Category Archives: bugs

June 5, 2013 · 3:01 pm

Put the dog in the coconut

Ok, well, I always wanted to be a sleuth… Reading Nancy Drew books when I was a pre-teenager, I imagined what it would be like to solve mysteries. Fast forward to yesterday. I had a chance to figure out (once again) what is going on with Cici’s sensitive skin (why it keeps getting rashy and blotchy and itchy). First, I realized after slathering her up with cream that she did indeed have fleas. Saw several critters fleeing as I slathered. Been trying different natural remedies for the fleas and the rashes and it seemed last week that the coconut oil plus spraying the bedding with a mixture of water and Oregano oil was working. Cici LOVES the coconut oil, laps it up as well as licks it off her fur but the rashes and itchiness was going away. It is organic virgin Coconut Oil from Trader Joe’s. Am going to get a few more jars. They’re about $7 for a jar (16 fl. oz).

Coconut oil has other benefits … skin smells good. weight loss, if that is an issue, keeping your dog slim and trim. Keeps the yeast away. Helps with arthritis / joints.

“the lauric acid in coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Capric and caprylic acid have similar properties and are best known for their anti-fungal effects.”

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/

http://www.petside.com/article/coconut-oil-miracle-jar-dogs

Until yesterday it seemed to be working. And it was strange because she had slept with me (as she did last night too) and I took her for a walk and fed her, gave her a few treats and she seemed just fine and dandy. Then I had brought her back to the bedroom for her after breakfast nap and noticed that she was all blotchy and rashy again. What possibly could have happened? I kept going over the events and decided to look up the ingredients of the treats. Voila. I also found out that I gave her too many of them. (Am not a big follower of instructions but sometimes it is important to do so). It was suggested to give only 1 or 2 a day and I had given her five or six or seven. Oops. Not only that but one of the ingredients was rosemary.

A few weeks ago when this all had started up again I had sprayed her with an all natural flea spray that ALSO had rosemary as one of the ingredients. I think I also oversprayed her too. She did NOT have a problem, I don’t think, with the Salmon oil that had rosemary in it but maybe that is not true. All I know is that there is a common denominator here and it seems to be the MISSING LINK.

So there you have it folks. No more Rosemary for Cici. It is good to be cautious when it comes to herbs, essential oils, and other natural remedies as well as regular treatments. Some may be too strong for you and/or your poochie pals. Tea tree oil, clove, oregano, cinnamon bark, are some oils that can burn when put on the skin (and more). They have beneficial properties but proceed with caution, dilute, dilute, dilute and for some, do not use at all. Ask your vet (holistic vet). Tis better to be safe than sorry… don’t let the flea bugs bite !!!!

Lickiest tongue in the west

Put the dog in the Coconut…

About these ads

Doggie due diligence

I just did not want to take her to the vet again, spend $300 and give her toxic poisons like I did last year but sometimes it takes time to figure out and take the correct action. Dr Harvey said it’s called doing your due diligence.

I spoke to Dr.Harvey about Cici’s itch and rash again last week. while we were talking, he said I could slather oils and cream on her every hour. I did not get it in my head/gut until Saturday… delayed reaction?

and I had not been putting the healing cream on her butt rash at all, why I do not know. well, I did all day Sat. and voila, the bumpy crunchy rash is improving, much much better…she has a red rash below her mouth that is harder to put cream on but I keep trying. And her rashes are now MUCH improved.

Organic Healing Cream

Organic Shea Butter, Organic Aloe Vera Extract, Polysorbate (From Vegetable Source), Organic Calendula Extract, Organic Goldenseal Extract, Organic Chamomile Extract, Organic Comfrey Extract, Propolis Extract, Stillingia Extract, Organic Thyme Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Organic Rosemary Extract

http://www.drharveys.com/products/show/24-organic-healing-cream

Helpful info about itchies from a vet

Labrador Retrievers, for example, are overly represented when it comes to food allergy. Wheaton Terriers, Bull Terriers (all pits), Jack Russell Terriers are a few breeds that are documented to suffer from inhalant allergy. Brachycephalic breeds (dogs with pushed in faces like Bulldogs ) often suffer from infections and itches in areas that other dogs don’t have, e.g. skin folds. Cocker Spaniels and others suffer from primary seborrhea (scaling and itching for no other reason other than they’re Cocker Spaniels)

http://dawgbusiness.blogspot.com/2012/11/itching-for-diagnosis.html

while looking for an all natural herbal flea collar, I saw some on Amazon with oils I already have and one blend, Purification essential oil blend which is excellent for getting rid of fleas and soothing for bug bites, cuts and scratches.

Purification contains:
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) which is antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal and soothing to tissues. Citronella is registered with the EPA as an effective insect repellent.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) has strong antifungal properties when applied topically. Lemongrass is registered with the EPA as an effective insect repellent. Lemongrass is also anti-parasitic and can aid in a natural de-worming of your pets.
Lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida) a strong antiseptic also registered with the EPA as an effective insect repellent.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis CT) is a top anti-infectious, anti-microbial and antiseptic. Rosemary is registered with the EPA as a Biopesticide- Repellent.
Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) is antiseptic, anti-infectious, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-parasitic, immune-stimulating and a neurotonic. Entire books have been written on this popular tea-tree oil.
Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is antibacterial and may support immune function in fighting infectious diseases, especially air-borne and respiratory.

