Pets Care

Here’s a spot remover that will help you get rid of grease spots in your pet’s fur between baths, especially those spots that cats get on their heads from prowling under cars.

Rub a few drops of Murphy Oil Soap and a small amount of warm water onto the greasy spots. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

From Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.

For pets that just won’t put up with water baths, try this simple dry shampoo.

Place 1/2 to 1 Cup bran, oatmeal or cornmeal on a cookie sheet. Put the oven on low for 5 minutes to warm the grain. Removing a little at a time, so that the rest stays warm but not too hot, rub the grain into the fur with a towel. Concentrate on the greasy, dirty areas. Then brush these areas thoroughly to get the grain out.

From Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.

Rosemary tea makes an excellent conditioner that promotes a glossy coat and helps to repel fleas.

1 tsp dried rosemary or 1 Tbsp fresh

1 pint boiling water

Combine and steep for 10 minutes, covered. Strain and cool to body temperature. Pour it over your pet after the final rinse. Rub in and towel dry without further rinsing.

When you’re finished with the bath, use several towels to blot off excess water. Then let your pet do what comes naturally, shaking and licking off more of the water. Make sure your pet has a warm place to dry off.

From Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats.

The coat of long-haired breeds like the Pekingese and Shih Tzu get tangled to such an extent that sometimes there is no alternative but to strip the coat down to the skin with clippers. Even while grooming other breeds you are likely to notice that some hair becomes damaged, tangled and matted. These may be some damaged hair, burrs that are difficult to pull off and dandruff or mats that become difficult to get rid of. Some homemade recipes for coat conditioners can help solve these problems and can save you some expense or a trip to the veterinarian.

To treat dry or damaged coat, whisk the yolk of an egg vigorously and add a little bit of water till it becomes creamy. Mix the white of the egg. Wet dog’s coat with warm water and remove excess water. Apply the mixture to the coat, gently till the froth reaches deep into the skin. Rinse thoroughly and wash away all the mixture with water.

Pulling out burrs can be pretty traumatic for the dog. Use a sewing seam ripper to pluck out hair around the burr. The burr will come out easily after that. Use an oily conditioner to keep the coat shiny and slippery for burrs to be brushed off easily if they reoccur.

Brushing and combing breeds with long hair is a tedious job and owners are often compelled to seek professional help for grooming them. Long hair get matted and tangled frequently. Rinse the coat with a gentle conditioner every time you give the dog his bath.

Short and vertical strokes will slice an obstinate mat in smaller ones. Using an oil based conditioner will loosen the knots, which makes brushing easier. Invest in brushes and combs meant specifically for long haired breeds.

Most of the dog skin problems are precursors of some major condition that may be developing inside the body. Pet skin is a sensitive organ that is frequently affected by foreign substances that cause allergies and eczema in cats and dogs. Mild conditions like canine and feline acne can be easily avoided or cured at home, if you take proper care while grooming your pet. For example, massaging vinegar in the coat and letting it dry for sometime before washing it off can go a long way in preventing dog and cat dandruff. Left unattended, conditions that usually cause only mild itching may progress and lead to excessive canine and feline hair loss making a great difference to the looks of your pet.

References:

http://lowchensaustralia.com/health/handyhints.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?Shih-Tzu—Tricks-And-Tools-Of-Shih-Tzu-Grooming&id=104449

What are tear stains?

Tear stains are reddish/brownish marks found on the inside corner and just below the eyes of pets. These are most often found on animals with light-colored fur as this makes them more visible.

Tear stains are caused by an overflow of tears which then react with normal bacteria found on the skin to produce the darkened color. Red Yeast is a common culprit in producing tear stains as this organism – like most fungi – thrives in the warm and damp environment just below your pet’s eyes.

Although tear stains do not generally pose any serious health risk, in some cases they may be associated with bacterial or yeast infections and are also unsightly and particularly undesirable in show dogs.

What is PetAlive i-Clenz?

PetAlive i-Clenz contains a blend of natural, cleansing ingredients in an herbal tincture and will effectively cleanse unsightly tear stains in pets as well as improve general eye and visual health.

