by David Beart

Flea control is a major concern for many dog owners (and their dogs). In some parts of the U.S. temperatures never get cold enough to completely kill off these pests. Even in areas where fleas are rare it’s possible to find an occasional infestation. Many people turn to “spot on” treatments and sprays to get rid of fleas. They may even use dips and other pesticides. However, some owners are concerned about the potential side effects these chemicals may have on their dogs and family members. Here are some suggestions for a more natural approach to flea control.

A natural approach to flea control means that you will need to groom your dog daily, especially during summer months when fleas are most active. Fleas are often easier to see if your dog has short hair or a light-colored coat, but you will need to brush and comb your dog thoroughly to look for any signs of the pests. These signs can range from a visible flea to the detritus left behind where the pest has fed. This debris is a crusty red-black material that is coarse and somewhat gritty, like dried blood. Be sure to check close to your dog’s skin, especially around his ears, head and tail where fleas are likely to congregate.

If you suspect that your dog has a flea or two you should start using a flea comb to comb him. A flea comb is much finer than a regular dog comb and it will pick up any of the pests on your dog’s body. You should then quickly (very quickly!) deposit the flea in a bowl of soapy water to kill it.

If you do find fleas on your dog then you will need to give your dog a good flea bath. Look for flea shampoos that have citrus ingredients to help keep the pests away. Eucalyptus products are also effective.

There are some supplements you can give your dog that have been shown to be effective in keeping fleas away. Some people like to give their dog a small dose of garlic daily. The garlic odor from your dog’s skin is a flea repellant, although humans can’t smell it. Some people combine garlic with brewer’s yeast in their dog’s food. You may also wish to consider adding apple cider vinegar to your dog’s diet. Organic apple cider vinegar has many health benefits and it is claimed that it helps build the immune system. Anything that keeps your dog’s immune system stronger will make him a less attractive target to fleas.

You should be aware that fleas spend about 85 percent of their time OFF your dog. So, if you find one flea on your dog you should assume that he has many little friends nearby in your home. You will need to treat your home.

You don’t have to use flea bombs or chemical pesticides to treat your home. There are some good natural alternatives to help keep your home free of these pests. Whether you have carpets or hardwood floors you will need to vacuum daily if you suspect that you have any fleas. For carpets you can sprinkle borax powder over your floor. Use 1 to 2 cups for an average-sized room. Leave the borax down for 24-48 hours (or longer). Then you can vacuum it up. Any fleas should be dead. You can repeat as needed. You can use 20-Mule Team Borax detergent for this job.

You will also need to wash your dog’s bedding often during flea season. This is one of the places where the pests will most likely be found, hopping straight from your dog to his bed. Use hot water.

Don’t forget to treat your yard. A very cost-effective way to treat your yard for fleas is to buy a bucket of diatomaceous earth (garden/pool type) from your garden center. Sprinkle it all over your yard. The diatomaceous earth has sharp edges which will shred bugs and insects and dry out their exoskeletons.

You can keep fleas away by planting marigolds, chrysanthemums and other plants with naturally-occurring pyrethrins in your yard. Use cedar chips as mulch since fleas stay away from cedar.

You can also use herbal flea collars on your dog. These do work though they will not stop a strong flea infestation. Be careful using an herbal collar if you are pregnant since they usually contain penny royal and other herbs which can cause miscarriages.

Finally, you can spray your dog with a nice citrus spray. Fleas hate a citrus scent. Use lemon or orange peel, place it in a pint of water, add a few drops of citronella oil and a sprig of rosemary. Allow the mixture to sit overnight. You can use this mix as a good flea spray for your dog.

There are many different ways to control fleas besides using chemicals and pesticides. However, there may be times when your dog is suffering, especially if he has a flea bite allergy. In the case of these allergies, the bite from even one flea can send your dog into a frenzy of itching, gnawing and self-mutilation. Your dog may scratch and bite himself and end up chewing off his coat trying to stop the itching. If your dog has a flea bite allergy or you can’t get rid of fleas by natural means, you may need to consider temporarily using one of the flea products currently on the market.

Do talk to your veterinarian about which product may be right for your dog and his circumstances. Some products act very quickly to get rid of fleas starting in just a few minutes. Some products get into the skin or hair shafts and will last for several weeks, giving your dog some long-lasting relief. Some products work in combination with heartworm medication, and so on. If your dog does need a commercial flea control product, please talk to your vet instead of simply grabbing something off the shelf at the pet store.

Natural flea control can work for many dogs. Try some of the suggestions here and see what works for your dog. If you are vigilant and stay alert for these pests you can usually keep them at bay in many places.

David Beart is the owner of PetYak, a site that covers pet-related topics from cat and dog health to raising tropical fish and caring for birds.

