15 Amazing Facts About Therapy Dogs

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This article was referred to me by Carolyn Friedman from Radiologytechnicialschools.net.

15 Amazing Facts About Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs perform the exact same function as their name implies. These gentle, altruistic animals interact with humans suffering from chronic mental or physical conditions - usually at hospitals, elder care centers, and rehabilitation clinics - and provide the patients with a conduit for lowering blood pressure and quelling anxieties. Both these canine friends and their owners deserve as many accolades as they can get for the wonderful services they perform for the suffering masses.

1. They can help children learn how to read.

Many people tend to associate therapy dogs with assisting those with physical impairments, but their value actually extends beyond those boundaries. The Children Reading to Dogs program offered through Therapy Dogs International provides kids who struggle with the written word a nonjudgmental environment in which to practice. The dogs sit quietly and patiently while the children read to them, allowing them to improve upon both their skills and self-confidence without intimidation or fear of becoming the butt of the cruel jokes often unfairly heaped on the learning disabled.

2. They have been used in libraries.

TDI’s Children Reading to Dogs program has been utilized in libraries as another way to encourage a confident consumption of books. Frequently hosted in conjunction with summer or after school reading events, the synthesis between the 2 institutions does nothing but promote the importance of literacy while simultaneously providing a gentle atmosphere for reading practice. It makes sense that public and private libraries alike would find Children Reading to Dogs an attractive partner, even though it initially seems unorthodox to utilize canine companions in such a setting.

3. They don’t always have to be formally trained.

Full-time therapy dogs obviously require intensive training if they hope to be used in hospitals, nursing and retirement homes and other institutions desiring their assistance. However, more sedate pets can serve as therapy animals on a part-time, volunteer basis. The Visiting Pet Program in New Orleans, for example, welcomes pet owners with gentle dogs, cats, guinea pigs and rabbits and sends them to hospitals, retirement homes and other convalescent centers to provide love and support for the patients. Participating requires $10 and a short orientation session, though similar organizations in different cities will have their own set of special requests.

4. Any breed can be a therapy dog.

Every breed between the Great Dane to the Chihuahua holds the potential to become a first-rate therapy dog. Organizations dedicated to their training and utilization rarely - if ever - discriminate on the basis of whether or not a canine candidate comes from popular, PR-friendly stock. A sweet-natured Doberman or pit bull is far more likely to end up granting solace to a cancer patient than a high-strung golden retriever. Certifying bodies care more about how effective an individual animal will prove in a therapeutic situation than whether or not they’ll elicit squeals of delight.

5. Seizure-alert dogs do NOT always predict epileptic events.

Some individuals suffering from epilepsy or similar conditions take advantage of therapy dogs to assist them during and after the onset of a seizure. They are capable of recognizing and alerting their masters and mistresses of an incoming event, but Jenna Martin of Epilepsy.com warns that such an ability is not always guaranteed. Anyone involved with a therapy dog specifically trained to work with seizure sufferers should understand that their main function is to act as a loving companion that keeps them safe and comfortable during and after incidents - NOT as an early warning system.

6. Certification requires considerable training for humans, too.

Dog owners hoping to bring a little light to a nursing home or children’s hospital alongside their companions may want to go through the training and certification process - if they choose not to go through an informal, volunteer organization, of course. The more ardent handlers will have to undergo a battery of intensive classes alongside their pet(s) to ensure that both parties understand the liabilities involved as well as how to properly serve the patients in a gentle, soothing manner. Some institutions may require any therapy animals that pass through their doors to boast certification as well, though such things are not necessarily universal.

7. Use of therapy dogs dates back to World War II.

Some believe the history of therapy dogs started with Corporal William Wynne’s adoption of a small Yorkshire Terrier named “Smokey” after finding her abandoned on a New Guinea battlefield. Not only did she prove indispensible as an engineering and communication tool, but the sweet little dog also made waves when she visited Wynne during his recovery from a disease! Smokey brightened the day not only for her master, but his fellow patients as well. The famed Dr. Charles Mayo noticed how the tiny Yorkie brought great cheer to the soldiers, taking her on his rounds and allowing her to snuggle up to Wynne at night. She ended up enjoying a satisfying career as a therapy dog for 12 years!