Use PetAlive i-Clenz:

* To remove tear stains from cats and dogs
* To promote healthy vision
* To control bacterial and fungal growth which can contribute to staining
* To reduce inflammation and soothe the eyes
* As a general tonic for the eye and surrounding area

What are the ingredients in i-Clenz?

PetAlive i-Clenz contains the following 100% natural, herbal ingredients:

Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright) has been used since the Middle Ages to reduce eye inflammations like conjunctivitis and sties. Eyebright will reduce redness and any inflammation associated with eye infection, as well as excessive discharge from the eye. It is also excellent for treatment of eye fatigue and other disturbances of vision.

Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) is a well-known and effective herbal cleanser found all over the world. This herb will also act as an antibacterial and antifungal agent to prevent infection of the eye and fungal overgrowth contributing to tear stains.

Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) was regarded as one of the nine sacred herbs given to the world by ancient Anglo-Saxons. In modern times it is widely used as a gentle cleansing, anti-inflammatory and soothing herb. Chamomile is also an effective tonic for the eye and surrounding area.

(PetAlive i-Clenz contains no gluten, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives)

How has PetAlive i-Clenz helped others?

“Your PetAlive i-Clenz formula has completely removed my Maltese’s tear stains. They were terribly ugly and the first thing that one noticed about her face – I am SO thrilled to find a natural product that is so gentle and effective!” – Rita D

“I am planning to show my Poodle but was having a tough time getting rid of tear stains. The vet suggested a medication that dries out the tear glands but this sounded awful to me – I can’t imagine how uncomfortable it would be for him to have dry eyes all the time. A fellow Poodle-owner suggested your i-Clenz and it has worked wonders! Just wanted to let you know- thanks for a great product!” – Louisa M

How do I use i-Clenz?

PetAlive i-Clenz comes in a convenient tincture form which should be applied to a clean damp cotton swab and gently wiped over the fur below the eyes when cleansing is necessary. A weaker solution may be used to cleanse the eye area itself. Add two or three drops to about 25 ml of warm water and apply with cotton swab. Use a new swab for each eye.

Caution: For external use only. Do not apply drops directly into the eyes.

How long until I see results?

Cleansing effects will be immediate. With regular use over several weeks, health and condition of the eyes will improve.

How long does one bottle last?

One 50 ml bottle of i-Clenz will last for 15 – 60 days with daily use, depending on the size and needs of your pet.

If your dog is sprayed by a skunk, you are likely to look frantically in your kitchen cupboards for something that you can wash her with that will neutralize and remove the overpowering smell. Usually this happens in the middle of the night, of course, since skunks are nocturnal creatures. Some simple chemistry will help you choose the right ingredients!

The old folk remedy for skunk smell removal is tomato juice. The reason this was passed down through the generations is that it worked! Skunk spray is alkaline, and acidic tomato juice will neutralize the alkaline odor.

One of my dogs was once sprayed by a skunk in August when the garden was full of ripe tomatoes, and not having any tomato juice in the house, and it (of course) being midnight, I ran out and picked half a dozen tomatoes off the vine, cut them in half and rubbed them over the dog, who I had put in the bathtub. It worked! The only problem is that when she shook, tomato seeds and pulp flew all over the bathroom and it looked like a horror movie.

To make your own on-the-spot deskunk remedy, look for mild, acidic ingredients. The best choice is a mild, acid-based detergent, such as those made for washing wool. Infinity Heavenly Horsetail is one brand with a pH of 4.5, no synthetic perfume, and it works wonderfully. A rinse made of a mixture of 2/3 water and 1/3 organic apple cider vinegar could work, too, but make sure not to get such acidic ingredients in the dog’s eyes.

A number of veterinarian sites on the internet, and the book, Storey’s Basics Country Skills, A Practical Guide to Self-Reliance , recommend the following do-it-yourself recipe for deskunking your dog. Most supermarkets carry all of these ingredients. Note that this is an alkaline recipe, so it works on a different principle than that of tomato juice.

Deskunker

1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
1 teaspoon liquid soap

Wet the dog, and work the formula through their fur. Leave the mixture to et on the dog for four or five minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Throw out any leftover remedy.

Ingredients

1 Extra large box of baking soda
2 lbs Cornstarch.

Blend the following to a fine powder:

2 cups dried pennyroyal
2 cups dried lavender
1 cup dried Rosemary.

