You’ve tried everything to prevent fleas, ticks and mites on your pet—flea collars, shampoos, powders, sprays, dips and topical treatments. But did you know that by strengthening your pet’s immune system and health, your dog or cat has a better chance of warding off these parasites naturally?
While fleas and ticks are typically found on a dog’s rear, thighs and abdominal area, they’re often found on a cat’s face, neck and back. A cat’s discomfort is often displayed in a manner similar to her normal grooming habits.
It’s important to recognize the differences among these parasites.
· Fleas—Aside from making your pet itchy, lose her hair and lose blood, fleas can carry tapeworm eggs that spread if your pet eats the flea. Since fleas can consume 15 times their own body weight in blood, they can cause anemia or significant blood loss over time. Allergic pets will develop flea allergy dermatitis from a single bite, with hair loss, scabs, hot spots and reddened skin.
· Ticks—More prevalent among dogs than cats, ticks can lead to Lyme Disease. To remove a tick, grab it with tweezers and gently pull it out completely, including the head. Then sanitized the area with alcohol.
· Mites—Difficult to see because of their tiny size, ear mites are common in both dogs and cats. An itchy buildup of dark, waxy matter causes scratching and head shaking. Other mites cause mange, a skin disease that leads to scratching, sores and hair loss. See your vet for inexpensive medications.
A Healthy Diet
If you provide your cat or dog a healthy, balanced diet, it should help him fight off fleas, ticks and mites naturally. If your pet’s immune system is down and his body lacks key vitamins, he’ll be more susceptible to parasites.
Most commercial dog food is lacking many nutrients your dog needs to combat toxins he’s exposed to daily. Critical ones include antioxidants, selenium, zinc and vitamin B complex. Flaxseed oil, probiotics and digestive enzymes may also help boost his immune system to resist pests. Look for foods containing these supplements such as Evanger’s Pheasant and Brown Rice Dog Food which features a probiotic rich mixture of All-Tech® ingredients. Evanger’s Signature Stews for Cats also feature antioxidant rich ingredients such as blueberries. You can also add “homemade foods” to your dog’s commercial food, including blueberries, strawberries and sweet potatoes.
Nutrition is truly the foundation of healthy living for dogs and cats. You might be surprised to learn that so many health related issues in cats and dogs can be at least partly addressed through improved nutrition!
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| Diet affects your pet's susceptibility to fleas and ticks. Keep your pet's immune system healthy with Evanger's Pet Foods. Photo: Bonnie Boucher |
While fleas and ticks are typically found on a dog’s rear, thighs and abdominal area, they’re often found on a cat’s face, neck and back. A cat’s discomfort is often displayed in a manner similar to her normal grooming habits.
It’s important to recognize the differences among these parasites.
· Fleas—Aside from making your pet itchy, lose her hair and lose blood, fleas can carry tapeworm eggs that spread if your pet eats the flea. Since fleas can consume 15 times their own body weight in blood, they can cause anemia or significant blood loss over time. Allergic pets will develop flea allergy dermatitis from a single bite, with hair loss, scabs, hot spots and reddened skin.
· Ticks—More prevalent among dogs than cats, ticks can lead to Lyme Disease. To remove a tick, grab it with tweezers and gently pull it out completely, including the head. Then sanitized the area with alcohol.
· Mites—Difficult to see because of their tiny size, ear mites are common in both dogs and cats. An itchy buildup of dark, waxy matter causes scratching and head shaking. Other mites cause mange, a skin disease that leads to scratching, sores and hair loss. See your vet for inexpensive medications.
A Healthy Diet
If you provide your cat or dog a healthy, balanced diet, it should help him fight off fleas, ticks and mites naturally. If your pet’s immune system is down and his body lacks key vitamins, he’ll be more susceptible to parasites.
Most commercial dog food is lacking many nutrients your dog needs to combat toxins he’s exposed to daily. Critical ones include antioxidants, selenium, zinc and vitamin B complex. Flaxseed oil, probiotics and digestive enzymes may also help boost his immune system to resist pests. Look for foods containing these supplements such as Evanger’s Pheasant and Brown Rice Dog Food which features a probiotic rich mixture of All-Tech® ingredients. Evanger’s Signature Stews for Cats also feature antioxidant rich ingredients such as blueberries. You can also add “homemade foods” to your dog’s commercial food, including blueberries, strawberries and sweet potatoes.
Nutrition is truly the foundation of healthy living for dogs and cats. You might be surprised to learn that so many health related issues in cats and dogs can be at least partly addressed through improved nutrition!
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