A Holistic Flea/Tick/Mite Treatment And What Mange Is.

Are you having trouble with fleas, ticks or mites? This time of year the fleas are out in full force, and so are the ticks. You can see these two, but the mites you would need a microscope for. Usually you will find them in the ears. But mites also can be seen in skin scrapings done by your vet. Mites are the cause of Sarcoptic and Demodectic mange. Also, this year has been one of the worst for ticks that I have seen in a long time. I found a holistic remedy for these 3 pesky parasites. It is cinnamon. Yes, cinnamon.

Cinnamon has sulphur in it. Ticks, fleas and mites hate sulphur. By putting a teaspoon of cinnamon on your dog's food once a day, you can supplement your flea/tick program without harming your dog.

Also, if you have a dog with itchy skin and nothing seems to work, try putting one capsule of fish oil on your dogs food every 3-4 days. You can find these capsules at Rite-Aid, GNC or any health food store. The oil will give your dog the added oil they need to alleviate the dry skin. Mix it up well in their food, though, as it smells like fish. Most dogs don't like fish.

Just a little information on the mites. The mite that causes Scabies is microscopic and this can be spread rapidly between dogs and on to humans. It is characterized by intense itching and hair loss, especially around the areas of the ears, elbows, legs and face. The second type, the Demodex canis, is also microscopic and lives in the hair follicles. It causes thick, red skin and hair loss. Eventually, it can cause the formation of pustules in the infected hair follicles.

This first signs of Demodectic mange in young puppies are small patches of hair loss around the eyes, forehead, muzzle, and forepaws. Dogs with this type of mange should not be used for breeding, as it is hereditary. Skin scrapings done by a vet can determine the type of mange, or what is causing the skin problems your dog may be experiencing.

Ticks. How To Remove And Prevent Infestation.

This year is one of the worst I have ever seen for ticks. These parasites can cause anemia, tick paralysis, or a very serious disease called Lyme disease. I had my dog, Chance, vaccinated for Lyme when he went for his annual shots in May. You have to request this, as it is not part of the annual shot regime. If you live near woods, or like me, take your dog to wetlands, check your dog from head to tail for ticks. Ticks like the ears, armpits and under the neck. I use the between the shoulder flea/tick/chewing lice treatment, Frontline Plus. This particular treatment will kill the ticks that carry Lyme disease. There are 4 types of ticks: Deer, Brown, American, and Lone Star.

The correct way to remove a tick is to grasp it with a pair of tweezers or hemostats and firmly, but gently, pull it straight out. Don't worry if the whole tick doesn't disengage. It will not grow back, and rarely the area will become infected. I use a diluted solution of alcohol and dab it on the spot where I removed the tick.


To kill the tick, the best method is to burn it with a match or lighter....but only after you remove it from the dog. I know that sounds really silly, but I read where some silly person tried to burn the tick while it was still attached. Needless to say, the dog was burned. You can also use a commercial dog dip to combat numerous ticks and to guard temporarily against re-infestation. If you do not like using a toxic dip, there are organic dips available, but they do not have the residual power of the dips containing toxins.********Read the directions on the dip carefully before using.********

Tick collars work only on the areas around the head and neck, so don't neglect the possibility of infestation re-occurring. But, if you use the between the shoulder applications, don't use a flea collar. And, do not, and I repeat, do not use a flea/tick shampoo before or after applying the liquid application. This will be toxic to your dog and could cause serious problems or kill them. The same goes for cats, too.