8. Formal therapy dog programs began in 1976.

After witnessing firsthand how well her patients responded to a chaplain’s golden retriever, nurse Elaine Smith established an organization devoted exclusively to training and certifying qualified dogs for use as therapy animals. Her strategy caught on, and canine companions regularly bring love and attention to the elderly, cancer patients, diabetics, people with high blood pressure and others with chronic conditions. Smith launched a wonderful, altruistic movement that brought joy to millions of suffering people, and the standards she set for proper training and certification are still in use today.

9. There are thousands of therapy dogs in the United States alone.

Therapy Dogs International, as of 2009, boasted over 21,000 teams of dogs and handlers. It remains one of the largest and most well-respected organizations dedicated to training and certifying dogs for therapeutic use in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and more. But they are obviously not alone in their endeavors! A plethora of nonprofits such as The Delta Society and Therapy Dogs of Vermont also dedicate their time and resources to bringing fuzzy, loving joy to people suffering from devastating conditions. It stands to reason that thousands more therapy dogs exist than the ones registered with TDI.

10. There are 2 distinct kinds of therapy dogs.

Therapeutic Visitation Dogs and Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs are the 2 different types of therapy dogs, each with their own unique set of responsibilities and expectations. The former, obviously, predominantly serves as a therapy animal through visits only. Light play and calm repose lift the spirits of patients and lower blood pressure and anxiety. Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs, on the other hand, are assigned to specific patients suffering from physical or mental maladies that require more intensive attention. The disabled, the elderly, epilepsy patients and others adore therapy dogs for providing both a conduit for emotional decompression as well as assistance in getting through everyday challenges.

11. Volunteers go individually or in groups.

Shyer handlers nervous about their maiden voyages into the world of therapy dogs have little to fear. Many of the organizations they can join up with offer opportunities for them to visit hospitals or nursing homes in a group setting rather than flying solo. This is also an ideal situation for hopeful volunteers with somewhat erratic schedules that may prevent them from coming in as regularly as they would like. As reticence begins to dissolve and time begins getting freed up, therapy dog handlers can then move on to taking their pets out alone if they so desire.

12. Therapy dogs are NOT service dogs.

Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs may provide amazing assistance to their mistresses and masters, but they are not entitled to the same legal standing as their peers trained and registered under the nomenclature of Service Dog. The former, for example, is not allowed in establishments who do not allow pets. The latter, however, enjoys a dispensation when it comes to leading blind, deaf or similarly disabled individuals through a daily routine. Both perform extremely similar functions, but fall under entirely different legal statuses.

13. Therapy dogs wear special jackets.

When therapy dogs are on the job, they typically sport colorful jackets to alert staff members and patients of their status. It serves as a quick reminder that they belong on the premises and can be trusted by anyone they encounter. Beyond that, though, the jackets also help prevent shedding that can compromise sanitation, irritate allergies and look rather disgusting. Some programs also request that handlers sport matching togs as well…purely for identification purposes, of course.

14. Some therapy dogs take residence at a facility.

Probably unsurprisingly, many convalescent, elderly and rehabilitation homes with the proper resources enjoy keeping a therapy dog on campus. Rather than relying on the schedules of individual volunteers, they always have a canine companion on call to sow the seeds of comfort and joy. Other dogs take up residence in homes where individuals with physical or mental difficulties could use a hand with their daily routines. Still others end up as companions to prison inmates, who train them to succeed as therapy pets as part of their own respective rehabilitation processes.

15. Many strays become therapy dogs.

Hallmark only wishes it could capture heartwarming stories like this. Strays facing the misfortune of euthanasia for the crime of simply being born and neglected have gained a second chance in life as therapy dogs. As with their comparatively more pampered peers with homes and loving families, they still serve the exact same functions in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and more. Time caught up with many of these animals and the owners who granted them a brand new purpose.

Any calm, considerate dog can become a therapy pet for a human suffering from a chronic condition. Look into utilizing their natural charm and love to bring a smile to a patient’s face and make life seem that much more hopeful.

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Want your pet's food delivered each time?

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I learned about this site a few days ago, and it seems like a pretty good program that may be of interest to many fellow pet lovers. The site is called PetFlow.com. I thought I would share it with everyone in case you are interested. It's a great idea I think.

Skeptic that I am, I read through their site information thoroughly. I have to say I was impressed with the wide variety of foods they have available, from economical brands to top of the line, super premium foods. PetFlow boasts more than 50 brands for dogs and cats, including dry and wet food, pet treats, litter materials and Wee Wee pads. Check out this link for available brands.