Dilute several drops of Purification essential oil blend in a spray bottle and spray to repel insects. Shake well, and mist over entire animal (be very careful and avoid your beloved pets eyes).

Some great essential oils for repelling insects are:

Basil, Citronella, Cedarwood, Clove, Lavender, Lemongrass, Melaleuca Alternifolia, Patchouli, Peppermint, Purification, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Thyme

Flea rubs

Rub on your pets.

To 1/2 cup of olive oil add 1/2 teaspoon of one of a combination of the lavender , rosemary, or eucalyptus essential oil.

Apply aloe vera, vitamin E, black or green tea. A drop of lavender and/or chamomile essential oil will soothe the bites.

Basic flea control shampoo for pets with fleas.
12 ounces water
1 tablespoons of castile soap
2 drops of peppermint essential oil
2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
2 drops of lavender essential oil
2 drops of rosemary essential oil

Combine ingredients in a jar. Shake well. Dampen your pet. add enough shampoo to make a lather and work. Rinse off well.

Herbal Flea control powder

1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon each of ground dried eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender

Flea powder

2-4 cups of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon orange oil

Don’t use this on cats. other options is to add lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or rosemary essential oil.

All Natural Bug Spray Recipe

10 drops citronella essential oil oil

5 drops lavender essential oil

5 drops lemongrass essential oil

5 drops eucalyptus globulus essential oil

1 oz. of witch hazel extract

Put essential oils in an empty spray bottle. Add your favorite carrier oil. Shake well and spray on as needed.

Shake well, and mist over entire animal (be very careful and avoid your beloved pets eyes).

Apply Purification oil and Peppermint oil diluted with V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil to a cotton swab and rub just inside the ear to eliminate ear mites in cats and dogs.

Purification smells good, clean, fresh not like those cover-up synthetic fragrances that mask odors. This oil purifies, deodorizes and sanitizes the air and gets rid of pet odors, cigarette smoke, mildew and mold and it also feels uplifting. I put some on my pillow, am spraying her bedding and mine and keeping bugs at bay.

Many brands you see in the health food store are NOT pure oils. Many have additives like alcohol and other preservatives. Young Living oils are the pure essential oil and contain no additives of any kind.

If you’d like to give your dog a gift of Purification, Peppermint, Lavendar or other oils, email or call me.

My itchy dog

Cici’s got the itchies again. am trying the raw Apple Cider Vinegar and Wild Salmon oil cures… she did not like being sprayed with the ACV but I will find a way maybe sponge it on her. Started giving her the Doggy Goo again, bathed her with Dr. Harvey’s herbal shampoo and took away any kibble. The itchies started with her tearing apart this chair she has been sleeping on. The fabric mess seemed to bother her so I put a sleeping bag over the torn chair. Still itching away and getting worse every day. Drastic measures. Here we go again.

“…Fleas, flies, ticks and bacteria, external parasites, ring worm, fungus, staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus, mange, etc., are unlikely to inhabit a dog whose system is alkaline inside and out. Should you ever experience any of these with your dog, bathe with a nice gentle herbal shampoo — one that you would use on your own hair — rinse thoroughly, and then sponge on ACV diluted with equal amounts of warm water. Allow your dog to drip dry. It is not necessary to use harsh chemicals for minor flea infestations. All fleas drown in soapy water and the ACV rinse makes the skin too acidic for a re-infestation. If you are worried about picking up fleas when you take your dog away from home, keep some ACV in a spray bottle, and spray your dog before you leave home, and when you get back. Take some with you and keep it in the car, just in case you need it any time. Obviously for major infestations, more drastic measures are necessary. ACV normalizes the pH levels of the skin, makes your dog unpalatable to even the nastiest of bacteria and you have a dog that smells like a salad, a small price to pay!”

http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/acvfordogs.html

raw Apple Cider Vinegar has worked wonders for me internally, when I have had indigestion and other tummy upsets.

Use apple cider vinegar as a pet bath to treat fleas and skin irritation. Wash your pet first with a mild shampoo and then wash again with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Rinse off when finished with cool water and repeat this bath as needed to fleas and skin allergies.
Mix equal parts apple cider and vinegar with fresh water and put in a plastic spray bottle. Spray your furry friend daily to treat fleas, heal hot spots, stop itching, and increase the health and luster of your pet’s coat.

Apple cider vinegar can be sponged onto a dog’s coat after bathing to remove soap residues and improve hair condition. Vinegar’s acidity and live enzymes are said to kill bacteria that cause flaking skin conditions. Soak the coat to the skin and let it air-dry. This same treatment is said to repel fleas and ticks.

Apple cider vinegar cools the skin when applied to burns, wounds, or hot spots. It can be massaged into sore or sprained muscles and is the foundation of many herbal liniments that relieve pain and inflammation.

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/2_6/features/5220-1.html

Benefits

Apple cider vinegar has excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties that give the immune system a good boost, arming your dog with the strength to ward off pests like fleas and ticks and also diseases like parvo virus in dogs and parvo in puppies.
Apple cider vinegar is also the king of skin and hair remedies. It is effective at fighting itching and scratching from allergies or bites. When applied directly to a hot spot on your dog’s skin, ACV will calm the redness and swelling all while providing your dog with some much needed relief. ACV can be poured directly on your dog’s fur after a bath and then rinsed, which will cure dandruff, rejuvenate hair and help balance the PH levels in the body.

http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar.html

I also am giving her the apple cider vinegar internally, one tablespoon in her food every day and I am taking it too.

