Monday, February 18, 2008
Natural Flea Prevention and Shampoos
Spring will soon be coming and that means so will the fleas. Many people are still unsure of what they need to do to rid their dog of fleas. Many also do not realize that diet plays a large role in flea infestation. It is very important to be sure your dog is getting the right amounts of supplementation and nutrition they need, many of which do not due to a lone diet of commercial dog food. Commercial dog food is not a complete enough food, even if the bag says it is. Can you get all your nutritional needs met eating out of a bag or out of a can every day? How about dehydrated food? That is no better either. The pet food market is now advertising a nutritionally complete dehydrated pet food. To date, there is no such of a commercial pet food that is 100% complete in meeting all of your pets nutritional needs. All commercial pet food needs supplementation. All of it. Even those "premium" brands you find at the pet stores. It is like when we take our daily vitamins. Dogs need that too. A very good supplement that I used is by Pet Togethers. It is also endorsed by Dr. Shawn Messonnier. I myself had excellent results using this particular supplement on my cat. You can learn more about Pet Togethers at thier website at http://pettogethers.com/
Bottom line, a good diet full of nutrients and immunity building defenses means your dog's chances of contracting fleas has been significantly reduced. This also helps reduce allergy inflammations, aids in healthy skin while giving a real nice sheen on your dog's coat.
The House of Fleas and Natural Disinfecting Carpet Powder
Fleas will hide everywhere. In carpeting, base boards, pet bedding, sofas, any open crevices you have you can bet the fleas will find. Vacuuming is crucial and it is not a bad idea to use 1 cup of cornmeal mixed with 1 cup borax, and 1/2 cup of baking soda in an old parmesian cheese jar. Shake it up and then add about 10 drops of Purification Essential Oil blend. Shake again. This is a natural disinfectant that will help prevent more fleas from coming while naturally freshening your carpeting, and pet beds. Allow to sit overnight if possible, and at the least 30 minutes before vacuuming. Place a herbal flea collar in your vacuum bag before vaccuuming. See suggestions below. Rid your house of the flea bag immedietly after use.
You can make a chemical free flea insecticide to fit into your vacuum bag. This can be made by rubbing a few drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil to a rope cut to your desired length. The Essential Oil of Eucalyptus Globulus is registered as an insecticide and insect repellant that rates as slightly toxic. Although I disagree completely that a Therapuetic Grade A Oil is toxic and I don't know who says it is either. This is just what I have read in another reference book. Although I believe it can be toxic only when made with other superficial ingredients. I believe toxicity comes in the making and its a high possibility Eucalyptus oil that has been cut and mixed with synthetics to be the cause of allergic reactions and irritations.
Essential Oil Insect Repellant
Clean your house often with your favorite essential oils or my recommendation of Thieves Essential Oil Blend, or Thieves Household Cleaner. Also, spray your house often! Spray with what you ask? Essential Oils ofcourse! Essential oils naturally repel fleas and other external parasites. You can make your own repellant with this easy recipe.
10 drops of Citronella Oil
10 drops of Purification Oil Blend
10 drops of Eucalyptus Oil
10 drops of Pepperment Oil
Mix in a 8 ounce spray bottle with water. Spray as needed.
The Fleas Backyard
Be sure to water and mow your lawn regularly. Short grass permits the sunlight to heat up the soil and kills any flea larvae that may be secreted in it. Water will help drown them. Get some agricultural lime and pour 1 cup cayenne pepper to every gallon of lime. Mix well and spread evenly over your lawn. Agricultural lime is a soil additive made from pulverized limestone or chalk. The primary active component is calcium carbonate. Additional chemicals vary depending on the mineral source and may include calcium oxide, magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate.
Wikipedia reference for agricultural lime
Effects on soil:
it increases the pH of acidic soil (the higher the pH the less acidic the soil)
it provides a source of calcium for plants
it permits improved water penetration for acidic soils
Lime may occur naturally in some soils but may require addition of sulfuric acid for its agricultural benefits to be realized. Gypsum is also used to supply calcium for plant nutrition. In livestock farming, hydrated lime can be used, as a 'disinfectant' measure, producing a dry and alkaline environment, in which bacteria do not readily multiply.