According to their site information, Petflow is a simple online service that allows you to quickly find food for your pets and set up an auto-ship program so you never have to run to the store last minute again! PetFlow was created for one very simple reason, to ensure that you never run out of food for your pet. Setup a customized delivery schedule that fits your individual needs. Their programming and design team is located in New York City, NY, however, they ship from two distribution centers, one on the east coast, and one on the west coast.

You can join PetFlow for free and the products are majorly discounted – up to 25% compared to your local store. In addition, you can get free shipping on any orders more than $65 by signing up at https://www.petflow.com/specialoffer.


Another thing I liked about them is that a portion of the proceeds from any purchase will be donated to the Little Shelter Animal Adoption Center, one of Long Island's oldest no-kill shelters.

Check them out. It might be a good solution to having to run to the pet store every week like I do.

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No Bones About It

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It's a fact - chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. Chewing relieves boredom or anxiety, cleans the teeth, and gives the dog something to keep it occupied. Providing your dog with something to chew on will help keep him from finding things on his own to chew (like furniture, shoes, etc.).

We recently looked at bones, both cooked and raw, and the pros and cons of each. With many people reluctant to give their dogs bones due to potential problems, what options are there? Are there safe things for them to chew? Are there chew snacks and treats that are satisfying to the dog, last more than a few minutes, won't put on too much weight, and aren't full of chemicals and preservatives?

Yes, there are a number of options available for your pup. I will start by saying that no matter what your dog is chewing on, there is a risk that it could break off a piece and choke on it. Dogs that are very strong chewers can demolish almost anything, even the so-called "indestructible" toys and chews. I have a golden retriever who proves this to me all the time.

When selecting a chew for your dog, remember to get a toy or treat that appropriately sized for your pet (no tiny chews for a Great Dane who might swallow it whole). My guys love toys with squeakers. Mostly they like to rip the squeakers out and chew them up. I have to watch them like a hawk, or avoid anything with a squeaker to begin with. Many items have the potential to cause chipped teeth, intestinal distress, or blockages.

The main point here is to ALWAYS supervise your dog when you give him a chew snack or treat.

That being said, let's take a look at some of the alternatives to bones that you can give your pet.

Rawhide:
Probably the most popular and readily available chew treats for dogs are made of rawhide. What exactly is rawhide? Rawhide is the thick inner layer of skin from cattle. The outer layer is used to make leather for shoes, etc., and the inner layer is cut and formed into chews for dogs. Rawhide is high in protein, low in fat (compared to other chews such as pig ears), and have fewer calories per ounce that most dog biscuits. The collagen in this skin layer becomes stiff when dried, but softens when moistened by your dog's saliva as they chew.

Most dogs love rawhide. It keeps them entertained and satisfies their need to chew. It helps reduce plaque build-up on your dog's teeth and massages the gums.

If you choose to give your dog rawhide, always check the country of origin on the package. If possible, only buy rawhide chews made in the USA. Rawhide is not regulated in many countries, so it is possible that the hide comes from unhealthy cattle, or that chemicals such as bleaching agents or arsenic-based products have been used to whiten and/or preserve the hide. Basted rawhide uses ingredients from companies that cater to the food industry and that must meet USDA requirements. Even rawhide from foreign import must use U.S. basting products or U.S. approved basting products.

Are there any potential problems with rawhide chews? As with any chew, yes, there are. Obviously, dogs with allergies to beef should not be given rawhide. It is possible for your dog to chew off a large piece and swallow it whole, which can cause choking. Rawhide expands when wet, so if your dog does not properly chew the rawhide before swallowing, it can expand in the intestines and cause a blockage. Chews that last longer than 5 to 7 days should be discarded and replaced due to dirt and bacteria buildup.

What about pressed rawhide? The rawhide used for these chews is generally lower-grade, less consistently light colored skins that are chopped, ground, moistened, and pressed by machine, under very high pressure, into various shapes. Collagen fibers bind the chopped rawhide together in the desired shape. Compressed rawhide is a good option for dogs who are aggressive chewers. The dog's saliva can't saturate the dense compression, making it harder for the dog to bite off large pieces and swallow them. These treats tend to last longer as well since they are harder to chew.