I am also giving her Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for the itchy problem. It is a premium source of OMEGA-3 Fatty Acids and also goes in her food. These nutrients are linked to healthy heart and brain function, supple and shiny skin and coat, normal functioning immune system, and healthy joints. This is the brand, Alaskan Bear Treats Wild-Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs. There is also Grizzly Oil. You can get the cider vinegar and both oils at Amazon.

3 Comments

Filed under allergies, animals, au natural dog, bugs, dog health, dogs, food, healthy dog food, itchy red ears, keep pets safe, natural health remedies, pet care, self help, Uncategorized

Tagged as antibacterial and antifungal, dog bath, dog itchies, dog’s fur, doggy goo, dogs, Dr. Harvey's herbal shampoo, fleas, flies, fungus, gentle herbal shampoo, heal hot spots, kill bacteria, mange, minor flea infestations, much needed relief, parasites, pet bath, pH levels of the skin, raw apple cider vinegar, relieve pain, repel fleas and ticks, ring worm, skin allergies., Spray your furry friend, stop itching, ticks and bacteria

March 2, 2012 · 5:31 pm

wanted: stinky dogs with fleas

You know those commercials for products that are supposed to smell good and eliminate bad odors? Personally, those products make me ill and do not smell fresh nor beachy but they usually have dirty and smelly looking dogs in the background as well as other stinky food and stuff. If someone had me sit down on a filthy couch, or brought me into a raunchy kitchen, I’d scream. But the point is that we associate stinky unkempt dogs with having fleas, which they usually do. And they more than likely have bad breath.

But what about your well cared for, even pampered pet? Do they smell and/or have fleas?

If you love your dog’s kisses but can do without the bad breath, read on.

Imagine your dog brushing her own teeth…hmmmmm…

I have to say when I first opened the bag and sniffed I thought these pet treats smelled funny and I wondered if Cici would like them. SHE LOVED THEM… scarfed them up in seconds… she chewed and chewed and chewed … good deal… much easier than trying to brush her teeth. Although she lets me into her mouth, what a mess so these treats make our life much easier.

Now your pets can care for their own teeth!

Ark Naturals BREATH-LESS Brushless Toothpaste is a multiple award winning chewable dental solution for pets.

BREATH-LESS Brushless Toothpaste is a highly digestible dental chew with clinically proven, all natural ingredients.

On the outside: breath-freshening ingredients include chlorophyll, cinnamon, vanilla and clove. Ridges provide effective teeth scrubbing and support healthy gums.

On the inside: Ark’s patented toothpaste center provides three bacteriostats to inhibit the growth of plaque-forming bacteria, as well as to assist with bad breath, and tartar and plaque build-up.

Recipient of multiple awards as chosen by national pet magazines and their readers!

Use with BREATH-LESS Plaque Zapper for maximum benefits.

For all dogs and cats 12 weeks and older. Also available in mini size.

Flick those fleas, toss those ticks…

Contrary to popular belief, fleas don’t take the winter months off. In fact, these pesky critters often find refuge and warmth inside throughout the colder months (paw-ticularly since this winter has been generally mild nationwide). Though fleas and ticks are a way of life for dogs, methods to prevent and control them are a pet owner’s choice.

You know that I prefer natural eco friendly ways. I am in good company.

Nancy Scanlan, DVM, Executive Director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and past president of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association, said she has long been aware of the problems associated with the chemical and pesticide-based flea and tick products. “I prefer natural botanicals over pesticides for treating fleas and ticks and there are a number of good natural products that work without harsh side effects,” said Dr. Scanlan.

Here are five ways under $20 to safely keep fleas and ticks away from your dogs.

Food grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Sprinkle this safe alternative on the dog before heading outdoors, on walks, or into woodsy areas. These fossilized remains of microscopic shells act as shards of glass to winged critters. Use a salt shaker from a local retailer and sprinkle gently into dog’s coat. Bonus: Word has it that this is a good bedbug deterrent, so travel with it, too. (Note: Be sure to get the food grade.)

“Tick Key: Using natural forward leverage to remove the entire tick, this is the kind of product that pays for itself the first time you use it. (It is nicely priced for toting on a key ring, too.)

Brewer’s Yeast: Helping to strengthen Rover’s immune system and containing sulfur compounds, fleas are less likely to host on a dog that has brewer’s yeast in his diet. Rich in amino acids and other vitamins, it also has a rich nutritional value. Given as a tablet or mixed into food, dogs may also experience an improvement in skin and coat.

Citrus or Peppermint: Use a gentle shampoo with a citrus base such as orange or lemon acts as a good flea deterrent. Peppermint oil, too, when safely diluted with water acts as a great in-home spray for areas where insects might enter (doors, windows).

Ark Naturals Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker!: This is labeled as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) ingredients by the EPA and FDA. Easy to apply, it leaves a mild, fresh smell. Spray on a light application, massage into your pet’s coat, and it starts to work immediately to repel and kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

This botanical formula was developed as an natural, botanical alternative to chemical pesticides in controlling fleas and ticks on your pet. It is easy to apply and leaves a mild, fresh smell. You simply spray on a light application, massage into pet’s coat, and it starts to work immediately to repel and kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

Cautionary Statement:

Herbal flea and tick products like Ark’s Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! tend to be safer than pharmaceutical flea/tick products. That being said, all products that are formulated to rid pets of fleas and ticks pose a % of risk.