Just like people, pets everywhere endure the irritating signs of aging. Less energy, less mobility, cartilage deterioration, joint stiffness, hip dysplasia, and so on. And, just like with people, these symptoms can either be tolerated or treated.

Although pets cannot speak and communicate their discomfort directly to us, their actions, or lack of action, can sometimes speak volumes. Does your dog need help getting up the stairs? Does your cat have difficulty jumping up onto your lap? Are your pets stiff and lacking energy in the morning? Unless you have acquired loving pets equipped with super powers, then you’re well aware that pets, just like us, are susceptible to getting arthritis and joint stiffness problems as they age.

Can the dreadful signs of joint deterioration and arthritic symptoms be treated naturally? Maybe! Stephanie Evans of Bottled Fitness thinks so. She’s written to tell us all about Joint “Rescue” Chewables, a homeopathic pet remedy for dogs or cats suffering arthritis or other joint problems.

Joint “Rescue” Chewables contains glucosamine and other natural anti-inflammatory ingredients. Stephanie believes that with the proper supplementation of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, your dog may be flying over couches and up the stairs in no time. Miracle treatment? Maybe. But the science behind it should be accounted for, too.

What causes joint deterioration in dogs and cats?
The most obvious answer is aging. Mechanical wear and tear over a lifetime of constant physical activity can certainly cause the protective cartilage lining the joints to become damaged which causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. Genetics and heredity can also be contributing factors. Certain breeds of dog are more susceptible to, or have a genetic predisposition to, hip displaysia, for example. Immune deficiencies, infections, and even trauma can also contribute to arthritis and joint pain.

How does Glucosamine and Chondroitin help?
Glucosamine and Chondroitin, naturally occurring substances in the body, may help to synthesize new cartilage and block negative, cartilage-killing enzymes in the joints. Not only can an increase of these substances in the body help to aid and relieve already existing pain and joint destruction, it may also be given as a preventative measure in younger dogs.

So why haven’t these types of supplements been flooding veterinary clinics and pet aisles all over the country if they work so well? Some European studies have revealed how beneficial these substances can be. Glucosamine is approved as a medical drug in most areas of Europe and their guidelines have recommended its use as an effective and safe therapy for osteoarthritis in humans. However, a major U.S. study found that the dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, together or alone, appeared to fare no better than placebo in slowing loss of cartilage in osteoarthritis of the knee. In the U.S., substances like glucosamine and chondroitin are considered to be nutraceuticals and, as such, they are not strictly controlled or regulated by the FDA.

According to the Glucosamine & Chondroitin for Hip Dysplasia & Arthritis in Dogs article on PetEducation.com, many U.S. companies are now producing product lines consisting of Glucosamine and Chondroitin and conducting several research studies to help bring additional statistics and research to help support the benefits of these substances in the treatment of arthritis and joint pain.

Joint “Rescue” and Ark Naturals
Ark Naturals has created a natural line of nutritional supplements to help your pet live a long and pain-free life. They’ve created Joint “Rescue” to provide relief from joint swelling and inflammation using an effective combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, antioxidants, minerals and herbs. Joint “Rescue” Chewables for dogs and cats uses 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate for the formation and repair of healthy cartilage and connective joint tissues. The minerals and antioxidants packed into liver-flavored wafers help increase glucosamine absorption.

Not only does this all-natural formula have healing powers, it can also be given to younger dogs and cats for preventative and strenghtening supplementation since the botanical formula doesn’t cause gastric bleeding or liver damage like other anti-inflammatory agents. The wafers are also easy to break in half, so small dogs and cats can effortlessly chomp their way to good health, too.

About America’s Nutrition
America’s Nutrition is a U.S. company located in the heart of the Midwest, 50 miles southeast of Chicago. They believe true strength and beauty comes from deep down beneath the surface with a healthy lifestyle, a nutritious diet, vitamins, and supplements. They offer Joint “Rescue” Chewables for pets as well as other pet supplements specifically formulated for animal needs.

Should any of our pets begin to display signs of arthritis or joint pain and discomfort, it’s definitely something we would try. We’re big fans of natural remedies both for ourselves and for our pets. However, we’d also discuss it with our vet. It’s always important to keep in mind that while vitamins and minerals and other herbal supplements may help, they in NO way suffice as a substitute for vet care.

We got a really nice offer from Todd Stupell at Stupell Industries. He’s wanting to send one of our readers a personalized, hand-crafted dog bone plaque . . . for FREE! So we’re on the lookout. If you’d like to win a plague like this one, read on to learn how you can enter the drawing.

Stupell Industries, Inc. is located in Johnston, Rhode Island. They specialize in beautifully hand-crafted, decorative accessories for homes, offices, and even home offices. In business for over 30 years, their line includes quite a wide variety of firescreens, wall hangings, faux windows, clocks, place mats, picture frames, tables, and other unique decorative objects. They’re constantly updating their product line to keep in tune with the latest trends and styles in the ever changing home decorating market. They’ve recently added an entire line of decorative dog accessories, which is why he’s contacted PetsBlogs with this special offer for one of our readers.