Spinner style lime spreaders are generally used to spread agricultural lime on fields. Several companies such as Stoltzfus Spreaders manufacture spreaders for this purpose.
Finally, what about the fleas that found a home on my dog???
Truth be told, ANY shampoo will kill fleas if left on long enough to suffocate them. But you see, thats the trick. You must be sure you suffocated them and not stunned them. And certain ingredients do help in promoting that factor, but not all dogs can take any shampoo. Different types of skin and coat cause for different types of shampoo. Animals have different needs too. If you color treat your hair and its prone to dryness, you would not want to use a shampoo that is to strip the natural oils you need. You would need a hydrating or moisture adding shampoo. The same applies for animals. Especially in my opinion the Shetland Sheepdogs and Collies. They are very prone to dryness and their skin is very sensitive to irritants. Lots of them even have dry and brittle hair. It is essential that dogs who suffer from dry skin and brittle hair get supplements of Flax and Fish. Both of which can be added to their food in liquid form.
You can take a Hypo-Allergenic shampoo and add your own blends of Essential oils, but you must be sure to dilute properly and these oils wont be too strong for your dogs skin. Its so much better than using pyrethrins and other toxic substances found in over the counter flea products. I suggest Animal Scents Shampoo. It takes all the guess work out of a safe flea shampoo as well as being able to be used as a regular shampoo. Animal Scents shampoo is designed to clean all types of animal fur and hair and is also has insect repelling and killing properties. It is designed to rid hair of lice, ticks, and other insects. Ingredients are saponified coconut and olive oil, glycerin, guar gum, aloe vera, rosemary extract, and Essential Oils of Citronella, lavandin, lemon, geranium, and spikenard.
How do you properly bath a dog that has fleas?
First of all, you need to realize that the moment you spray your dog with water, those fleas are jumping for cover. They will try to hide in any orifice available. The best way to prevent fleas from hiding during a flea bath is to apply a small amount of Animal Scents shampoo on your DRY dog around thier neck, under paw pads, over the anus, and ears. Then water your dog down with a luke-warm temperature and massage in Animal Scents shampoo well into skin and coat. Apply more shampoo as needed. Leave on for 10 minutes. Be careful not to have shampoo get into your pets eyes. Rinse well and be sure to rinse your dog's private areas and stomach well as those areas are often missed being rinsed good. Repeat if desired. But if done correctly, one shampoo should be sufficient.
Bottom line, a good diet full of nutrients and immunity building defenses means your dog's chances of contracting fleas has been significantly reduced. This also helps reduce allergy inflammations, aids in healthy skin while giving a real nice sheen on your dog's coat.
The House of Fleas and Natural Disinfecting Carpet Powder
Fleas will hide everywhere. In carpeting, base boards, pet bedding, sofas, any open crevices you have you can bet the fleas will find. Vacuuming is crucial and it is not a bad idea to use 1 cup of cornmeal mixed with 1 cup borax, and 1/2 cup of baking soda in an old parmesian cheese jar. Shake it up and then add about 10 drops of Purification Essential Oil blend. Shake again. This is a natural disinfectant that will help prevent more fleas from coming while naturally freshening your carpeting, and pet beds. Allow to sit overnight if possible, and at the least 30 minutes before vacuuming. Place a herbal flea collar in your vacuum bag before vaccuuming. See suggestions below. Rid your house of the flea bag immedietly after use.
You can make a chemical free flea insecticide to fit into your vacuum bag. This can be made by rubbing a few drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil to a rope cut to your desired length. The Essential Oil of Eucalyptus Globulus is registered as an insecticide and insect repellant that rates as slightly toxic. Although I disagree completely that a Therapuetic Grade A Oil is toxic and I don't know who says it is either. This is just what I have read in another reference book. Although I believe it can be toxic only when made with other superficial ingredients. I believe toxicity comes in the making and its a high possibility Eucalyptus oil that has been cut and mixed with synthetics to be the cause of allergic reactions and irritations.
Essential Oil Insect Repellant
Clean your house often with your favorite essential oils or my recommendation of Thieves Essential Oil Blend, or Thieves Household Cleaner. Also, spray your house often! Spray with what you ask? Essential Oils ofcourse! Essential oils naturally repel fleas and other external parasites. You can make your own repellant with this easy recipe.