The ingredients in Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! are labeled as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) ingredients by the EPA and FDA. Generally means generally. It doesn’t mean it’s a 100% safe solution for every dog and cat. It means the incidence of problems with the ingredients in Ark’s product fall into a low range.

Typically herbal products used correctly pose less of a risk with dogs than cats. Remember to follow the instructions on the bottle, do not saturate the pet, and do not spray on face.

Blog Hop time… thanks to Life with Dogs,Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume… grab the blog hop code…

1 Comment

Filed under bathing your dog, bugs, dog friendly, dog health, dog kisses, dog travel, dog treats, doggie breath, dogs, eco friendly/green, product review, self help, travel with dog, Uncategorized

Tagged as all natural ingredients, and tartar and plaque build-up, ark naturals, Ark Naturals BREATH-LESS Brushless Toothpaste, Ark Naturals Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker!, bad breath, Brewer’s Yeast, brushing your dog's teeth, chewable dental solution for pets, Chlorophyll, cinnamon, Citrus or Peppermint, fleas, fleas don’t take the winter months off, Flick those fleas, Food grade Diatomaceous Earth, Imagine your dog brushing her own teeth..., natural treats for dogs, prefer natural botanicals over pesticides for treating fleas and ticks, smelly dogs, stinky dogs, Tick Key, ticks, toss those ticks., Use a gentle shampoo, vanilla and clove, Veterinary Botanical Medical Association, your pets can care for their own teeth

November 3, 2011 · 2:52 pm

best pet 4 you

what’s the best pet for you and your family?

some things to consider when adopting a pet, go to your local shelter and find your new best friend… spay/neuter, and if you are able, think about getting a pit bull / mix… older pet, chi, or some of the other pets that get left behind such as the black beauties! also, most pit bulls do not make it out of the shelters alive in the US. California has an overpopulation of chi’s. Too many healthy pets end up on death row due to overbreeding, puppy mills, greedy breeders, etc.

Even Bo, the First Dog, wants us to help stop euthanizing sheltered and homeless pets… hundreds and hundreds of thousands of tax dollars goes to killing animals.

and don’t forget five of the very special former Vick dogs are available for adoption… read all about how to give one of these amazing dogs a home…

http://celiasue.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/heroes-welcome-adopt-a-vicktory-dog/

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114488568661785

what are the pets kids love most???

8 Pets Kids Love, Nannies Hate

http://www.nannyjobs.org/blog/8-pets-kids-love-nannies-hate/

how to create the best pet photo

http://www.frederickvan.com/shut-up-shoot-5making-the-perfect-pet-photo/

now is the time for the Pet Blog Hop again, it goes so fast these days… thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume… Grab the code and enjoy the ride.

very cute video at Life with Dogs, my cici likes to lick horse’s hooves…

2 Comments

Filed under adoption, all you need is a dog, All you need is love, animal rescue, animals, blog hop, breeds, bugs, bunny rabbits, canine cuteness, cats, children and dogs, dogs, first dog Obama family, how much is that doggie in the window, keep pets safe, kitty loves puppy, lost dog, mutts, nanny dogs, pet adoption, pet care, pit bull, puppies, puppy love, Uncategorized

Tagged as adopt a chi, adopt a mutt, adopt a pit bull, adopt an older pet, best pet for your family, bo the first dog, bugs, cat and dog, cats, do not breed pets, do not buy puppy mill pets, dogs, ferrets, frogs, give a pit bull a chance, how to take a great pet photo, kid's best friend, kids and pets, nannies hate pets, no kill shelter, obama family dog bo, older pets, overbreeding leads to homeless pets, perfect pet for you, pet adoption, pets kids love, pit bulls, rabbits, rats, shelter pets, too many healthy pets end up on death row

June 17, 2011 · 12:47 pm

all natural flea patrol

apparently, the most commonly used flea repellants are actually pesticides. what a great idea NOT… pesticides POISON our plants so now let’s POISON our pets… where do they get these ideas??? oh yeah, the companies that produce this are out for MAKING MONEY and do not care about the health and safety of the consumer and their pets. It is as simple as that.

comfortis, the flea preventative, that the holistic vet gave to cici is organic, how nice, an organic pesticide… meanwhile, i did some research and found out that some dogs have taken this product and had seizures or died. talking about the RISKS far outweighing the benefits, aka OVERKILL… not a risk am willing to take… so I gave the six month supply back to the vet and have found a REAL holistic vet in the area, who I will be interviewing and/or she will be guest blogging soon… sheesh…

anyhow, while I was at the pet store getting CIcI some food, the ladies there also gave me some suggestions… for fleas

there is some kind of zapper, uses electromagnetic force to not kill the fleas but keep them out of the pet’s field, sounds kind of strange to me, it is called Shoo tag

The key to shoo!TAG™ is the three dimensional electromagnetic frequency embedded in the magnetic strip. shoo!TAG combines with the body’s electrical field to produce an expanding barrier effect, keeping targeted pests away.

offers protection for your dogs against Flea, Ticks, Fleas and Mosquitoes.

