Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there,

I've been browsing the previously answered questions in regards to heartworms and fleas but I can't find anything that pertains to my situation very well.

I have a 2 year old golden retriever. We live in the California mountains at about 7500 hundred feet. Luckily for us fleas cannot reproduce at this elevation, however when I take him out of town to places that do have fleas, he will pick them up and bring the adults home on his body, which will live for quite some time on him and in the house. I'm totally against any chemical topical flea meds, however I've been pulling my hair out with frustration as to how to kill them in natural ways. I've tried essential oil spot treatments from Sentry, the natural version, not the chemical one. I've tried apple cider vinegar both internally and externally, I ordered diatomaceous food grade power and have given that both internally and dusted externally. I've tried treats with garlic, lemon and water sprays, dawn dish soap, Ark's Natural shampoo and spray etc etc etc. Nothing worked. Luckily the things are dead of old age now but unfortunately I'll be going to the central coast of CA which has a cooler climate, but has an active flea population. I'm sure he'll pick them up again.

What else can I do for him to try and prevent these fleas?

Everything I read says a healthy immune system is the best repellant and a dog who gets fleas isn't healthy, and that makes me feel like an awful pet care taker as I feed him high quality kibble (California Natural, Wellness Core, Honest kitchen, Taste of the Wild), plus homecooked meals of organic meats and veggies, plus vitamins/supplements out the ying yang.

My second question is in regards to heart worms. My vet says don't worry about them because they don't live in our area due to our climate and the fact we have winters with snow and freezing temperatures. When I take him to the coast though, I imagine I should put him on some preventative meds, or something when we get home, but I don't want to use poison. What do I do in regards to that?

I don't have any good holistic vets in my area, there's only 2 traditional, and they're both very old school of thought pushing me to chemicals, vaccines, and Science Diet food (yuck!)

I apologize for the lengthy wordy post and appreciate any advice I can get.

Since the fleas don't reproduce in your area, just give the dog a bath when you get home. This will kill any fleas on him. You can use a flea shampoo, but even a simple mild shampoo would work well.

As to heartworm, it depends on how long your dog will be in mosquito territory, how bad the mosquitoes are, is the dog outside when the mosquitoes are intense, etc. If you will only be there a short time, won't be staying in swamps, and the weather is cool, there is nothing to worry about. If there are a lot of mosquitoes, you can give a dose of ivermectin when you get home. To be safe, use cedar oil, citronella oil, or some other essential oil as a repellent while in the low country and going outside.

Thank you for the information Dr. I neglected to say I would be on the coast for about a month taking some schooling. I'm planning on treating him with Sentry Natural Defense oil, and wash him with Doc Ackerman's botanical shampoo to try and keep him not so miserable. I also got a box of Grrr-Lick treats that supposedly work pretty well. We'll see.

What type of heart worm meds do you recommend upon my return? I have heard if you use the wrong kind the dead worms can damage other organs as they make their way out of the body.

Thanks again for your advice and quick reply.

I would suggest one dose of Ivermectin when you get back home. You can get it as HeartGard, or as a generic for his particular weight. I have it at the appropriate strength, but there is low risk from Ivermectin in other than collie-type dogs. If this does not appeal to you, you can try giving garlic, brewer's yeast, black walnut hull extract, and wormwood, but I am not sure how effective that will be. Keep an insect repellent on him while in the lowlands.