The truth about cats & dogs; they can benefit from holistic health care too - includes sources for finding a holistic vet

Vegetarian Times, Nov, 1996 by Linda B. White

In terms of nontoxic treatments, Frazier says, "The most important step is to treat the premises. If you do that, you've got the problem licked." This entails ridding your house and yard of adult fleas, larvae and eggs. Once or twice a year, try dusting your house with diatomaceous earth; it kills fleas and other insects by removing their waxy outer coating. (Do not use the type of diatomaceous earth sold for swimming pool filters, because its extra-fine particles may be breathed in, causing chronic lung inflammation.) Some companies sell an anti-flea mineral salt that you apply to your carpets. Then vacuum and discard the bag. Steam clean carpets and draperies and wash your floors. If you must use a fogger or carpet spray, look for products that use natural pyrethrins from chrysanthemums as the active ingredient, because they are the least toxic.

Thoroughly clean your dog or cat too. Using a fine-toothed flea comb, regularly go through your pet's coat and discard any fleas or ticks into a container of hot soapy water. Bathe your pet with a nontoxic flea shampoo or a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent in a cup of water. This mixture will get the animal wet down to the skin and drown the fleas. "Have your comb ready," Frazier advises, "because the fleas are going to run up to the head." She also recommends a rinse made from a thinly sliced lemon (including the rind) soaked for 24 hours in a pint of boiled water; lemon contains d-limonene, which actually kills fleas, and other substances that help heal irritated skin.

Supplement your pet's diet with daily doses of 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon brewer's yeast and 1 to 2 cloves minced garlic. You also can dust your animal's coat with brewer's yeast or diatomaceous earth.

Several brands of natural sprays, shampoos and collars contain herbs that naturally repel fleas, such as pine, cedar, citronella, wormwood, pennyroyal, rue, rosemary and eucalyptus. Tea tree oil and the botanical extract d-limonene kill fleas on contact. Alternatively, you can rub essential oils into your animal's collar and coat or sprinkle her with powdered herbs. If you have a cat, keep in mind they are said to abhor rue and pennyroyal.

Mange. This condition is caused by mites and is rare in cats but common in dogs. Typically, mild cases clear up without treatment, but in more severe cases, mange can spread over the body, resulting in hair loss and irritated, thickened skin. Because the mites are microscopic, it's best to have your veterinarian confirm the diagnosis.

Holistic practitioners agree the disease can be cured without resorting to the conventional treatment of painting the skin with a strong insecticide. Volhard attributes mange to a breakdown in the immune system caused by dietary deficiencies and allergies. "Ninety-nine percent of the time," she says, "mange and other skin diseases in dogs will clear up on a natural diet."

Pitcairn recommends the following supplements: vitamin C (250 to 1,000 ma. Of ascorbate twice a day), vitamin E ( 100 to 400 IU a day), zinc (as ground pumpkin seeds or a 10 to 30mg. tablet a day) and lecithin 1/2 to 3 teaspoons a day).