NO Chemicals, is Odor-Free, Waterproof and is safe for pets, people and the planet.

shoo!TAG™’s magnetic strip is encoded with beneficial frequencies and resonances and an electromagnetic charge bearing a polarized energy signature, which when introduced into the bio-energetic field of the wearer produces results.

shoo!TAG™ is calibrated to specific animals and specific insects to repel targeted pests. This is possible because various insects and pests react to frequencies. These frequencies are introduced into the bio-energetic field of the wearer. These specific frequencies and resonances have proven to disturb targeted pests and create a barrier.

they told me that it works… but I don’t know if I am wanting dazed and confused fleas to fall off cici and onto me and then I’d have to wear one of these tags too

http://shootags.com/

costs $20-30 and lasts 4 months or more

the vet has a flea powder, and a flea bath

Dr. Harvey’s has an organic herbal protection shampoo, and spray, no chemicals, and a concentrated dip (so for far less than I spent at the vet, I could have gotten good food for Cici plus all of these products, dang, but hindsight is 20/20 did not think of this until today). This is what Dr. Harvey says about allergies, too.

http://www.drharveys.com/pages/dog_allergies

Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Aloe Vera, Vegetable Glycerine, Organic Chamomile Extract, Organic Stinging Nettles Extract, Organic Sage Extract, Organic Calendula Extract, Organic Hops Extract, St. John’s Wort Extract, Horsetail Extract, Polysorbate 20 (Vegetable Source), Catnip Oil, Erigeron Oil, Neem Oil, Citronella Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Geranium Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Organic Rosemary Extract

http://www.drharveys.com/products/show/53-herbal-protection-shampoo

http://www.drharveys.com/products/show/55-herbal-defense-concentrate

http://www.drharveys.com/products/show/54-herbal-defense-spray

and then there is this flea powder, nontoxic no chemicals and a flea busting shampoo

http://fleabusters.com/Products/Rx_Plus/index.html

http://fleabusters.com/Products/Rx_Shampoo/flea_shampoo.html

Until recently, the only treatments available to treat fleas contained dangerous insecticides. Even though these products are still available, they can be unsafe for some pets and small children. Fleabusters® Flea Shampoo

is a safe and healthy way to kill the fleas on your dog or cat.

It is also imperative to treat your home, otherwise pets will quickly become infested again. Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water, and let it soak in soapy water for at least fifteen minutes. Thoroughly vacuum or steam clean any furniture, rugs and flooring, and dispose of the vacuum bag in an outside trash receptacle (and the water from the steam cleaner away from your home). When vacuuming, pay special attention to base boards, ventilators, under furniture and anywhere else fur and lint accumulate. Before vacuuming, treat your carpets and upholstery with environmentally safe Fleabusters® Rx for Fleas Plus® which, when used properly, will rid fleas for a year. If you still see fleas 48 hours after using the product, vacuum more frequently.

active ingredients are derived from coconut oil, jojoba and hemp

shampoo is $15 and powder is $40

there are also some essential oils, since cici is so sensitive and allergic, she is not able to deal with them… lemongrass is one of the oils that was suggested at the pet store… purification blend has some oils within the compound which can be too strong for cici and may be for your dog too.

Cedar is a natural flea repellent but not sure about putting it on cici. Making a homemade flea collar by sprinkling a bandana with various essential oils and tying it around her neck for a natural flea repellent collar. Have to reapply the oils to the bandana once a week.

Spraying her with a mixture of water and lemon might work for you. Right now, I have water mixed with raw apple cider vinegar to spray her with. She just gets a warning before I spray her. Cici is a real sissy when it comes to anything like this. She gets scared and starts shaking if I actually spray her, so this is not a great option for her to actually get the water mixture onto her.

Planting Tansy, a fern-like plant, around the perimeter of your outdoor pets environment will also help repel fleas. Do not plant Tansy where your pet can eat the plant, because it does have low levels of toxins.

another method is liquid dish detergents can be very effective in killing off fleas, but we specifically recommend Dawn’s dish detergent for washing pets, as that is what many animal rescue organizations use. Bathing your pet, or even your own hair, with Dawn’s dish detergent can be a safe and effective method for killing off fleas. This approach is most commonly used for dogs, but if you think you can handle washing your cat, just be sure to wash off the soap well afterwards. Do not wash your pet more than once a week or else it may be over drying! It was suggested that first you wash with Dawn and then another shampoo that puts the oils back in the fur. Makes sense to me and am going to do this.

Am also giving Cici a splash of raw apple cider vinegar in her water once a day. The vinegar is also supposed to repel fleas. One teaspoon of cider vinegar to 2 cups of fresh water is recommended.

And not sure about garlic. There are mixed reviews about garlic for pets/dogs.

how about you? do you have an all natural flea / bug repellant that you like to use?

1 Comment

Filed under au natural dog, bathing your dog, bugs, holistic vet, Uncategorized

Tagged as all natural flea repellants, apple cider vinegar, bandana, bugs, comfortis, dawn, dishwashing soap, Dr. Harvey, Dr. Harvey's, essential oils, flea bath, flea busters, flea powder, flea repellants, flea shampoo, fleabusters, fleas, fleas on dogs, fleas on pets, flies, garlic, herbal shampoo, holistic vet, homemade flea collar, insecticides, lemongrass, organic shampoo, pesticides, shoo tag, shoot tag, tansy, tick, ticks

June 14, 2011 · 2:45 pm

holistic vet for my dog

it was a real fiasco trying to figure out what was wrong with Cici, all the itching and scratching but, after washing Cici in shampoo to wash away the bugs, it made her worse, gave her more bumps and splotches, more itchies, fever, she was a mess, scratching until bleeding, on her face, and I felt terrible. Asked for help to get her to the vet and got advice unlimited instead.