"Munchy" rawhide, crunchy rawhide, or rawhide novelties (whatever they might be called) are made of rawhide pieces that are chopped, ground, moistened, mixed with tapioca and food coloring, extruded by machine into desired shapes, and allowed to dry until firm. They are a decent chew treat for a quick snack or a short-term chew, as they are chewed up easily and don't last long. Try to avoid the ones with food colorings. That's just another chemical additive your pups don't need. Also, again, try to stick to the "Made in USA" criteria. Recently, manufacturers from other counties, namely China, have begun mixing higher percentages of corn stalks, wheat chaff and grain residue into ever decreasing amounts of rawhide.

Pig Ears:
Dog's love pig ears! In many parts of the world, pig ears are considered a delicacy by people (ugh). In the USA they are mainly reserved as treats for our dogs. Pig ears are high in fat and have generally low nutritional value, so they should be reserved as special occasion treats only. U.S. made pig ears and other pork hide products are far superior to imported ones. Because of the high-quality feeds used, U.S. pork hide products are larger and thicker than most imported ones. During repeated salmonella contamination outbreaks, U.S. pork hides and pig ears were consistently found to be disease-free.

Bully sticks or Pizzle sticks:
These are, um.....well, what what makes a bull a bull. They are 100% dried bull penises. They are high in protein and easily digested. They are smoked and dried. Kind of gross if you ask me, but I've yet to see a dog that didn't love them. The only drawback I have found to these is that they can be a little pricey as far as chew treats go.

Chicken jerky:
Chicken jerky is made from tenders or fillets of chicken breast that are roasted and dried. They are high in protein, low in fat, and dogs love them. There have been some controversy over the last few years about these items causing illness in dogs. The FDA has been monitoring the issue and has not found a definitive trend or consistent chemical issue. Most of these treats are imported from China. Finding U.S. made jerky is very difficult. These treats should be fed on a limited basis, and always watch for any digestive issues your dog may have. I personally use these from time to time, and haven't had any problems from them to date. I have also seen jerky made of duck, venison, or even fish.

Other assorted "body parts":
There are a number of assorted body parts that are available to your dog as chew treats. Most are high in protein, low in fat, and easily digestible. These include:

Various tendons or ligaments. They are dried, very tough, and make a great chew treat.
Tracheas, often called "Moo Tubes", are common treats, as are cows ears, lamb ears, lamb or pig tails, snouts, chins, lamb lungs, pig hearts, dried liver, and other assorted icky things that dogs love to chew.

Deer Antlers:
These are relatively new on the market. Antlers are shed by the deer each year and are a favorite treat for wild animals, even squirrels and rodents, because they are rich in minerals and calcium. They are clean, odorless, non-staining, non-greasy, and they will not crumble or splinter when chewed. They are very hard, and therefore appropriate for dogs who are aggressive chewers. Some dogs are hesitant to chew on them at first since they are odorless, but try rubbing a bit of beef broth or peanut butter on it to get your dog started, and I'm sure he'll keep chewing away.

A note about "Made in USA" products:
Keep in mind that manufacturers do not have to reveal where there raw materials come from. If the product is partially processed, packaged, and distributed in the United States, the label can state "Made in the U.S.A." If the hide or meat is imported, these other countries often use antiquated method of treating and preserving the products. Chemicals are often used in the process, and refrigeration and storage are not necessarily up to U.S. standards. If you have any doubts about a product, do some research online or call the company's customer service number to inquire.

There are also quite a few non-animal product items that your pet can chew. Next time we will take a look at some of those.

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No Bones

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Three Dog Bakery - All Natural Food and Treats for Dogs

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Okay, I'll admit it....I actually took a bite of one of these treats because it smelled so good. And you know what? It WAS good! No wonder my pups love them!

What the heck am I talking about? I'll explain.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to try several products from the Three Dog Bakery on my guys. I was sent samples of their dry kibble, wet entree meals, and assorted treats. I was familiar with their treats (especially the cookies with carob chips which my pups love) and the entree meals, which I feed my guys for dinner occasionally. I was aware of the company and their philosophy, and liked what I saw. I had never tried the kibble, though, so I was looking forward to letting my 4-legged critics give it a try.

First a little background on the company. Three Dog Bakery was founded in 1989 by Mark Beckloff and Dan Dye....and of course their three dogs, Gracie, Sarah, and Dottie. The company has grown to have stores all over North America, as well as Japan and China, not to mention their online store.

