Home for Dogs,Kittens And Friends
Tuesday, 31 July 2018
11 Natural Ingredients To Help Keep Fleas Away
You definitely don’t want your dog and your home to be infested with fleas, but you might be a little concerned about using the hardcore chemicals and pesticides found in traditional flea repellents, whether they’re topical or ingested. Luckily, you don’t have to choose between using chemicals or not protecting your dog. There are lots of natural ingredients that can help repel fleas without exposing your dog to chemicals and pesticides.
But first, if you live in a climate with cold winters, the better news is that you may not need to worry about flea control during the winter. Heat and humidity make the perfect breeding conditions for fleas, so they are much more prevalent in warmer months and locations than colder ones. While it’s not impossible that your dog could catch fleas in the winter, you may be able to simply remove the occasional flea with a flea comb without worrying about daily repellent control.
Apart from the “ick factor” of fleas, they also carry many diseases that can affect your dog, you, and your family. That’s why it’s so important to be vigilant about flea control, no matter what method you use. Common diseases spread by fleas in the United States include Murine Typhus, tapeworms, tularemia, and Bubonic plague – the same plague, known then as “Black Death,” that wiped out half the population of Europe in the 14th century. While Bubonic plague can now be treated with antibiotics, it’s still not something you want to deal with.
With that being said, here are 11 examples of natural ingredients that help keep fleas away.
#1 – Apple cider vinegar
Fleas prefer an alkaline environment, so making your dog’s skin and coat more acidic with topical application of apple cider vinegar and balancing out the alkaline environment inside your dog by adding raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) to their water bowl can both help repel fleas. Add up to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water bowl (less if he refuses to drink it that concentrated) to balance his alkalinity from the inside. Mix a combination of half apple cider vinegar and half water in a spray bottle to apply it topically, making sure to avoid spraying it into his eyes, ears, nose, genitals, or any open wounds. You can spray your dog up to twice a day to repel fleas.
#2 – Rosemary*
You can make a chemical-free flea dip by boiling two cups of fresh rosemary for 30 minutes. Strain out the leaves and add up to a gallon of warm water. Pour the mixture over your dog and let it air dry. Optionally, you can add a lemon, one sprig of garden sage, and one sprig of lavender for a great-smelling spray that has extra flea-repelling properties.
#3 – Lemon
Juice from a fresh lemon can be rubbed directly onto your dog’s coat, or you can quarter a lemon, pour boiling water over it, let it steep overnight, then spray your dog with the mixture in the morning. Lemon can also be added to flea sprays made with other ingredients for a fresh scent and an added boost of flea-repellent.
#4 – Diatomaceous Earth
Food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) can be sprinkled on your dog and around your yard to help dry out flea eggs before they have a chance to hatch. DE is a non-toxic powder made from fossilized organisms called diatoms. Be sure to avoid industrial strength DE since it’s chemically treated and used for pools and manufacturing.
#5 – Citronella*
You’ve probably used citronella candles or other products around your home to ward off mosquitos. Did you know it’s effective against fleas and safe for dogs, as well? Citronella oil is best used in sprays with other ingredients. Try this recipe for a flea-repelling spray that can be used on your dog and around your home: Combine one gallon of hot water with 20 drops of citronella oil, 10 drops of tea tree oil, 10 drops of lemongrass oil, and 5 drops of geranium oil. Add this mixture to a spray bottle and spray your dog once a day, letting the spray dry naturally.
#6 – Lavender oil
One study showed that diluted lavender, at rates of 10 to 20 percent lavender, was just as effective at repelling fleas as flea and tick sprays containing DEET. A few drops of lavender oil added to a homemade flea spray smells great and is an effective flea repellent.
#7 – Cedarwood oil*
There are many essential oils that can be diluted with a carrier oil like grapeseed oil or fractionated coconut oil at a ratio of one drop of essential oil to one milliliter of carrier oil. The resulting mixture can be applied to a bandana tied around your dog’s neck. Cedarwood oil is one oil that works well like this.
