Treat Fleas Naturally and Avoid Vaccinations, for a Truly Healthy Dog

An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual checkup with the vet. The vaccinations* which are given to your dog each year supposedly ensure your dog's immunity to some common infectious diseases.

The annual checkup is also an excellent opportunity for a thorough physical examination to be carried out, and a time to discuss any minor problems or issues which you feel may be affecting your dog's health or wellbeing. This is a time when your vet may pick up inherited diseases and the like (when your dog is young) so they can be treated early, or just kept an eye on. And as your dog gets older, the vet may find the early signs of more sinister illnesses.

I recently took my dogs for their annual checkup, and for the first time alarms were raised about matters of significant concern - it was thought that Kara might have early stages of lymphoma (cancer) - which, fortunately, tests then proved to be not the case. And Jet apparently has something akin to the early stages of cataracts in humans in her eyes, and according to the vet, Jet is likely to go progressively blind over the next several years. At least knowing this in advance gives me the opportunity to watch for any developing signs and, if and when necessary, adapt her outings and home environment to take into account any sight loss, and most importantly, it has made me realise that vitamin and mineral supplementation in dogs is actually a very wise idea.

Worming and "de-flea-ing" your dog are the commonest forms of health measures which you probably undertake yourself for your dog. Fleas infest almost every dog at some time. Sometimes a lot of the time. Dogs which socialise with other dogs outside the home tend to become infested the most often. Fleas can carry disease and parasites, including tapeworm.

But fleas are extremely irritating for your dog. They often cause intense itching, which in turn can cause your dog to damage his/her skin by vigorous scratching. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites. Even after the fleas have been doused with flea poison and killed, the cycle of itch, scratch, itch, scratch, can remain.

My Rottweiler has been terribly affected two or three times now by this self-perpetuating cycle caused by her allergy to flea bites. Most of the skin damage has been caused by Kara incessantly scratching and injuring herself.

A dog with an infestation of fleas is neither a healthy nor a happy dog. So at the first sign of a flea, it's important to treat your dog for this very common problem. And those pesky fleas don't always readily show themselves. So if your dog is scratching more than usual, the first thing to do is a thorough search through your dog's coat. If you sight even one flea, treat your dog immediately. Some people treat routinely just because it's flea season, and still others actually treat throughout the year. And of course, it goes without saying that if you have more than one animal, you must treat them all at the same time.

This way, you'll ensure that your dog is as healthy and happy as can be!

* There are natural alternatives to vaccinations. For further information, click here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com/Vaccinate

And for a completely natural flea and worm treatment, click here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com/MedicineChest

(c) 2005, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs

Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in holistic dog health. Her site, Healthy Happy Dogs, has pages and pages of information on improving your dog's health naturally. Brigitte is the author of a number of reports, articles, and the Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter.

For your special FREE report - "How to Improve Your Dog's Health Within 30 Days - Maybe Even Lengthen Your Dog's Life!", Click Here: http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com

---

Train Your Dog With Respect

Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More

Breeding Clownfish

Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is... Read More

Understanding Dog Fleas: How Fleas Breed & Affect Your Dogs Health

Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common... Read More

Lyme Disease in Dogs

It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More

Essential Oils and MRSA

Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More

Rabbit As Pet

Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More

Afraid To Buy A Horse At Public Auction?

Here are 5 things to do to put the odds... Read More

Im Allergic To My Cat!

Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More

Six Dog Training Tips to Modify Negative Behavior

Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort... Read More

Why Does My Cat Drink Dirty Water?

You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More

Terrorizing Your Cat with iRobot Vacuum System

Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More

Top 15 Cat Quotations

Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More

Pet Doors: Giving Your Pet Freedom to Come and Go as They Please Helps Solve Behavior Problems

Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More

West Highland White Terriers- Fascinating Facts

West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More

Taking Care of Your Sick Dog

Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More

Dealing with a Dog Food Allergy?

Just as humans allergies can show up as a sneeze... Read More

5 Tips For Feeding A Happy, Healthy Dog

Do you really know all there is to know about... Read More

Setting Up A New Aquarium

Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More

Dont Let Ticks Ruin Your Dogs Good Time!

Nobody likes ticks.In fact, when it comes to ticks I... Read More

Doggy Dental Care: Teeth Cleaning 101

Your dog's dental health is so important for his total... Read More

Is There Taurine In Your Dogs Food?

Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More

Okay Lets Do A Poodle Again

My wife and I have been married for 32 years.... Read More

Whats the Best Diet for a Pregnant Cat?

Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More

Dog Eye Problems - What To Watch Out For

Dog eye problems can occur at any time. You should... Read More

Alarm Clock Kitty, How to Stop Early Morning Meowing

Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow.... Read More

How to Buy a Purebred Dog

If you decide you want a purebred, make sure it's... Read More

Dog Training: Teaching Your Dog Self-Control

Is your dog one of those that pulls at his... Read More

Using Electrolytes to Avoid Equine Dehydration

For heat dissipation and body cooling, a horse trotting at... Read More

Dog Training - How To Communicate With An Elderly Dog

As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and... Read More

10 Reasons Why Your Cat Loves You

There are plenty of reasons why your cat loves you.... Read More

Should Your Family Get a Purebreed Dog?

Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More

Toby ? My Whirling Twirling Sheltie

Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More

Here?s a Way To Make Your Dog Love Its Dog Crate!

A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More