It’s SPRING again! Sunshine, flowers, the fresh outdoors AND bugs! This is the time of year I get contacted about a “natural” remedy for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
I know everyone probably gets tired of hearing me say this but we must stop thinking about all of this in such a reductionistic way. So first let me rant against the machine. And then give you the whole health solution.
That is what we’ve been conditioned to think so we can be sold toxic products that are harming our pets. I don’t care if they are prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) they are still toxic. I don’t care if your vet says they are safe or if the manufacturer says they are. They are still toxic pesticides we are putting on our precious pets or giving them orally or even by injection. And NONE of those things are really preventive or protective. They just poison the pests and therefore, over time poison our pets too.
A whole health approach to avoiding these pests is to follow the laws of health:
1. Nutrition as the foundation: a species appropriate RAW diet. For our dogs that is a raw meat, bone and organ diet. Yes RAW.
2. Exercise. Daily. It is not optional. The lymph doesn’t move if our dogs don’t move. Lymph is what keeps the body protected and moves toxins out. It does not have a pump like the heart. The “pump” is MOVEMENT.
3. Water. Fresh. Pure. Sans chlorine and fluoride. No fluoride is not good for teeth contrary to popular propaganda.
4. Sun. Often sans toxic sunscreen – and a way for your dog to get into the shade as desired. This is key and critical to good health.
5. Temperance. That’s an old-fashioned word for MODERATION in all things.
6. Fresh air. Outside not inside the house. Use an air purifier if you have one. Open the doors and windows in nice weather for fresh air. Dogs love to be outside in the fresh air too – not cooped up in the house all day.
7. Rest. Good, quiet rest. In darkness without all sorts of human electronic contrivances interfering with good rest/sleep.
8. Trust. In all of the previous laws of health and a bond-relationship with your dog.
All of the above will equal a LOT less stress. Stress is the foundation of disease and setting up the body to be attraction to these pests as a weakened specimen.
DISCLAIMER: All information contained in Aspenbloom Pet Care is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prevent or treat any disease, illness or injured condition of the body or pets and the author, publisher, and contributors accept no responsibility for such use. Anyone or their pets suffering from any disease, illness or injury should consult with their physician or veterinarian. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Photo Attribution: Meshach the Great Dane by Dr. Kim Bloomer. Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved.
Kim Bloomer, V.N.D., N.D. is an animal naturopath as well as being certified in small animal nutrition, with years of experience in animal wellness. Dr. Kim is a published author, writer, blogger, host of the DOGgone Truth podcast. Dr. Kim offers Animal Naturopathy Mentoring and Courses. Subscribe to her DOGgone Newsletter for updates or to her blog via email. Copyright ©2005-2024 Aspenbloom Pet Care, Dr. Kim Bloomer, All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Author/Publisher. This article is intended to be educational. However, it is not intended to be a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified animal health professional. Dr. Kim Bloomer and Aspenbloom Pet Care, do not assume any legal responsibility for misuse of the products discussed in this article. The only essential oils referenced on this website are Young Living.