#8 – Peppermint oil*
Peppermint oil can be diluted like the cedarwood oil and applied to a bandana.
#9 – Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is best used in the citronella flea spray we recommended above.
#10 – Lemongrass oil*
This is best used in combination with other ingredients in flea sprays.
#11 – Geranium oil
Geranium oil is an important ingredient in the citronella flea repellent spray.
Looking for all-natural flea relief? Check out our Project Paws of Flea & Tick Repellent products!
Each one provides meals for shelter dogs in need, too.
(H/T: Mother Nature Network, Dogs Naturally Magazine, eHomeRemedies, Pets and Parasites, PetMD, JC Ehrlich Pest Control)
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Study Shows CBD Oil May Be Helpful For Dogs With Seizures
CBD derived from cannabis and super low in THC, is used to treat human health issues, and recent studies are opening the doors to dogs. The newest study on using CBD oil for dogs delivers good news, something many veterinarians have been anticipating—CBD oil has great potential for treating dogs with epilepsy.
Dr. Stephanie McGrath with Colorado State University’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital recently spearheaded a study to learn more about how CBD oil affects dogs with epilepsy. It’s the first study of its kind, and researchers, veterinary professionals, and pet owners are sure to be more than pleased with the results.
Dr. McGrath presented the study’s findings to a full house at the veterinary medical conference in Denver on Monday. According to the results, CBD oil was effective in reducing the frequency of seizures in nearly 90% of dogs in the study. The trial consisted of 16 pups, and all were experiencing two or more seizures a month prior to receiving chicken-flavored CBD oil. Seven dogs served as a control group and received a placebo for 12 weeks before switching to CBD oil for an additional 12 weeks. At the end of the study, researchers tallied the number of seizures each dog experienced to compare results.
These preliminary findings represent the first official steps taken to help dogs with epilepsy find safe and natural relief. There are several pharmaceutical options available, but for many dogs, the side effects of those medications become unmanageable, or the medication fails to be effective. Dogs have been in need of a better solution for a long time, and Dr. McGrath and other veterinarians are optimistic CBD oil might be the answer.
While this study supports the same theory that many dog owners have already tested, Dr. McGrath still says more research is needed. She told CBS Denver,
“Although really exciting results, it still has to be taken with a little bit of a grain of salt, because the power of the study is diminished when you don’t have a lot of dogs involved.”
Not having a lot of dogs is a problem Dr. McGrath is looking forward to solving with her next study. CSU recently received a substantial grant to go toward another study on using CBD oil to treat dogs with epilepsy. Their goal with the upcoming study is to include results from at least 60 dogs and to look deeper into questions like, what is the correct dosage for dogs, and how is CBD oil absorbed by the body? We’re all looking forward to the results and the opportunity to learn more about the potential powers of CBD oil.
Which Brand of CBD Oil Is Safe & Effective for Dogs?
Our team was fortunate to be consulted on the creation of the Cannanine brand of CBD oil for dogs. Unlike most CBD oils, Cannanine is 100% THC free. And like all of our products, every purchase provides healthy meals for shelter dogs.
h/t: CBS Denver
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Six Emergency Apps that are Essential for your Pet’s Safety
Six Emergency Apps that are Essential for your Pet’s Safety
We all lead busy lives, but it pays to be prepared! An emergency or natural disaster can happen anytime. The safety of our pets is a top priority, and planning ahead is the key to their safety. Here are 6 Emergency Apps that are essential for you and your pet’s well-being in the case of an […]
The post Six Emergency Apps that are Essential for your Pet’s Safety appeared first on The Trupanion Blog.
