Pets are an important part of life for many people. We adopt them as family; we feed, spoil and play with them; and we take them into our homes. That last point can be the most difficult one to adapt to for both pet and owner.

To pets, the home is a place fraught with dangers such as hot stoves and chemical cleaners, and places and things that are off-limits. Most need regular access to the outdoors. Likewise, many owners are allergic in varying degrees to pet dander (skin flakes) and must cope with the shedding hair and odour that commonly accompany cats and dogs. How do we enjoy feline and canine companionship while making home life more pleasant?

Indoors/Outdoors

Dogs usually need access to the outdoors every 5 to 8 hours. If a house-trained pet is kept indoors for longer periods, it can be quite stressful for the animal that wishes to be obedient. Today there are many solutions for owners without a fenced yard. In some urban areas, dog-walking services are available. Ask for references and be sure that the company is bonded before you give them keys to your home. 'Dog daycares' are another good option. If you have a neighbour with a pet, you may be able to swap dog-walking duties.

Cats are more comfortable remaining indoors. In fact, they often act like masters of the house! A clean litter box, fresh water and regular feeding will keep most cats satisfied. If your cat has been de-clawed, it will not be able to properly defend itself outdoors. Sometimes, cats that spend many hours a day alone require another cat as companionship. Introducing a kitten or a young cat to the home may be easier than introducing a cat of a similar age. Your local animal shelter should be able to provide some personalized guidance.

Cat Litter

Crystalline silica, found in many cat litter products, is irritating to the lungs. It is also a known carcinogenic. Prolonged exposure to crystalline silica (an oxygen-silica compound) can cause a disabling, irreversible and sometimes fatal disease called silicosis. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than one million U.S. workers are exposed to crystalline silica, and each year more than 250 die from silicosis. The degree of exposure for cat owners and their pets can be almost impossible to measure because the amount of crystalline silica varies by brand and other factors related to usage. The safest option for both cats and owners is to use litter brands labelled "dust-free" or "crystalline silica free".

Toxoplasmosis

Cat feces can transmit a disease called toxoplasmosis. A single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii can cause flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph glands, and muscle aches that can last for a month. If the immune system is not able to combat the parasite, eye and brain damage can result. Pregnant women, young children and people with weakened immune systems should never clean out a litter box. Also note that cats like to use gardens as well as litter boxes, so be sure to not touch your eyes or mouth when gardening and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.

Fleas and Ticks

If you have ever worn a cast, you know how frustrating it can be to have an itch that you can't relieve! Imagine how a dog or cat must feel with hundreds of fleas biting day and night. Alleviating flea problems can be a difficult process and one that can be unhealthy for both pet and owner.

Flea and Tick Treatments

Flea collars are generally not recommended because they continuously expose pets to compounds that are toxic to insects as well as mammals. These chemicals can be particularly harmful to puppies, kittens and pregnant pets. According to the Safe Shopper's Bible, many common brands of flea collars contain irritants, allergens, carcinogens, neurotoxins and chemicals that can interfere with reproduction. Herbal collars were found to be safe and moderately effective at repelling fleas.

Many brands of flea and tick powders and sprays can cause health problems for pets and their owners. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that a well-known brand containing two powerful pesticides, DEET and fenvalerate, was responsible for more than 200 dog and cat poisonings including 26 deaths in 1987. Many products still contain these chemicals. Carbaryl is another commonly used chemical that has been linked to birth defects in canines according to Consumer Reports. Humans can inhale and absorb chemicals through the skin while applying the treatments.

Fleas and ticks can be very persistent. A diet including adequate protein, vitamins and essential oils will strengthen your pet's immune system and its ability to ward off these pests. Wash and vacuum your pet's bedding and toys regularly. Frequently change the vacuum bag. Seal it in a plastic bag and put it in the trash. Diatomaceous earth (fossilized remains of ancient single-celled plants with tiny shells) sprinkled on the carpet and in your pet's bedding can help kill fleas and ticks. The sharp edges of the crushed diatomaceous earth will injure and kills insects but is safe for warm-blooded animals. Pyrethrum is an effective and less toxic option than carbaryl, DEET and fenvalerate. Pyrethrum is obtained from chrysanthemum flowers and despite its natural origins it is strong and should be used according to the directions. Salt in the carpet can also help kill fleas.

Some food supplements can help both pets and their owners who are being bitten by fleas. Brewers' yeast, garlic and B-complex vitamins are reportedly helpful in reducing bites. Growing rue and rosemary in and around your home can help to repel fleas.

Ticks

Reducing exposure to tick habitat is the best way to prevent infestations. These insects are active from spring until fall but June and July are the highest risk months. Tick bites can transmit diseases to humans such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Reduce the risk by staying out of heavy brush and thick grass in the summer months. If you frequent such areas, wear a hat, pants and socks. Afterwards, check yourself for ticks-they can be as small as a poppy seed or as large as a centimetre long. Use a flea comb to brush your pet then use a sticky lint comb to find tiny ticks.

Odour

Carpet can trap pet dander, dirt, hair and other particles that can contribute to odour. Hardwood, tile, vinyl and other solid surfaces are easier to keep clean when you have a pet. In carpeted areas, apply borax and baking soda to the carpet; leave for several hours then vacuum. Adding salt to the mixture can also help kill fleas.

These tips can help you and your pet enjoy a healthy home!