The following essential oils:

20 drops citronella
20 drops lemon
30 drops pennyroyal
20 drops rosemary

Mix all ingredients and leave the scents mingle a few days. Sprinkle on your pets coat.

Brush your dog often.

Brushing will stimulate oils in your pets skin & keep it moist & healthy. Brushing will prevent matting of your dogs coat. Brushing is a great way to show your dog attention. Brushing eliminates dead hair in the coat that contributes to shedding.

Maintain the length of your dogs nails.

You can walk your dog often to wear down nails. Clip your dogs nails on a regular basis. If they are cut too short they can bleed & sting. Groomers usually charge a little less than veterinarians to cut nails. If you believe your dog will be aggressive about getting their nails cut it is best to take them to the veterinarian.

Bathe your dog regularly.

Buy dog shampoos & conditioners from pet stores. Do not use flea & tick shampoos unless your pet needs them, they can dry out your pets skin. Be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly, leaving soap on skin can cause problems.

Bathing a dog with knots & mats will worsen them, be sure to eliminate these before or immediately after the bath. When drying your dog use low heat. Dogs are sensitive to burning, keep this in mind while adjusting water temperature.

Bathing your dog will cut down on chances of infestations of fleas & ticks. Place cotton in your dogs ears before bathing. Often water in the ears can lead to ear infections. By washing away dead hair, regular bathing reduces shedding of your dogs coat.

Keep your dogs ears clean.

Do this with dog ear cleaner bought from any pet store. Put a small amount of ear cleaner on a cotton ball and swab outer surface of the inner ear. Keeping your dogs ears clean & dry will reduce chance of ear infections & ear mites. You can also buy ear wipes from any pet store to keep your dogs ears clean.

Dog groomers & veterinarians can also clean your pets ears for you. Many longhaired dogs grow hair in their ears that needs to be pulled to prevent ear infections. This hair can be gently pulled out with hemostats. Most people leave this to their groomer or vet.

About the Author

By Rose Lenk
Find more dog and puppy articles, collars and information at her website
Dog Collar Direct

http://www.DogCollarDirect.com

Ingredients:

* 7 oz water
* 3.3 oz full fat buttermilk
* 4.2 oz lye
* 5 oz coconut oil
* 8 oz palm oil
* 8 oz olive oil
* 8 oz soybean oil
* 2 oz neem oil
* 1 oz emu
* 2 Tbsp neem powder
* 2 Tbsp powdered rosemary
* .5 oz rosemary essential oil

Directions

Makes 2 pounds.

My dogs inspired this, and not because they can dance. It removes ‘eau de doggy’ and is great for doggy dermatitis. I imagine it would be a decent flea repellant as well. Fine for humans too. Combine water and lye, cool a bit, then add buttermilk.

Set aside 1 oz of neem and emu oils. Melt solid oils in microwave, add to crock pot along with liquid oils. Add lye water/milk and proceed as usual.

Just before pour, combine neem and rosemary powders, neem and emu oils and rosemary oil, then add to soap. Mix and pour.

Ingredients:

* 8 oz coconut oil
* 6 oz olive oil
* 1.5 oz castor oil
* 3.54 oz lye
* .25 oz jojoba oil
* .5 oz aloe vera gel
* .25 oz eucalyptus eo
* .125 oz peppermint eo
* .125 oz citronella eo
* .25 oz T-50 Tocopherol
* 6.5 oz palm oil
* 3 oz canola oil
* 8.5 oz water
* .25 oz neem oil
* .25 oz lavender 40/42 eo
* .125 oz lemongrass eo
* .125 oz tea tree oil
* .125 oz cedarwood eo

Directions

I make this in my 6 qt crockpot. Add lye to water & set safely aside. Heat coconut, palm, olive, canola & castor oils till completely melted. Add lye water & stir till light trace. Put the lid on the crockpot.

I stir every ten minutes till vaseline stage, keeping an eye out for volcanos in between. After the cook, dump the soap in a ss bowl. Stir every 5 minutes to assist in a quick cool down.

Make sure to keep the sides of the bowl scraped clean. When my soap has cooled down to approximately 160 degrees (I never check!), add the remaining ingredients, stirring very well. Glop the soap into your log mold & press the air bubbles out for a uniform soap.