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Russell – 6 month old male Pointer cross German Shepherd Dog
Russell – 6 month old male Pointer cross German Shepherd Dog
Russell is a 6 month old male Pointer cross German Shepherd Dog. Russell was rescued in Cyprus and is now in the UK hoping to find his very own family and forever home. He is currently living in our kennels in Atherstone. Russell is an absolutely adorable, sweetheart of a puppy. We made a promise to Russell when we rescued him. That promise was that we would fly him to the UK and that once in the UK we would find him an amazing family to love and care for him forever. We have fulfilled the first half of our promise to this pup and now we want to complete our promise.
Russell is looking for a fabulous home, with a garden where he can play safely. He gets on well with all people including children. He would be happy to share his new home with another dog or equally happy as an only boy, providing you had time for him. Like any puppy moving into your home, Jordan will need help with his basic training. He is a very clever boy and eager to learn new things, especially as he gets to spend time with his human! He tries so hard to please his humans, he enjoys his walks and exploring and playing. He has not met cats so we do not know if he will like them.
Russell’s wish is to find a home where he will be loved and given the opportunity to find out how terrific his life can be.
If you can offer Russell a loving home, with a safe garden to play in, and are able to spend time helping him continue to learn what is expected of him just as you would with any new puppy joining your family, please contact us. He really has the potential to be an amazing family pet. He has been vaccinated and microchipped. Adoption is subject to a neutering agreement and home check. Minimum adoption donation £325.
Full post adoption support is available from our charity.
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Basil – 5-6 year old male English Springer Spaniel
Please meet Basil! Basil is a 5 1/2 year old English Springer Spaniel who has limited eyesight due to cataracts. He is an extremely loving dog who adores people once he knows them, but needs to be the only dog in the home and no cats. He can live with teenage children plus. Basil is house trained.
Basil copes well with his limited vision and travels well in the car. He has been neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Basil absolutely adores his toys and loves cuddles and is the sweetest boy you could wish to meet. He is very strong on the lead but is a quick learner. Basil is in Foster home in Kent.
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Meryl – 1 year old female Collie cross Lurcher
Meet Meryl, a beautiful 1-year-old female Collie cross Lurcher who has come to us as a stray. She is looking for a new forever home, but we would also like to find her a foster home, so if you are interested in fostering or adopting please do get in touch with us! Meryl is a lovely and sweet-natured girl. We are looking to rehome her to someone who has a direct access to a garden, and who can continue some basic training with her. She will need 1-2 hours of daily exercise.
Meryl has been okay with other dogs when out and about so can live with a calm male dog. She can also live with children aged 10 years and above, but no cats please.
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Barney – 4 year old male German Shepherd Cross
Barney is a four year old black German Shepherd cross. Barney is fostered in Gt Yarmouth (FR036). Barney is majorly affectionate and loving and the last few years he’s spent in a Romanian public shelter must have been particularly lonely for him.
Now he really is pretty big and a bit of a buffoon so further training is advisable. Barney loves children but they need to be pretty sturdy and dog savvy simply because of his size. He gets on really well with other dogs but would chase a cat if given the opportunity!
If you are interested please call or message us between 9am and 6pm.
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Barney – 4 year old male Cross-Breed
Emery is a five year old small to medium sized Cross-Breed. Emery is fostered in Marsham (FR001). Emery has led a very typical life of a Romanian stray. She lived in the grounds of a factory in Romania, had puppies every time she had a season and lived peacefully this way until the dog catchers came. She was taken to a public shelter and left to her fate.
Thankfully she was rescued and is now here in the UK looking for her first ever proper home. She is a quiet and friendly girl who struggles a bit in her multi dog foster home. She would really like a quiet and calm environment with no or few other dogs. Emery is ok with children but probably would prefer not to live with under 10’s.
If you are interested please call or message us between 9am and 6pm.
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Hal – 3 year old male Lurcher Cross
Hal is fostered in Marsham (FR001). Hal is a wirey haired Lurcher cross of around three years old. Hal was first brought to our attention when we were shown a video of him in a public shelter in Romania. He was running from corner to corner, pitifully scared of everything and everyone in there.
