About Laura Murphy Expertise Do you have a question about nutrition, including which food is best for your pet and which should be avoided? If you’re researching homecooked or raw diets, this is the place. I can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about raw feeding. Do you want to know whether or not you need to supplement your pet’s diet and, if so, which supplements are for you? I can help you with just about any question regarding canine and feline nutrition and feeding. Although I believe in the benefits of raw feeding, I respect anyone trying to do the best thing for their pets and will answer questions on any type of pet food.
I can address many areas of holistic pet care, including illness, homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, and flower essences. We can talk about everything from vaccinating (and when not to), to skin problems, to cancer. Please note that I am not a veterinarian and any health-related information is from my personal experience and research, but I can be a good resource.
I can also answer your questions about pet rescue, including when to use them and what kind of pet is right for you. And I love controversial subjects like puppy mills and animal experimentation. If I don’t know the answer to your question immediately, I’ll research it for you.
Basically, if you’re got a pet question – fire away. Chances are, I’ll have something you can use.
Laura Murphy
Experience An animal lover and owner all my life, I spent years as a foster parent for a national rescue group and as a volunteer at my local Humane League. Many years ago, I began researching and using natural health care methods to treat both my pets and my family. I have worked with holistic vets to develop and provide custom homeopathic and Bach Flower Essence blends for their clients. In 2002, I started Pets By Nature to give pet owners who are seeking a healthier and more natural way to feed and care for their pets a reliable source of education, support, guidance, and products. Relying on honesty, integrity, and openness with respect to natural health care for companion animals, I am able to provide quality products, services, and information with the intent of helping interested pet owners learn about and practice a more natural method of pet nutrition and health care.
Education/Credentials I am a college graduate and full time Business Systems Analyst. I have written many articles for publication on my web site and throughout the local pet community. I have been a vendor at local dog shows and do public speaking on the topics of pet nutrition and holistic health care.
Past/Present Clients My clients range from new pet owners to 4th generation raw feeding breeders. I enjoy a wonderful professional relationship with several veterinary practices who refer my diets, supplements, and homeopathics to many of their clients. I ship supplements and flower essences all over the world, and provide a quality frozen raw food to the Central Pennsylvania area. Virtually all of my marketing is word-of-mouth referrals from my current clients and I consider them all my extended family.
Question I have always used Advantage and HeartGard on my two dogs over 55 pounds. . .I see that Revolution does both flea control AND heartworm. . .what are the differences between the two and do you have a recommendation on either?
I also have a large cat that I use Advantage on...any suggestions?
Answer Hi Jessica.
Flea and tick season is upon us and everyone's thought turn to keeping those little critters out of the house and off our pets.
Advantage and Revolution are both insecticides, but use different chemicals and work differently. Advantage is imidacloprid. It kills fleas, but not ticks or other parasites. It collects in the hair follicles and is slowly released over several weeks. Revolution is selamectin. Rather than collecting in the hair follicles, selamectin is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream where it travels to the heart (thus the heartworm prevention) and intestinal tract, where it can also kill any intestinal parasites. It then travels to the sebaceous glands and back to the hair and skin where it continues to kill fleas, ticks, ear mites, and other parasites.
Personally, I can't recommend one over the other. I don't use any type of insecticide on my pets. My dog has severe reactions to any type of toxic substance such as that found in these products. They all contain nerve agents that can have adverse reactions both to the pets and to children and adults with whom they come in contact. Some dogs (such as mine) get sick from a single application, but even those who don't show any neurological or intestinal symptoms may still be affected by the cumulative application over the years.
I hope I've answered your questions about the difference between the two products. Sorry I can't recommend one, but I only use natural flea preventatives and have found that a healthy diet is actually the best preventative in the world.
