Snowball — From Severe Flea Problems to a Healthy Coat

Their 5-year-old male Lab, Snowball, suffered terribly from flea infestations. Wanting to avoid spot-on flea medications, she researched natural remedies and tried a homemade mixture containing lavender, peppermint, cedarwood, apple cider vinegar and water, with little success.

In desperation, she eventually used a spot-on treatment. Snowball had a severe reaction. His skin appeared burned, and his hair came out in clumps for days, possibly as long as two weeks. Hadassa bathed him as soon as she realized what was happening and tried to keep him comfortable.

The flea problem continued. Hadassa and her sister spent 30–40 minutes every day picking fleas off Snowball, yet they could still hear him scratching in the next room.

Then Hadassa read an article suggesting a connection between flea problems and immune health. This led her to research ways to support Snowball’s immune system, and she decided to try ground flaxseed.

She began with about ½ teaspoon per cup of food, increasing the amount gradually. She reported seeing a remarkable change: within two days, she was finding only one or two fleas, and within a week, she could not find any.

Snowball’s hair grew back, including in an area that had previously been quite bare. His coat became lush, and Hadassa felt that he seemed brighter and healthier.

She also began giving ground flaxseed to their 5-year-old female Mini Lab/Chow, Lady, who previously tended to have more flea problems when she was pregnant. Hadassa reported that Lady also developed a soft, healthy-looking coat.

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