Commercial pet cosmetic products such as pet soaps, shampoos, conditioners and lotions may contain toxic substances that could significantly harm both pets and people.

Dangerous chemicals and toxic substances are likely to be found in anti-parasite pet  products including collars, sprays and ampoules.

Have you noticed that many commercial flea and tick control products actually carry warning labels stating 'Avoid contact with skin'?

Does this label imply that the product is harmful to human health?

If it is hazardous to our health, isn't it dangerous to our pets as well?

National Resources Defence Council's report shows that some of the products designed to kill fleas and ticks on household pets may cause serious health consequences to both pets and humans, even when applied as instructed on the box.

The April 2009 paper ''Poison on Pets II: Toxic Chemicals in Flea and Tick Collars'' details a unique study by NRDC showing that high levels of pesticide residue can remain on our pets' fur for weeks after a flea collar is put on an animal.

This study and other research clearly indicate the need to change our habits and views and switch to natural remedies in pet care.

Nature offers a variety of solutions to secure proper and safe care and treatment for our dogs, cats, parrots and other pets, without causing harmful side effects.

Safe and non-toxic natural pet care products

Homemade natural pet care remedies can effectively relieve and treat your pet's various health problems. They are safe and harmless, most often cheaper than expensive and overrated commercial products.

What natural remedies to use for proper pet care?

Apple cider vinegar works as an excellent flea-repellent.

Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:1 and spray it on your pet's fur. Rub it in with your hands or comb through your pet's coat with flea comb.

Repeat this procedure for a few days to fully tackle a flea problem and completely eliminate fleas from your pet.

Geranium essential oil is said to be one of the best natural insect repellents. It effectively repels fleas, ticks and mosquitos and keeps your pet pest-free.

Due to its soothing properties, it also functions as an excellent antidepressant and you may apply it to help your pet through difficult and stressful situations.

Homemade pet pest control powder

You can also make an effective natural flea repellent  at home. This homemade flea powder is composed of neem powder, yarrow powder, diatomaceous earth and eucalyptus oil.

The powder also works at repelling and killing ticks, flies, mosquitos, ants, spiders and other bugs.

Apart from applying it to your pets, you may also apply it to the areas in your house or use it in your yard or garden.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup diatomaceous earth
• ½ cup neem powder
• ½ cup yarrow powder
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil (leave out the essential oil if using for cats)

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together and apply the powder from head to tail (avoiding the nose and eyes) along your pet's spine.

Brush your pet's fur going the opposite direction of the fur's growth so the powder comes in contact with the skin.

Rub the powder on the belly and legs and try to get the flea powder on as much skin as you can. Pay extra attention to the tail, the area right above the tail and the belly/groin area because the fleas seem to particularly like these areas.

You may apply the powder once a week. If there is a serious flea infestation, apply it every other day.

To use this as a general repellent (for prevention, with no serious flea infestation), applying once a month during active flea season is quite sufficient.

Flea and tick repellent spray

Ingredients:

• 3 drops geranium essential oil
• 3 drops lemonbalm essential oil
• 3 drops cedrus essential oil

Pour the essential oils of the above-mentioned herbs into a spray bottle and add a teaspoon of alcohol. Close the bottle and shake it well so that the ingredients fully incorporate.

When the mixture turns white, add apple cider vinegar and water and shake again. When applying this spray, try to avoid contact with eyes and nose.

Lemon and rosemary flea and insect spray

Ingredients:

·         2 lemons

·         2 tablespoons dried rosemary or 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

·         2 l water

Directions:

Slice lemon into thin slices and mix with rosemary in a large bowl. Cover with hot water and let steep overnight.

Strain and put in a spray bottle. Store the liquid in a cool place. You may also put it in the deep freezer for long-term storage.

Apply the spray as necessary, depending on how much time your pet spends outdoors.

Homemade shampoos for your pet's healthy coat and skin

Pet shampoos have a significant role in pet grooming and form an integral part of the cleaning schedule of your pet.

Our pets need proper care and attention and this responsibility falls to all of us who share our homes with these lovely creatures.

Although practical and effective, commercial pet shampoos available in the market may cause various negative side effects, especially if they are used frequently or on a daily basis.

They may lead to dermatitis, hair loss and other skin conditions.

Although making your own natural pet remedies does take some time and effort, your efforts will be richly awarded with your pet's good health, satisfaction, healthy skin and smooth and shiny coat.