But I was able to get her to this holistic vet late last week and found out that she had a temperature, bugs inside and outside, the vet seemed very thorough and spent time with me unlike the other vet we went to a month ago. And Cici got a shot, some pills, some for me to give her too. She also saw kitty cats and went nutty. And was excited to see all the doggies at the vet plus all the people.

thanks once again to Carie B. for hooking me up with Ashley who drove me to and from, was terrific with Cici, and really helpful in every step of the way.

Am relieved and thankful. The vet also suggested that I feed Cici a limited grain free diet. She said that no diet, nor topical stuff would solve the issues that she was dealing with. That there are multiple factors going on… diet, rabies shot, seasonal allergies and bugs.

Then on Sunday, she thew up right after I gave her the pills which prompted me to stop the pills until I could talk to the vet. Spoke to the vet hospital and they asked if she was still throwing up. Nope, just that once. I resumed the pills last night with caution. I also read about the anti-flea/bug pill they gave her that lasts once a month. They gave me a six month supply. It’s called Confortis. After doing research about the potential side effects, seizures and death, am not going to give them to her again.

went to the HOLISTIC Vet because I wanted homeopathic or other non-toxic medicine not drugs with scary side effects. Oh well, she said that she was going to give her a thorough approach to knock the bugs out of her, an antibiotic and an anti-allergy pill. I do not think that she has to have drugs to do that. Garlic has antibiotic naturally, and working on the allergy.

As far as the bugs go, there are a number of essential oils. I just should NOT NOT NOT against MY OWN advice washed her in a people shampoo with peppermint and tea tree oil… duh…

Purification® essential oil blend: Useful for external parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

I found a lot of helpful info on the Young Living Essential Oils blog.

Washing and cleaning wounds:
• Purification blend is more effective than iodine or hydrogen peroxide.

Allergies to:
•   Environmental-Weed killer, food with chemicals (Effaxaquin very BAD)
•   Apply lavender on the skin if itchy and on the pads of the feet.
•   Cleanse liver with Sulfurzyme, NingXia Red and Power Meal in food.

Calming:
•   Dogs or cats; essential oils can be applied to tips of ears, also on top of head, naval, along with to the bottoms of their feet, petting and diffusing of essential oils.
•   Good oils for calming are:
•   Lavender, Peace and Calming, RutaVaLa & or Valor.

Calm dog during bath:
• Put a drop or two of Peace and Calming in the palm of your hands and brush onto the towel, which will be used for drying your pet. Let the pet smell your hands before starting the bath. If needed also add the blend of RutaVala and give your pet a good loving pet right before bathing.

Fear of thunderstorms or 4th of July noise:
• Use a small amount of Release. followed by Lavender. First rub the oil between hands and let your pet smell it. Gently run hands over the ears, back and legs and with what is left over, rub on pads of feet.

Fleas on family dog allergic reaction causing hot spots:
• Mix 2 tablespoons carrier oil with 4 to 8 drops of Helichrysum in a spray bottle. Spray the hot spot area twice a day.

May help to get rid of fleas:
•   Use any of the following essential oils and add to the rinse cycle when washing bedding:
•   Peppermint
•   Lemon-Put on collar
•   Purification
•   Eucalyptus
•   Add 2 to 5 drops of any of the above oils to an 8-ounce spray bottle filled with purified water and mist all over their body once a day.
•   Increase to 10 drops in the water after 2 weeks and use as an insect spray.

For more info including how to order, go to essential oils for pets

for summer sunburn, pests, heat, stress relief, for you and your pets, try the essential 7, https://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&&note_id=209333125769307

1 Comment

Filed under aromatherapy, au natural dog, bugs, dog health, dog travel, green, holistic vet, itchy red ears, K9 travel, keep pets safe, pet travel, self help, toxic tea tree oil, travel with dog, Uncategorized

Tagged as allergies in dogs, antibiotic, aromatherapy, bugs, calm your dog durng july 4th, comfortis, dog travel, dogs, dogs smell, essential 7, essential oils, fleas, flies, heat, holistic vet, homeopathic remedies for dogs, itchy dog, lavendar, lemon, peppermint, purification oil blend, stress relief, summertime dogs, sunburn, ticks, travel with dog, young living essential oils

March 18, 2011 · 2:07 pm

social butterfly dogs

Bernese Mountain Dog
Briard
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cockapoo (Cockapoodle)
Coton de Tulear
Goldador
Golden Retriever
Goldendoodle
Harrier
Havanese
Irish Setter
Labradoodle
Labrador Retriever
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Puggle

According to Rachael Ray’s pet blog, the above are the dog friendliest dogs… is your dog the social butterfly of dogs, very friendly to other dogs? is it one of the above or another breed? Do dogs of a feather stick together?