10 drops of Citronella Oil
10 drops of Purification Oil Blend
10 drops of Eucalyptus Oil
10 drops of Pepperment Oil
Mix in a 8 ounce spray bottle with water. Spray as needed.
The Fleas Backyard
Be sure to water and mow your lawn regularly. Short grass permits the sunlight to heat up the soil and kills any flea larvae that may be secreted in it. Water will help drown them. Get some agricultural lime and pour 1 cup cayenne pepper to every gallon of lime. Mix well and spread evenly over your lawn. Agricultural lime is a soil additive made from pulverized limestone or chalk. The primary active component is calcium carbonate. Additional chemicals vary depending on the mineral source and may include calcium oxide, magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate.
Wikipedia reference for agricultural lime
Effects on soil:
it increases the pH of acidic soil (the higher the pH the less acidic the soil)
it provides a source of calcium for plants
it permits improved water penetration for acidic soils
Lime may occur naturally in some soils but may require addition of sulfuric acid for its agricultural benefits to be realized. Gypsum is also used to supply calcium for plant nutrition. In livestock farming, hydrated lime can be used, as a 'disinfectant' measure, producing a dry and alkaline environment, in which bacteria do not readily multiply.
Spinner style lime spreaders are generally used to spread agricultural lime on fields. Several companies such as Stoltzfus Spreaders manufacture spreaders for this purpose.
Finally, what about the fleas that found a home on my dog???
Truth be told, ANY shampoo will kill fleas if left on long enough to suffocate them. But you see, thats the trick. You must be sure you suffocated them and not stunned them. And certain ingredients do help in promoting that factor, but not all dogs can take any shampoo. Different types of skin and coat cause for different types of shampoo. Animals have different needs too. If you color treat your hair and its prone to dryness, you would not want to use a shampoo that is to strip the natural oils you need. You would need a hydrating or moisture adding shampoo. The same applies for animals. Especially in my opinion the Shetland Sheepdogs and Collies. They are very prone to dryness and their skin is very sensitive to irritants. Lots of them even have dry and brittle hair. It is essential that dogs who suffer from dry skin and brittle hair get supplements of Flax and Fish. Both of which can be added to their food in liquid form.
You can take a Hypo-Allergenic shampoo and add your own blends of Essential oils, but you must be sure to dilute properly and these oils wont be too strong for your dogs skin. Its so much better than using pyrethrins and other toxic substances found in over the counter flea products. I suggest Animal Scents Shampoo. It takes all the guess work out of a safe flea shampoo as well as being able to be used as a regular shampoo. Animal Scents shampoo is designed to clean all types of animal fur and hair and is also has insect repelling and killing properties. It is designed to rid hair of lice, ticks, and other insects. Ingredients are saponified coconut and olive oil, glycerin, guar gum, aloe vera, rosemary extract, and Essential Oils of Citronella, lavandin, lemon, geranium, and spikenard.
How do you properly bath a dog that has fleas?
First of all, you need to realize that the moment you spray your dog with water, those fleas are jumping for cover. They will try to hide in any orifice available. The best way to prevent fleas from hiding during a flea bath is to apply a small amount of Animal Scents shampoo on your DRY dog around thier neck, under paw pads, over the anus, and ears. Then water your dog down with a luke-warm temperature and massage in Animal Scents shampoo well into skin and coat. Apply more shampoo as needed. Leave on for 10 minutes. Be careful not to have shampoo get into your pets eyes. Rinse well and be sure to rinse your dog's private areas and stomach well as those areas are often missed being rinsed good. Repeat if desired. But if done correctly, one shampoo should be sufficient.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
More information about Young Living Essential Oils in a PDF booklet. Too good not to share.
http://www.youngliving.us/pdfs/everyday_oils_booklet.pdf
http://www.youngliving.us/pdfs/everyday_oils_booklet.pdf
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Ear Wash With Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils
While I am at work, I have an ear wash that I found from a site that works really well. I have since then made some of my own formulations, but this one sticks out to be one of my favorites for its therapeutic quality and its ingredients are good for almost every dog. Botanical based products such as the recipe I am about to share is safer to use and has natural healing abilities. I do not like to use commercial based ear cleaners due to the alcohol and chemical based ingredients knowing the damages it can do to canine ears. Alcohol alone can be very damaging to the ears and can even damage the ear canal. Using ear grooming products that contain alcohol in the formula can inflame, irritate, and swell already infected or sensitive ears not to mention it would sting a little. And why bother with other ingredients that can be toxic to your pet?