He arrived here with us still scared but soon learnt how to be more confident and enjoy himself. He is still weary of strangers and needs an experienced and patient adopter who will continue to teach him about the kindness humans can offer.
Hal needs a home with at least one other dog to play with that will teach him some confidence and continue to show him how to enjoy life.
If you are interested please call or message us between 9am and 6pm
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Basil – 5-6 year old male English Springer Spaniel
Meryl – 1 year old female Collie cross Lurcher
Barney – 4 year old male German Shepherd Cross
Barney – 4 year old male Cross-Breed
Hal – 3 year old male Lurcher Cross
Win Campfire Treats Hearty Bites Dog Treats!
Recently we reviewed Hearty Bites, an all-natural, single ingredient treat from Campfire Treats. Handcrafted in Campfire Treats’ Northern California kitchen, Hearty Bites are made from beef hearts from 100% US-sourced beef. (All Campfire Treats products are created with all-natural, human-grade quality ingredients from U.S. farms and fisheries.) Made in small batches, these treats have no ... Read More about Win Campfire Treats Hearty Bites Dog Treats!from DogTipper https://ift.tt/2OytOCy
Sebastian – 18 month old male Miniature Pinscher Cross
My name is Seb short for Sebastian. I’m a Miniature Pinscher cross possibly Bodeguero in my mix.
I was rescued by my rescue group and brought to Scotland (central Belt). I am presently in foster care in Edinburgh. I’m just a youngster at 18mths old. I need a settled and experienced home that can train me with good manners and to be the best boy I can be.
I prefer to be the only dog as I LOVE My humans and don’t want to share. I don’t want to share my space with a cat or any other small furries and I’d prefer older children if I’m to have human siblings. I am a total cuddle bug and prefer nothing more than snuggling with my human. I walk well on the lead and am comfortable in or out of a crate.
To keep my safe my rescue team require a home check and a rescue fee.
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Lucy – 16 week old female German Shepherd cross Collie
Lucy is a lovely female German Shepherd cross Collie aged 16 weeks old. She is a lovely puppy who is good with other dogs, can live with children 6 plus and is young enough to integrate with other animals e.g. cats. She is looking for a home where someone is home most of the day to commit to her training.
Lucy is fully vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and deflead. She must be spayed when old enough to form part of the adoption agreement and evidence be sent to us via your vet. To apply, please complete an online application via our own website. Lucy is in foster in East Sussex.
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Odie – 3 year old male Terrier Cross
Odie is a 3 year old male Terrier Cross. Odie is a rescue from Cyprus who is living in Woodford Green, whilst waiting for his forever family to find him. Here is a little about him: Odie is extremely friendly with almost all people and other dogs. He loves to run in the forest and is wonderful to watch jumping, springing and leaping through the low branches and long grasses and bushes like a spring lamb. He absolutely loves, if not craves affection. He has an adorable ‘trick’ of standing and hopping/jumping on his hind legs to get some fussing and love, and also to put on his harness and lead for a walk.
After walks, or if no walk has been possible, he’s very chilled in the house, very well mannered. He will happily get excited and play with his favourite toy with someone – a bit of fetch or shake n growl, then he’ll go inside to lie down when he’s had enough. He loves to sunbathe, absolutely hates water anywhere near him…will walk away if he hears it and walks around puddles! But drinks okay, and can be easily coaxed out in light rain – heavy rain requires a bigger treat! And his jacket helps too.
Odie is great on and off the lead though has no road safety sense. He has fabulous recall using both his name or a whistle. However, when something excites him – a smell, sound, another dog he really likes/doesn’t like the look of, or hasn’t been out for 2 days! He’s got a very strong pull and can wriggle out of his harness! He loves to chase squirrels pigeons and cats, but has become very quickly accustomed in the house to the cat adopted just recently, who can now walk past him on the landing without him jumping out at her. He is a bit too interested in the gerbils and is intrigued by the pond goldfish in his current home.