The dog bone plaque was designed by artist Jane Farrimond Keltner exclusively for Stupell. It makes a perfect gift for a fellow dog lover, or a functional and aesthetically pleasing addition to your own home.

All you have to do is leave a comment below telling Todd what you’d like to have painted on your plaque. Our plaque would says PETSblogs! Cool, huh?!

Entering to win is easy!

What would you have them write on your dog bone plaque?

Leave us a comment before August 6th at 9am (EST), when Todd will be reading over the comments and selecting a winner.

From Wild Wolf to Designer Labradoodle – National Geographic Channel’s And Man Created Dog Follows The Genetic Journey Of The Most Diverse Species On The Planet

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – JULY 19, 2010) Immense Great Danes and diminutive Chihuahuas. Curly-haired poodles and streamlined greyhounds. Dogs are in fact the most diverse mammals on the planet. For comparison, if humans were as varied as dogs, we would range in height up to 22 feet tall and could weight more than 1,000 pounds. It’s no accident that dogs evolved this way, as humans have been selectively breeding them to serve our needs as laborer, companion, hunter, herder and warrior, as well as to suit our aesthetic fancy.

Now, in the ultimate canine ancestral story, the National Geographic Channel (NGC) explores the genetic journey from wolf to dog in And Man Created Dog, premiering Sunday, August 8, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. This two-hour, high definition special will take viewers back 100,000 years to meet the “mother of all dogs” and trace the evolutionary journey of her descendents over the eons, even as we evolved ourselves – from cave dwellers to modern humans. Through cave art and ancient artifacts, we see that dogs have been our partners and companions since the ice age and helped us forge civilizations out of the wilderness.

When out wandering hunter-gatherer ancestors first took into their camps the scavenging “prototype” dog, they began a journey that would not only change the dog from a close descendent of the wolf into a useful servant and companion but would also clear the way for our own species to survive, settle down and thrive. Through artificial selection – breeding the traits we found useful in dogs – humans created animals that empowered us to move our belongings, hunt our food and protect our llivestock, crops and our very lives.

And Man Created Dog traces out complex relationship with dogs, a bond unique in the animal kingdom. Find out what scientists are learning about dogs’ unique ability to communicate with humans, and how powerful brain chemicals work to cement our affection for each other. See examples of how we employed genetic manipulation over eons to help shape dogs’ senses, bodies and personalities to develop working dogs of all shapes and sizes. Dogs have protected our herds and homes for thousands of years. Many homes in the ruins of Pompeii have mosaic panels with Latin inscription “cave canum” – literally “beware of dog.” The rottweiler name stems from the Roman Empire, whose people used the breed to drive their livestock.

The process of selective breeding continued through time, and still continues today. In Italy, Newfoundlands are trained as lifeguards – jumping out of helicopters to rescue stranded swimmers. In Kansas, border collies scare off birds at an Air Force base to prevent them from striking a plane, the cause of the infamous U.S. Airways crash in the Hudson River. And in Alaska, the original Arctic sled dogs, the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian husky, are mixed with other breeds such as retrievers and hounds to create a hybrid capable of winning the Iditarod and other sport races.

And Man Created Dog will examine how some breeds have been negatively impacted by selective breeding, and how new understanding is helping give these breeds a second chance. For instance, the bulldog’s signature bow-legged stance and short snout are actually genetic mutations engineered to meet our aesthetic desires; these characteristics pose health risks to the breed. Other purebred dogs, such as German shepherds and retrievers, also have inherited health problems.

In the beginning … there was wolf and prehistoric man. But then man created dog in our image – to satisgy our needs and desires – and dogs in turn helped shape us, our cultures and societies. Since we first came together many thousands of years ago, we have never been apart. And Man Created Dog traces the history of this extraordinary relationship.

And Man Created Dog is produced by Evergreen Films Inc., for NGC. For Evergreen Films Inc., executive producer is Fran LoCascio and director is Pierre de Lespinois. For NGC, executive producer is Chris Valentini, senior vice president of production is Michael Cascio and executive vice president of content is Steve Burns.

Visit natgeotv.com/mananddog for more information.

About National Geographic Channel
Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channel (NGC) is a joint venture between National Geographic Ventures (NGV) and Fox Cable Networks (FCN). Since launching in January 2001, the NGC initially earned some of the fastest distribution growth in the history of cable and more recently the fastest ratings growth in television. The network celebrated its fifth anniversary in January 2006 with the launch of NGC HD, which provides the spectacular imagery that National Geographic is known for in stunning high definition. NGC has carriage with all the the nation’s major cable and satellite television providers, making it currently available in more than 70 million homes. For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.