This remedy is different. The ingredients are excellent as they offer real therapeutic benefits to help your dogs ears stay healthy. The best ingredients being the organic apple cider vinegar and essential oils. This is a remedy I use almost on a daily basis as well as what I taught to the students at the grooming school. It cleans the ear well, mildly fragrant, and in some cases has reversed appeared signs of ear infections. I strongly encourage my students and clients to try this ear wash to prevent unwanted vet visits and before spending money on needless products at the vet. This recipe will cost the investment of the ingredients, but you save in the long run as it makes so much. You can even bring it to your groomer to use instead of their brand. Some of these ingredients are probably in your home. I will explain the benefits of the ingredients as well the grades of oils used after the listing of the recipe. Just to note here; I only use and recommend Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. I do not advise the use of other oils as it could be potentially dangerous due to the fact it may cause more harm than intended good. Other oils that are NOT 100% Therapeutic Grade are cut with synthetics. Even those oils labeled 100% Pure only can be labeled as such with only 5% essential oil. I will explain a little more about quality shortly.
Here are the essential oil quality basics for you.
Pure- This oil was not diluted with a lesser quality oil, but may have been cut with other ingredients. Pure also does not mean there are no chemicals added. In the USA, it is only required to have 5% essential oil in the bottle to label it "pure".
Natural- This only means the oils has not been adulterated with vegetable oils, propylene glycol, SD alcohol or other chemicals.
Complete- Oil is distilled at low temperature and pressure. They are not rectified or purified. Essential oils that are that are re-distilled lose therapeutic properties.
Grade A, Genuine & Authentic- These are the highest quality oils you can buy. Seeds are not from hybrids and are only grown in organic chemical free soil. Plants are not treated with chemicals either. Extreme care is taken in the making of these oils and its the closest to nature as you can get. They use a steam distilled process at low temperature and low pressure. Chemicals are never used in the process. The proper amount of time is also given to distill to keep the therapeutic properties. The faster the distillation process, the lower the quality of the oil. Distillers must also pass Gas Chromatograph readings with an embossed seal other than from their own labs.
Young Living Essential Oils are 100% Therapeutic Grade A Oils
Ingredients Benefits
Aloe Juice has soothing and healing properties for skin irritations, cuts, burns, and yet is very gentle and mild.
Witch Hazel helps soothe itchy and inflammed skin, including dermatitus. Witch hazel also adds a protective layer over the skin which allows skin to heal, reduces itching, and naturally alleviates pain due to scratching.
Apple Cider Vinegar controls bad bacteria growth and other microorganisms that can cause infections.
Lavender Essential Oil has properties of being anti-septical and a anti-fungal healing agent while aiding in the prevention of eczema and minor hair loss.
Melrose Essential Oil Blend- Contains a blend of Rosemary, Melaleuca, Naouli, and Clove. Together, they are a combination of anti-septical, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral medicinal properties.
I hope this helps in the prevention of unnecessary vet visits, and has educated you to explore more into natural healing.
References: essentialoilremedies.com, goldenacresdogs.com, apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com, Natural Cures and Gentle Medicines, Essential Oils Desk Reference third edition
This remedy is different. The ingredients are excellent as they offer real therapeutic benefits to help your dogs ears stay healthy. The best ingredients being the organic apple cider vinegar and essential oils. This is a remedy I use almost on a daily basis as well as what I taught to the students at the grooming school. It cleans the ear well, mildly fragrant, and in some cases has reversed appeared signs of ear infections. I strongly encourage my students and clients to try this ear wash to prevent unwanted vet visits and before spending money on needless products at the vet. This recipe will cost the investment of the ingredients, but you save in the long run as it makes so much. You can even bring it to your groomer to use instead of their brand. Some of these ingredients are probably in your home. I will explain the benefits of the ingredients as well the grades of oils used after the listing of the recipe. Just to note here; I only use and recommend Young Living Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. I do not advise the use of other oils as it could be potentially dangerous due to the fact it may cause more harm than intended good. Other oils that are NOT 100% Therapeutic Grade are cut with synthetics. Even those oils labeled 100% Pure only can be labeled as such with only 5% essential oil. I will explain a little more about quality shortly.
