Fleas may be present in the environment and as mentioned above, they can transmit tapeworm while other worms come from cysts in raw meat, the environment or are passed from a mother dog to her pups.
However, as is the case in wild animal populations, a healthy animal in a healthy and suitable environment (some breeds are not suited to the hot and humid climates in which they live and fleas easily proliferate) is less likely to have an excessive parasite burden.
From a holistic point of view, we question why the fleas or worms are present in high numbers in a specific individual and endeavour to re-establish balance so that natural harmony is restored.
There are a number of ways to reduce parasite numbers. Firstly supporting your pet's immune system with good nutrition will go a long way to making them less tasty to fleas and better able to defend against worm burdens.
Vitamin Bs and garlic in particular are wonderful aids and can help to deter fleas but be cautious with garlic as it can be toxic in excess.
Various herbs including neem, essential oils and a citrus wash can be used externally as flea repellents and various homeopathic and herbal wormers are available to help combat worms.
With the use of the latter as well as with the use of essential oils it is important that they are used responsibly under the guidance of a qualified practitioner as some can be toxic.
Regular flea combing will help with the monitoring of flea numbers and reduce flea numbers further, especially when used in conjunction with Diatomaceous Earth (DE), a handy non-chemical aid in external flea control.
DE is a fine white powder made of fossilised algae deposits that desiccates fleas and other insects when they are exposed to it.
Given its microscopically sharp edges, when DE is taken internally at the recommended dose it has some effect damaging worms and in some cases has helped to reduce worm burdens.
It is generally safe and non-toxic when taken as a supplement but a food grade product should be used.
Caution must be exercised when using it externally as the dust may cause damage to eyes and the respiratory tract if inhaled.
Striving to minimise the use of chemical products with a more natural approach can be advantageous from a holistic perspective when effective but there are times when these relatively more gentle methods are not enough.
In these cases the animal may benefit from other supportive therapies or the assistance of stronger products.
It is important to consider all available resources to support health and wellbeing but not all products are created equally and discretion is important.
Some commercial products have toxic side effects and must be used with caution. It is also important to be mindful how you dispose of these products as some of them are eco-toxic and cause damage to our environment.
These days, veterinary clinics stock a variety of products which are generally safer and more reliable than some more widely available products.
Many veterinary products have combined activity targeting both fleas and worms.
"Spot on" products may be helpful but the efficacy of some may be compromised by regular swimming and some individuals don't tolerate them.
The relatively new tablet formulations can be useful in these situations and collars may be helpful too.
Typically the number of fleas on any dog or cat is only the tip of the ice berg, reflecting a much greater flea population in the animal's environment of both adult and immature fleas.
Therefore addressing the environment is a very important component of flea control.
Cedar, eucalyptus or pennyroyal oils on dogs' bedding may be used to deter fleas but are toxic if ingested.
Immature fleas can be destroyed by regularly hanging pet bedding out in the sunshine, thoroughly vacuuming carpets on a regular basis and sprinkling them with borax or diatomaceous earth afterwards.
Although fleas may also bite humans and be irritating, worms can be far more dangerous as some can be transmitted from pets to humans.
It is very important to ensure that you have good hygiene practices and that ideally your pet is worm free.
By using a holistic approach to manage both animals and their environment, and by respecting natural principles, animals can be kept parasite free and healthy.
- Dr Liza Schneider is director of Holistic Vets in Tauranga. Phone 075787054 or visit www.holisticvets.co.nz
