Written by: Emma Fernandez
Fleas
If you're a dog owner, chances are you've encountered one of the most frustrating pests—fleas! These tiny nuisances can cause discomfort for your furry friend and headaches for you.
For far too long, many of us have relied on harsh chemical treatments, including neurotoxic pesticides like Fipronil and Imidacloprid, to combat fleas. Shockingly, these chemicals were banned for agricultural use in 2017/2018 due to their harmful impact on pollinators and birds that consume them. Yet, they are still approved for use on our pets. Studies have found Fipronil residue in 98% of river and lake samples, and Imidacloprid in 66% of samples, this too is killing our pollinators, fish and birds—a troubling reality considering we apply these substances directly to our beloved animals.
The good news? There are natural, safer alternatives to help keep fleas at bay!
Products such as Aniforte Flea Ex Spray 250ml, Diatomaceous Earth - 300g, CSJ - Billy No Mates, Aniforte - Ectoprotex - Natural Spot On, and Proflax - Keep Off Me 100ml offer effective, natural flea deterrents. These products, which can be added to your pet's food or applied directly to their coat via spraying or dusting, work wonders when used from March to December. Not only do they help repel fleas and ticks, but they also support your dog's immune system—all without the need for harmful chemicals. Incredible, isn't it?
Worms
Conventional chemical de-worming treatments often use neurotoxins to paralyse the nervous systems of internal parasites like worms. While effective in eliminating worms present at the time of treatment, these drugs are not preventive measures and should not be used as such. Overuse of these treatments can contribute to drug resistance in worms, diminishing their effectiveness over time. Additionally, chemical de-wormers may cause undesirable side effects. The most common include digestive upset, such as diarrhoea and nausea, as these treatments can disrupt the gut flora and microbiome, other side effects include, lethargy, lack of appetite and on a more serious note, seizures. Instead of relying on chemical options, consider a more natural approach to maintain your dog's digestive health. Natural alternatives work by creating an environment within the digestive tract that is inhospitable to parasites, helping to keep your dog free from worms without the harsh side effects.
Treats with Fur, such as Rabbit Ears with Fur and Hairy Cow Ears (Single), are an excellent source of indigestible fibre. As these fibres pass through the digestive tract, they act like a natural brush, helping to sweep away unwanted gut guests and debris such as undigested food and harmful gut residues that can cause malabsorption. For additional gut health support, products like Diatomaceous Earth - 300g and pumpkin seed powder can be incorporated into meals to aid in the natural elimination of worms!
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