Question:
Thank you for your column concerning ridding one's home of fleas. Off and on, for about a year, we have battled scabies using doctor-prescribed medicine, sulfur, tea-tree oil and flea sprays with some success on our dog. However, the borax you suggested has been very effective. Perhaps you can pass this along to your readers.
S.P., Houston, TX Feb 25, 2007
Answer:
Yes, many people have found that borax helps keep fleas at bay in the home. Sprinkle where animals live and on carpets and cracks in the floor. Let it sit overnight or for at least one to two hours, and then vacuum thoroughly every two to three weeks. Adding Brewer's yeast and flaxseed oil to your dog's food every day can also help repel fleas. Work up slowly to 1 teaspoon of each, daily, per 30 pounds of body weight.Scabies calls for nutritional supplements to boost your dog's immune system. Your veterinarian can advise you on this. And, if you haven't tried it, give your dog an injection of Ivermectin. This is very effective against scabies but should not be given to collie-type dogs because the drug can harm dogs with that genetic lineage (see www.awca.net/drug.htm). Alternatively, benzyl benzoate shampoo can do a great job.
Subscribe