Cici has played with more than 600 dogs of all kinds of breeds … her favs tend to be Golden retrievers, labs, German Shepherds, Boxers, Labradoodles, Australian Shepherd, Border Collies (BIG dogs) AND she has best lil pals too, mini poodles, tiny terriers, and other breeds. She has issues with bull dogs of all types for some reason. She used to have issues with other pit bull terriers but has had a few pit bull puppy friends, too. Depends upon the individual dogs.

http://blog.rachaelray.com/index.php/2011/03/10/dog-friendly-dogs/

plus, she has met/sniffed/chased or stalked bees, birds, bugs, bunny rabbits, cats, chickens, chipmunks, cows, deer, ducks, elk, fish, geese, goats, horses, lizards, llamas, peacocks, sheep, skunks, squirrels, wild turkeys, yaks, and zebras…

and she LOVES kids… the other day she played with a bunch of kids at the neighborhood park playground, licking them, showing off her belly, the kids were on the swings, she was a bit leery of the swings, but she ran and chased and raced with the girls and they enjoyed playing with her. She wanted to stay and play all day.

what other farm animals or other pets does your dog play with?

Today is saturday, sheeeesh, where does the weeks go? So fast. Maybe it’s the rain which is pouring again. And of course, Japan, do not pass by this blog without checking out what you can do for Japan (last blog post). Do not pass go, do not collect $200…

Anyway, since it is Saturday, Pet Blogger’s Hop, jump aboard another Blog Hop and thanks to Life with Dogs, here is the code…

enter at your own risk of having FUN…

As you hop around, don’t forget to stop by the first three entries on the list, our hosts: Confessions of the Plume, Two Little Cavaliers and Life with Dogs.

4 Comments

Filed under big dogs welcome, breeds, bugs, bunny rabbits, cats, chickens, cows, deer, dog parks, dogs, farm animals, goat, horses, keep pets safe, llamas, mutts, nanny dogs, pit bull, Rachael Ray, sheep, skunk

Tagged as birds, border collies, breeds of dogs, bunny rabbits, chasing cats, cows, deer, dog breeds, dog friendly dogs, dog parks, dogs chasing dogs, dogs playing, farm animals, fish, friendly dogs, German Shepherds, goats, golden retrievers, horses, labs, lizards, peacocks, pit bull, poodles, sheep, social butterfly dogs, socialized dogs, squirrels

March 13, 2009 · 6:19 pm

stuff white dogs with pink polka dot bellies like…

stinky and smelly stuff

rolling over in the grass

rolling over in manure

there is a theme here…

eating smelly and stinky stuff

getting their bellies rubbed

running and playing with other dogs

chasing cats, squirrels, rabbits, birds, rodents and other small animals

wrestling with other dogs

eating treats

sleeping and hogging the bed

jumping on the couch, bed or other furniture

stalking bugs, lizards and other creepy crawlies

eating at the doggie buffet

anything their owner/caretaker does not want them to do

recently, Cici met a few new dog friends, Tek, Peccarina and others… and she enjoyed playing tug of war with Tek, look for upcoming blog post about these and other doggy tales …

photo-92

4 Comments

Filed under bugs, dog toys, dog treats, dogs

Tagged as dog, dog treats, doggie buffet, doggy tales, doggytug toys, dogs love to roll in the grass, pink polka dot belly, stalking bugs, stalking lizards, stinky smelly dog, stuff white dogs like, tek

June 27, 2008 · 12:17 pm

camping with your K9 …

tips for camping with your dog

summertime and the living is hazy… due to the over 800 (that’s right, not a typo) eight hundred fires currently burning in California (north and south), the air here has been VERY unhealthy, smoky and horrible, been putting Vick’s on before I go outside and thought about getting a face mask although the news said that it doesn’t really do much… all i could find were paint face masks made out of paper from Lowe’s and the local pharmacy… and you have to buy a bunch of them, too…

the last two days, we met up with a dog pack made up of three labs, one golden, one puppy and a lab of unknown age, and a woman who takes laps around the dog park (about 6-8 laps at a time), and cici has joined right in with the pack and gotten along with all of them, especially the puppy lab… yesterday, the dogs found raw hide treats and cici was running and chewing at the same time, and taking the treats away from the other dogs… she thinks that fun… along with stalking squirrels.

she also was the center of attention last night. People just love her and this group of guys and another family with a tiny infant were fawning all over her, much to her delight… wag thy tail…

we finally got the word that the car is ready so today we will get it and probably leave tomorrow, gotta get us some good clean air to breathe!

gasp gasp gasp….

anyway, thought I’d write about taking your dog camping, since it’s summer and people are spending less on vacations and probably more people will be camping out with their K9′s…

http://www.coyotecom.com/dogcamp.html

cici did not like being inside the tent when we camped out a few weeks ago… i had to bodily lift her up and put her inside and zip her in… so yes, getting a dog used to a tent beforehand is a good idea, if you can do so…

http://dogs.about.com/od/travel/a/travelwithdogs.htm

Bring for the car ride:

* Lists of rest stops and veterinary hospitals
* Leash
* Dog seat belt or crate / kennel
* Water and Bowl
* Treats
* One or two toys
* Blanket and/or dog bed
* Bags to pick up waste
* Medications, if applicable
* Your dog’s medical records
* First Aid Kit

encounters with critters

http://ee.1asphost.com/jongr81/camp/animals.htm

some great natural products thanks to polkadotpup.blogspot.com that we will have to try…

http://www.econsciousmarket.com/site/Vendors/Jackson_Sage/Bug_Off_Soap/

Doggie Sage Bug Off Soap is made from skin loving conditioning oils and bug repellent essential oils. It does not contain artificial or synthetic ingredients that cause allergic reactions or irritations. It is easy to use. Rinses off easily leaving your dogs coat soft and shiny.