In addition to dog food and treats, they have an assortment of "bakery" items that, quite frankly, I wouldn't mind eating myself. There are "pupcakes", personalized bone shaped or round cakes, sandwich cookies, Beagle Bagels, and many other items. They are basically just like cakes and cookies for people, only with less fat, no refined sugar, and nothing artificial. Their treats come in flavors such as peanut butter, carob chip, vanilla, apple and oatmeal, mint, sweet potato, and molasses.

Three Dog Bakery promotes their products as "all natural food and treats for dogs." They do not use any preservatives or chemicals, artificial colors or flavors, fillers, refined sugars, or salt. Their food and treats are made in the USA. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their dogs to the store with them, where they can try out various free samples...and probably do a lot of drooling!

A look at the ingredients they use and their manufacturing process gave me nothing at all to growl at (sorry, I know that was corny). High quality proteins, grains, vegetables and fruits are listed. They do not use any by-products. Let's look at a couple items individually.

Their Bakery Blend dry kibble is baked rather than extruded. If you have been reading my blog all along, I explained in an earlier entry about those processes. Baking gives a crunchier, more nutrient-dense kibble than food extruded at high heat levels. There are several formulas, but I will look at the wheat-free lamb and rice (the chicken formula does contain wheat). The ingredients listed are: Lamb meal, ground oats, lamb, ground potatoes, chicken fat (preserved with vitamin E), dried eggs, beet pulp, cranberries, blueberries, garlic, sage, ground flax seed, and a long list of vitamins and minerals. I found nothing in the list that would be cause for concern or make me hesitate to use this food. My guys loved it, by the way.

I tried their Entree for Dogs Chicken, Carrots and Green Beans flavor on my dogs. The food is sealed in foil-lined pouches, ready to eat. The stuff smelled good enough that it made me hungry! It looked like a stew I would make for my family. The ingredients are: Chicken, carrots, green beans, cooked rice, flax seed, and a list of vitamins and minerals. There are a couple other flavors as well.

You already know the dog cookies are good...I admitted to trying one!

Three Dog Bakery has a couple of charitable, non-profit organizations they created. The Three Dog Bakery Foundation offers financial assistance in the form of grants to any properly licensed, non-profit dog or cat group with a focus on rescuing dogs and cats. The company donates up to 1% of their profits to help support the Foundation. The Gracie Foundation acts as a "red cross for dogs" in need. It works to provide immediate response and crucial supplies to pets in emergency situations, offering financial assistance to properly licensed, non-profit companion animal groups.

All in all, I am very impressed with the company, its products, and their general philosophy and charitable work. I would not hesitate to recommend any of their food or treats to anyone, and will continue to use some of them myself.

Give them a try. Your dogs will NOT be disappointed!

Oh yeah.....they do make "We Pity the Kitty" all natural cat treats as well.

Their site: http://threedog.com/

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Natural...and safe....alternatives for flea and tick control

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I've never been a fan of using chemicals of any sort on my dogs, but after researching the spot-on products and reading all the information on side effects and the EPA findings, I would definitely not use them now!

We do need to control fleas and ticks on our pets, yet at the same time we don't want to subject them to possible harm from chemical pesticides. Where does that leave us? Are there natural flea and tick controls that really work?

The answer is a resounding "yes". There are a number of natural options that work quite well in eliminating fleas, ticks, and other insects from pets, homes and yards.

We should consider the life cycle of the flea to get a perspective on controlling them. Most commercial flea and tick control products target the adult fleas that are on the pet. Understand, though, that only about 5% of the flea population consists of adults that are actively on the animal. Nearly 85% of the flea population consists of eggs and larvae. Another 10% consists of pupae, which are in a cocoon that is pretty much impenetrable. Some of the eggs may be laid on the pet, but most eggs and larvae are found on the ground, in the carpet, around baseboards, etc. From this, it would seem that the most effective treatment for fleas would be directed at the eggs and larvae.

You may notice as well that some animals seem to always be plagued with fleas, ticks, worms, etc., while others...even those in the same household...are rarely bothered. Animals with a weakened immune system may develop severe allergy symptoms from just one or two bites. It makes sense, then, that in order to protect our pets from these parasites, we need to start on the inside, building their health and resistance with a healthy diet and appropriate supplements. There are a number of really good supplements on the market (Nupro, Animal Essentials, Missing Link, and others) that provide needed nutrients and probiotics, herbal supplements, and immune boosting ingredients.

