many different types of dog allergies - The Side Effects of Prescribed Dog Allergy Medicines - and a safe natural alternative

Natural Dog Arthritis Medicines

Lists and describes the most prescribed Dog Arthritis Medicines - and Their Side Effects, plus information of a much better Natural Dog Arthritis Medicine with Glucosamine

Natural Dog Ear Mite Medicine

Dog (and Cat) Ear Mites! - Get Rid Of Ear Mites because they are contagious and spread from other pets! Ear Mites information and Ear Mites facts; plus how to kill Ear Mites before they lead to an Ear Infection

Natural Methods For Calming Aggressive Dogs - Hyper Dogs - Problem Dogs - and Dogs With Separation Anxiety

Aggressive Dogs and Problem Dogs - see the reasons and causes of an aggressive dog, plus the most common aggressive dog medicines used, and their side effects. Calm your over active, nervous & hyper dog with natural medicines, plus a natural alternative for separation anxiety

Natural Flea Medicines

Make your dog happy, healthy, and get rid of fleas naturally. Learn about Safe and Natural flea control medicines for your dog, home, and yard here

Natural Dog Seizure Medicine

See the most common Dog Seizure Medicines' Side Effects, like Phenobarbitol, Potassium Bromide, Clorazepate, Felbamate, Gabapentin (Neurontin) and an all natural dog medicine alternative

Natural Dog Diarrhea and Dog Constipation Medicines

Dog Diarrhea and Dog Constipation are symptoms of many different diseases, and show that your dog's health and eating habits need immediate attention

Natural Ringworm Medicine

Get Rid Of Ringworm! It can spread from dogs to people, cats, other pets, and back! Discover the commonly prescribed dog medicines for ringworm, and their side effects; plus a safe Natural Medicine for People and Dog Ringworm

Natural Dog Worm Medicine

Information about the most commonly used Dog Worm Medicine for Heartworms, Tapeworms, Roundworms, Hookworms, and Whipworms; and all their harmful side effects & a better, natural alternative

There are so many other dog health problems besides fleas that can be helped with safer natural dog medicines!

Just above this spot - you'll see links to the dog pages I have created............

But.......I'd like to offer you a 'fast track' of direct links to give you an idea of the varied pet health problems that natural herbal medicines can safely treat:

Aggression...............Allergies...............Anal Glands...............Anxiety

Arthritis...............Asthma

Bad Breath.........................Behavioral Problems

Cancer...............Constipation...............Cushings Disease

Diabetes.........................Diarrhea.........................Digestion Problems

Distemper.........................Disinfectant

Ear Problems.........................Eye Infections

Gas-Flatulence...............Gums-Gingivitis

Heartworms...............Hyperactive

Immune System & Liver Support...............Incontinence

Kennel Cough.........................Lyme Disease

Mange.........................Mange Shampoo.........................Motion Sickness

Pain Relief...............Parvo

Respiratory Infection.........................Ringworm

Sinus Problems...............Seizures-Epilepsy...............Separation Anxiety

......................Skin and Coat Problems...........................

Travel Sickness-Calm.........................Urinary Tract Infections

Weight Control.........................Worms.........................Wounds

Large dog beds, Small dog beds, Orthopedic dog beds, Heated dog beds, and even Designer dog beds. Let your dog be comfortable and feel safe in their very own bed

Dog paws need to be protected. Dog Boots help prevent injuries and protect your dog's paws from the summer heat on pavement and sand, winter cold, snow, and ice

Dogs get cold during inclimate weather! Your dog will love to go outside when wearing these Dog Coats, Sweaters, Jackets, Rain Coats & Hoodies

Leather dog collars, Designer dog collars, Fancy dog collars, Personalized dog collars, and Rhinestone dog collars. What's hot right now?

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