* Paraban Free
* No Mineral Oil
* Vegan Friendly

Ingredients: Saponified Oils of Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Aloe Vera Oil and Essential Oils of Cedar, Citronella, Eucalyptus

ticks, eeeewwww… they are a fact of life when you take your dog in the wild… so you should be prepared to deal with them…

http://www.theritzyrover.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8761#height_446

TICK KEY is the only tick removal device on the planet that uses natural forward leverage to remove the entire tick, head and all, quickly and safely without touching or squishing even the toughest engorged ticks. Tick key is 99.9% effective on all sizes and types of ticks. Tick Key Is The Easiest-To-Use Tick Remover On Earth!

Place the key over the tick in the teardrop hole. Slide the tick into specially tapered slot. Pull key up from skin. The Tick is removed easily, head and all! This patent pending design has been perfected and tested for over five years and is responsible for removal of thousands of ticks of all sizes including deer ticks and dog ticks.The Tick Key is fabricated from high-strength anodized aluminum…this is not a weak piece of plastic.

The Tick Key is flat and is easily stored in a wallet, pocket, on a key chain, collar, saddle, or leash

How Not To Remove Ticks: Don’t Remove Ticks With Your Fingers. In many cases a tick is likely to be carrying pathogens such as lyme disease,ehrlichiosis and others that are harmful to humans and pets. Tick saliva or blood is something you do not want to risk being on your hands or under your fingernails.Pulling on a tick, even with tweezers, can tear the mouth parts from the body of the tick leaving them embedded in the wound causing risk of secondary infections.

WHY TICK KEY?

Don’t Squeeze, Crush or Squash A Tick. This can force spirochete and other infective body fluids through the mouth parts of the tick and into the wound site increasing the risk of infectious diseases. Don’t Apply Substances To A Tick. Applying any substances, such as petroleum jelly, fingernail polish remover, repellents, or a lighted match that upset or harm the tick almost always cause the tick to vomit the contents of its stomach back into the host. No matter how badly a tick may want to remove itself, it is not capable of doing so quickly.Ticks can live without air for long periods; attempts to smother it can allow disease transmission for hours.

http://www.thecosmeticmarket.com/product.php?productid=19719&cat=545&page=1#height_446

Herban Essentials Pet Towelettes

Herban Essentials Pet Towelettes are a fabulous treat for both you and your furry family member. The towelettes are made with the highest quality pure lavender essential oil, which not only makes them smell amazing, but makes them naturally antibacterial and antiseptic as well. Plus, lavender oil is wonderfully calming and relaxing.

Use the towelettes to clean your hands and kill germs after playing with, caring for, or cleaning up after your pet. Rub a towelette over pet’s hotspots, scrapes, or skin irritations to disinfect, promote healing, and prevent licking. Place a towelette in pet’s crate to help calm and relax in stressful situations (ie: vet visits, illness, travel). Use towelettes to regularly clean pet’s ears. Contains 20 Towelettes

http://thewritingwiz.googlepages.com/easybeinggreen

Young Living’s Thieves Spray and Thieves Wipes are easy-to-use, natural, and convenient products to help clean and protect your family from harmful bacteria.

if you want an especially great natural antibacterial and antimicrobial with nontoxic coconut oil that smells good, too, you’ve got to get a Thieves pack with oils from Young Living… check out my Easy Being Green page and order some… It’s fantastic for cleaning your home, and they have a foamy hand soap which I love, as well as the essential oil blend which was created by Gary Young, based upon the historical account of four thieves in France who protected themselves from the Black Plague with cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics while robbing victims of the killer disease. When captured, they were offered a lighter sentence in exchange for their secret recipe.

Young Living’s proprietary Thieves® oil blend includes clove, cinnamon bark, rosemary, lemon, and Eucalyptus radiata …

The Foaming Hand Soap, features the therapeutic grade essential oil blend Thieves, pure lemon and orange essential oils, Ginkgo biloba, and vitamin E.

now, this is a spoiled pup gone camping…

2 Comments

Filed under AAA, Adventure, air, all you need is a dog, aromatherapy, bugs, California, California fires, camping, dog friendly, dogs, four paws up, K9 approved, mutts, pet care

Tagged as bug off soap, California, camping with your dog, center of attention, coconut oil, dog collar, dog first aid kit, dog leash, dog park, dog ride in car, dog seat belt, dog travel, dogs, essential oils, fires, golden retrievers, gone camping, hazy air, labrador retrievers, lavendar oil, lemon oil, pet towelettes, protect dogs against fleas and ticks naturally, sleeping bag, smoky air, spoil your dog rotten, spoiled brat dog, summertime, tail wagging, tent, thieves blend, young living oils

	pocketdrummer on car seat belts for K9…
	Sarah on June 11-Just One Day
	Dog dad’s day… on Free Guide to Pet Friendly…
	bionicdogblog on Are dog parks safe?
	Basil on Survivors of OK tornado

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