There are several inexpensive nutritional supplements commonly found in most cupboards or in your local supermarket that are great for parasite control. Fleas seem to particularly dislike the taste of garlic and yeast (nutritional or brewer's yeast). Mixing these in with your dog's food can make their blood unpalatable to fleas. Garlic cloves can be crushed and added to food with a spoonful of brewer's yeast. An easier, and less smelly, way to add the garlic is to buy odorless garlic tablets and putting them on the food, either crushed or whole. These supplements will take close to a month to build up in the pet's system enough to be effective in flea control, so it is best to start them early in the spring before fleas and ticks become active.

If your dog already has fleas, a flea comb is very effective in trapping fleas and flea eggs and removing them from your pet. Daily grooming is best. Believe it or not, Dawn dish washing liquid works wonders for a flea infested dog. The oils in it will suffocate the fleas, keep the eggs from sticking to the hair follicles, and keep the dog's skin/fur from drying out. There are good natural shampoos available as well that contain various essential oils which kill fleas and ticks. It is important to start by shampooing the neck and working your way down to keep the fleas from swarming up to the dog's face and ears. These work well for getting rid of fleas present on the dog, but do not have any residual effect.

Essential oils are a very effective, traditional way to repel fleas and ticks. The best oils for the job are:

• Peppermint
• Cedarwood
• Lavender
• Tea Tree
• Citronella
• Melaleuca
• Cinnamon
• Rosemary
  

Cedarwood and Peppermint oils block a specific neurotransmitter in insects called "octopamine" which regulates their nervous system. When exposed to these octopamine blockers, insects such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, flies, bed bugs, mites and lice lose their ability to function and die quickly. These oils and others can be applied to your pet's collar, mixed in with their regular shampoo, or mixed in a spray bottle with water and misted onto your dog's fur.

I have been using a mix of cedarwood, peppermint, cinnamon and rosemary oils in a shampoo and a spray on my dogs, and I haven't had any problems with fleas or ticks since. The added bonus is that my dogs smell faintly like potpourri!

For every flea you see on your pet, there are 4 or 5 times that many, at least, in your house or yard. Steam cleaning carpets will kill flea eggs. Vacuum and clean floors once or twice weekly to get rid of flea eggs, larvae and pupae. Wash the pet's bedding thoroughly.

Boric acid powder can be sprinkled on the carpet. The powder will remain down in the carpet even after vacuuming because of the fine particle size. It kills flea larvae on contact and is residual.

Another really great flea controller is diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is an all-natural product made from the fossilized skeletal remains of single-celled plants called diatoms. It is a very fine powder to us, but to insects it is a lethal dust with microscopic razor-sharp edges which cut the flea's protective outer covering, leading to dessication and death. It is completely harmless to humans and animals. Apply it to areas where fleas seem most prevalent. A dusting on the pet's bedding and furniture, a light sprinkling on carpets and wood floors, a teaspoon or two beneath appliances or cupboards and along baseboards is all that is needed. The dust will work its way into cracks and crevices where fleas might hide. The effectiveness of the dust does not wear out, but it can be accidentally sucked up when vacuuming so you may need to reapply in certain areas. Be sure to buy the unrefined type of diatomaceous earth, not the type used in swimming pool filters.

For outdoor flea control, there is a great biological control available. Nematodes are microscopic worms that eat flea larvae and naturally control the population. They are applied via a lawn sprayer, and, within 24 hours, brings about a 90% decrease in the number of flea larvae. It is a good idea to reapply them every spring to make sure the population is adequate to keep fleas in check.

If ticks are a major problem, there is a rather unconventional option to control them. If you live in an area where you are able to have them, guinea fowl are about the best tick control available. They love ticks, and a small flock of them will rid your yard of ticks, grasshoppers and other insects in a very short time. They are hardy, healthy birds and can be trained to come when called. The eggs can be eaten, as can the birds themselves. Check out these sites:
http://www.guineafowlinternational.org/ or http://www.lymediseasepa.com/GuineaHens.htm

As you can see, there are quite a few options for parasite control that do not involve any toxic chemicals. If used diligently, you can keep your pet happy and pest-free this summer.

A word of caution...cats are very sensitive to most essential oils and many do not recommend using them on cats at all. They are also more sensitive to garlic than dogs. You may want to check with your vet before using any of these methods on cats.

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