Most households have either a dog or cat, or even both and for a relatively small monetary outlay, the family members receive untold benefits from their pets. However, it is important not to neglect pets, but to ensure their health and well being.
Clean and dry bedding for our furry friends will ensure that parasites and bacterial problems are nipped in the bud. Herbs such as dried pennyroyal, cedarwood shavings or pine needles can be scattered on and beneath bedding to help repel parasites. Bedding should also be regularly and thoroughly scrubbed with hot soapy water followed by a hot salty water rinse, then allow to dry in the sun.
Dogs and cats can be dry washed, using bicarbonate of soda, to deodorise and cleanse the fur when a water bath is impractical. Sprinkle the bicarbonate soda through the animal's fur then brush out.
A pet's litter trays should have a thick layer of newspaper placed underneath granulated absorbent litter. Wash and disinfect the tray at least once a week using hot soapy water followed by a salt water rinse. Trays that develop a smell should be washed and then deodorised by rinsing with white vinegar and hot water, then dried in the sun.
Essential oils are an excellent natural choice for controlling fleas and other parasites on your pets, as they don't disturb the natural oil balance of their skin and coat. If you shampoo your pet weekly, you can discourage fleas and other parasites by adding one drop of lemon grass or citronella oil to their shampoo.
Brushing the animal's coat with cedarwood or pine lotion will disinfect them, condition the coat and collect the parasites and their eggs. Secure an old piece of thick flannel material over the teeth of a steel brush. Prepare a bowl of warm water, add either four drops of cedarwood or pine oil, and soak the brush in the lotion before brushing your pet's coat. Rinse the brush repeatedly during the brushing in the lotion.
A good soap for washing the family dog, which will help to control parasites, can be made by first melting 100 grams of petroleum jelly in a double boiler over a low heat. When melted, stir in 80 grams of beeswax and 300 grams of grated, pure soap, continuing to stir until completely dissolved. Remove from the stove and immediately stir in 125 millilitres of methylated spirits and one teaspoon of eucalyptus oil. Pour into suitable moulds and leave until the soap has hardened.
Often with older animals too, flies annoy them and can become a real problem. To keep flies at bay, mix one teaspoon of eucalyptus oil with a cup of water and comb this through the animal's fur.
