FLEAS!

Not sure about the rest of you, but in the last few weeks the fleas have gotten terrible! We have used an organic flea dip, treated the yard , bathed ( with Adam's Flea Shampoo) sprayed (again with Adam's - seems to work best), treated the house, and bombed. Although we are not (yet) infested, there is a problem. I also purchased Adam's Flea collars. I have even placed white plates of soapy water with a light next to it. Amazingly - the fleas jump onto the plate and the soapy water weights them down and they drown! I have heard that 20 Mule Team borax, or table salt, sprinkled over the floors, allowed to sit 20 minutes, then vacuumed helps. I have searched the internet, and discovered a couple of recipes for 'Flea Terminator Dog Treats', which I will share. I can not vouch for its effectiveness, but - if you are like me you will try anything! I am hoping this works - simply because its all natural, and I feel pesticides can have adverse effects. Poor old puppies are irritated by the fleas, then covered in the pesticides, which make the fleas extremely active before they die, which makes the dogs even more uncomfortable. Here is the recipe:

Flea Terminator Dog Treats

3 cubes beef bouillon

1 1/2 cups boiling water

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup cornmeal

2/3 cup brewers' yeast

2 tablespoons garlic powder

2 egg yolks

Preheat oven to 375º F. Dissolve beef bouillon cubes in boiling water, and set aside, Grease cookie sheet.

In a large bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, corn meal, brewers' yeast and garlic powder. Add the yolks, then gradually pour in the bouillon water while stirring. Mix thoroughly to form a firm dough. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness, Cut in desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 inch apart onto greased cookie sheet. Bake 20 minutes, in preheated oven. After baking time , turn the oven off and allow cookies to sit inside for at least 3 hours or overnight to harden. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

I have also read in several places, that brewers' yeast is a natural anti-flea remedy. 1 teaspoon per 30 pounds of body weight, daily can provide the B complex vitamins a dog needs. ( wonder if a B complex vitamin supplement would work as well....)

Garlic, is also a known repellant. Careful with this though - as it can be toxic to dogs. Typically, the problem is with large quantities, not 'seasoning portions'. Ask your vet for if it is appropriate to use garlic for fleas for your pet. WHEN IN DOUBT - leave it out!!!

If anyone has a tried and true natural method they would like to share, please let me know. I will be happy to post, as well as give credit where credit it do!