Ear Wash with Essential Oils
1 Cup Organic Aloe Juice (can be purchased at your local natural health food store)
1 Cup Witch Hazel ( Be sure to avoid Witch Hazel mixed with alcohol as found in general stores. Ask your local health food store for witch hazel with no alcohol)
3 TBLS Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
5 Drops Young Living Therapeutic Grade Lavender Essential Oil
10 Drops Young Living Therapeutic Grade Melrose Essential Oil Blend ( Melrose contains essential oils of Rosemary, Tea Tree, Clove, and Niaouli)
1 Cup Organic Aloe Juice (can be purchased at your local natural health food store)
1 Cup Witch Hazel ( Be sure to avoid Witch Hazel mixed with alcohol as found in general stores. Ask your local health food store for witch hazel with no alcohol)
3 TBLS Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
5 Drops Young Living Therapeutic Grade Lavender Essential Oil
10 Drops Young Living Therapeutic Grade Melrose Essential Oil Blend ( Melrose contains essential oils of Rosemary, Tea Tree, Clove, and Niaouli)
Mix the ingredients well and use generously as a flush for very dirty ears, or on a cotton ball for everyday ear cleaning. Your dog may shake his head some which will release the dirt and debris. It is not uncommon to have dirt loosen up throughout the day after a flush. Wipe ears out with a clean towel or with a cotton ball. Ok, now on to the good stuff. Here I will explain why these ingredients are awesome and the differences in essential oils.
Here are the essential oil quality basics for you.
Pure- This oil was not diluted with a lesser quality oil, but may have been cut with other ingredients. Pure also does not mean there are no chemicals added. In the USA, it is only required to have 5% essential oil in the bottle to label it "pure".
Natural- This only means the oils has not been adulterated with vegetable oils, propylene glycol, SD alcohol or other chemicals.
Complete- Oil is distilled at low temperature and pressure. They are not rectified or purified. Essential oils that are that are re-distilled lose therapeutic properties.
Grade A, Genuine & Authentic- These are the highest quality oils you can buy. Seeds are not from hybrids and are only grown in organic chemical free soil. Plants are not treated with chemicals either. Extreme care is taken in the making of these oils and its the closest to nature as you can get. They use a steam distilled process at low temperature and low pressure. Chemicals are never used in the process. The proper amount of time is also given to distill to keep the therapeutic properties. The faster the distillation process, the lower the quality of the oil. Distillers must also pass Gas Chromatograph readings with an embossed seal other than from their own labs.
Young Living Essential Oils are 100% Therapeutic Grade A Oils
Ingredients Benefits
Aloe Juice has soothing and healing properties for skin irritations, cuts, burns, and yet is very gentle and mild.
Witch Hazel helps soothe itchy and inflammed skin, including dermatitus. Witch hazel also adds a protective layer over the skin which allows skin to heal, reduces itching, and naturally alleviates pain due to scratching.
Apple Cider Vinegar controls bad bacteria growth and other microorganisms that can cause infections.
Lavender Essential Oil has properties of being anti-septical and a anti-fungal healing agent while aiding in the prevention of eczema and minor hair loss.
Melrose Essential Oil Blend- Contains a blend of Rosemary, Melaleuca, Naouli, and Clove. Together, they are a combination of anti-septical, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral medicinal properties.
I hope this helps in the prevention of unnecessary vet visits, and has educated you to explore more into natural healing.
For purchasing Organic Aloe Juice, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and Witch Hazel, you can check your local health food store such as Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Wild Oats, Fruitful Yield or any other health store in your area.
References: essentialoilremedies.com, goldenacresdogs.com, apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com, Natural Cures and Gentle Medicines, Essential Oils Desk Reference third edition
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