yeast & garlic tabs for rats also?

Question
Dear Jess,

We're having a flea problem in our home. The dog and cats
receive monthly flea and tick preventative; we also
supplement 2x daily with yeast and garlic tabs- 1 tab per
every 10 lbs. Can the rats take yeast/garlic as well? The
stuff is also sold in powder form, manufactured/distributed
by Four Paws.

Answer
Hello, the thing is that the rat flea is totally different to the cat and dog flea so I wouldn't worry about your rats catching fleas from your cat or dog. Rats are more prone to mites which are different to fleas and you would soon notice if your rats had mites because they would be stratching non stop and would be covered in sores from the scratching. My own rat has this problem as she has never had a great immune system and as we all have little invisible mites living on our skin, so do rats. When the immune system is not as strong these mites can multiply out of control and this means that the rats will become very itchy. Theres no way to prevent this, I would just treat it when and if it happens. My rat has to get treatment with ivermectin and a steroid everytime this happens as the itch will drive her mad. Instead of giving the tablets, I would feed your rats raw garlic to see if they like that as its meant to be very good for them. From working in a vets, I get the view that vets feel that the herbal tablets do not really do much and are a waste of money. Have you wormed your cats and dogs? It't important that they get wormed at the same time they get treated for fleas as fleas can also give them worms. Its a nasty cycle. As long as you treat for worms every 3 months and treat regularly for fleas you should see an improvement in the flea problem. The environment needs to be treated to get rid of the fleas, ask you vet for a spray to kill them but these sprays are very strong so all animals will have to be removed from the rooms you are treating. You can then vacuum to remove all the dead fleas and eggs. Don't use the spray if you have any birds in your house and I wouldn't use it in the room with your rats because they can be allergic to things like that. If you decide you still want to give your rats the tablets, check with your vet as rats can be easily overdosed on medication and as they are so small their liver and kidneys could not filter out the toxins and it could be fatal. I hope you get the flea problem sorted out! Good luck and if you have any more questions I'm here to help.