Odie is dreaming of his very own loving home, where he can enjoy lovely walks, special treats and receive lots of love. He is truly a gorgeous boy who just needs a chance to show you how much he will just adore you. If you can offer this adorable boy his very own forever home and family, please contact us. He has been neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Minimum adoption donation of £275 applies. ADOPTIONS SUBJECT TO HOME CHECK. Post adoption support is available from our charity.
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Sebastian – 18 month old male Miniature Pinscher Cross
Lucy – 16 week old female German Shepherd cross Collie
Odie – 3 year old male Terrier Cross
How to Educate Your Puppy In their First Few Months
Training your new puppy can be both exciting and daunting. It’s best to begin teaching proper behavior in your pup as soon as possible to prevent any bad habits from forming. Early training and socialization will instill good behavior that will stay with your dog all their life and affect how they interact with others in the future.
When educating your puppy, start by focusing on routines (when to go to bed, where to eat, etc.) and basic housetraining. As they grow, work on curbing their biting and nipping, teach them basic commands and how to recognize their name, and help them become comfortable with new people and situations. If you reinforce these habits on a daily basis, you will soon have a well-trained new member of the family.
If you follow the three Rs approach: (reward, don’t reprimand, and routine), you will be on your way to raising a well-behaved, loving companion.
The Three “R” Approach:
- Reward
Rewarding your puppy whenever they do something good is an important component of their training process. This is because dogs will soon learn to repeat the actions that lead to rewards. You can reward your pup in the form of treats, toys, play and cuddles! Although food lure training is an effective way to get your pup to obey commands, it’s important to not overuse this method, so your dog does not only comply when given food. Likewise, it is important to remember that treats increase your dog’s daily caloric intake. Consult your vet about a proper food plan for your dog in order to keep them at an optimal weight.
- Don’t Reprimand
It’s important to realize that dogs don’t understand cause and effect the same way humans do. Getting mad at your puppy for doing something wrong isn’t effective, since the dog will most likely not even remember what they did. It is much more effective to teach him an alternative behavior that he can perform.
- Routine
Sticking to a routine gives your new puppy much-needed structure in order for them to feel secure in their new and unfamiliar environment. This means that the time your pup wakes up, goes on walks, eats, and sleep should all be done at the same times each day. Walking your pup at the same time each day is also extremely helpful for potty training since your dog will learn that they can go during these set times.
A well-balanced puppy needs safe socialization right from the start, which is why a puppy’s first day is FREE at Dogtopia! Learn more here or visit your nearest Dogtopia for more information.
The post How to Educate Your Puppy In their First Few Months appeared first on Dogtopia.
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Milo – 6 year old male Yorkshire Terrier cross Jack Russell Terrier
Milo is an approximately 6 year old Yorkshire Terrier cross Jack Russell. He is a sweet, yet timid, little dog, however, approximately once every six weeks, Milo experiences a minor fit due to his epilepsy. Previously, he was on medication, however, this wasn’t helping him and so he is no longer taking it. Before a fit, Milo will come and find his owner, as he likes to be comforted as it is happening: it starts with a head tremor, then his hind legs start to spasm, and this lasts for three minutes before he goes back to normal with seemingly no ill effects.
Milo’s previous family had a baby, however, he is very wary of the crawling baby. Though he usually shows no aggression around the baby, he has snapped once; most of the time he will simply move away. Milo is happy to accept belly scratches, and once he knows you he is affectionate and well-behaved, although he can be nervous around strangers. Milo is very good both on and off of the lead and can also be left for several hours. When he was younger, Milo was attacked by two bigger dogs, and so he is defensive around them, however, he does seem happy around smaller dogs.
Milo needs a quiet home with no children, and someone who can provide him with the time and nurturing to help build his confidence. He has lived with a cat, but does like to chase them, and so any cats in the home would need to stay out of his way before he is trained not to chase.
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dog species
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