Most ingredients needed to prepare your own pet remedies are easily available. They are natural, cheaper and more cost-effective than their expensive, often toxic commercial counterparts.

Moreover, by using natural ingredients while bathing your pet, you'll preserve natural oils in its skin.

Basic pet care shampoo

It is very easy to prepare this pet shampoo at home. Its natural ingredients will moisturize your pet's skin, provide a fresh scent and a good cleaning.

Ingredients:

• 1 l water
• 1 cup baby soap or baby shampoo
• 1/3 cup glycerine (moisturizes and soothes your pet's skin)
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar (for a shiny coat and pet odour removal)
•  2-3 drops essential oil of your choice (for a fresh scent)

Mix all the ingredients together, pour the shampoo into a bottle and use as you would use regular shampoo.

Oatmeal and jojoba oil pet shampoo

This shampoo helps relieve and replenish your pet's dry and irritated skin, maintains its natural balance and retains natural protective properties and moisture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oatmeal (soothes and moisturizes you pet's skin)
• 10 dcl lukewarm water
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar (eliminates pet coat odour)
• 2 tablespoons baby soap or baby shampoo (you may leave it out if you don't prefer foamy shampoos)
• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil (soothes and moisturizes your pet's skin)

Directions:

Prepare one cup of oatmeal according to the directions on the package. Allow the oatmeal to cool to room temperature before you continue.

Pour the oatmeal into a blender or food processor and blend until they get smooth.

Transfer the oatmeal into a large bowl and stir in 1 liter of lukewarm water. Whisk in 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of baby liquid soap or baby shampoo and 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil.

Stir the ingredients until they are fully combined. Pour the shampoo into your storage container. Apply the oatmeal shampoo mixture to your pet's coat after you have thoroughly wet him down

Rub it in gently. Let the shampoo sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it out and towel-dry your pet.

Aloe vera gel based pet shampoo

This shampoo helps relieve severe skin problems, such as severely irritated skin or intense itching. Its natural ingredients relieve these symptoms but also act as anti-inflammatory and disinfectant agents.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups distilled water
• 4 tablespoons baby liquid soap
• 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel
• 1 teapoon tea tree oil
• 1-2 drops essential oil of your choice (lavender, citrus or rosemary oil)

Mix all the ingredients together and the shampoo is ready for use.

Neem powder, leaf or oil for your pet's skin conditions and infections

The Neem tree is a miraculous healing plant that has been used in India for thousands of years to relieve many conditions in both animals and humans.

It relieves and soothes all types of skin irritations and infections, effectively treats burns and stimulates wound healing. It also successfully eliminates itching, rash and allergic skin conditions.

Either alone or in combination with other ingredients, neem powder and oil have been used in the treatment and prevention of parasitic infections.

How to apply neem powder?

Dissolve one teaspoon of neem powder in 2 decilitres lukewarm water and stir in a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. You may optionally add 1-2 drops of coconut or lavender oil to the mixture.

Apply the mixture to your pet's coat, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse out.

You may put a bit of neem oil on your hands and rub it all over your pet's coat, apply to a cloth and rub it down or simply use a brush.

Natural remedies for pet wounds

Our pets are susceptible to accidents and injuries, such as cuts and wounds, due to their active and playful nature.

Due to its natural wound healing properties, lavender essential oil is one of the best natural remedies for healing and disinfecting your pet's cuts and scrapes.

After you have thoroughly cleaned and disinfected your pet's wound, rub a few drops of lavender oil diluted with water (10 drops of lavender oil to 2,5 decilitres water).

To treat pet wounds, you may also apply a homemade disinfectant solution whose active ingredients include: 50 ml water, 10 ml alcohol, 20 drops lavender oil and 10 drops tea tree essential oil.

Stir in all the ingredients until fully incorporated. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray onto the affected area.

Applying herbal oils such as St. John's wort, calendula (marigold) or evening primrose to your pet's skin may also help treat skin injuries.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, St. John's wort oil has been used for centuries to treat various types of wounds as well as other skin problems.

It heals skin scratches and burns, improves wound healing and eases muscle and nerve inflammation. It is not recommended to be placed on fresh wounds.

Calendula essential oil has also been considered beneficial in alleviating burns and skin infections and promoting natural wound healing.

Calendula has been shown in clinical studies  to reduce inflammation and help eliminate bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Evening primrose oil helps speed up wound healing, rejuvenates and regenerates skin tissue, adds moisture and soothes itching and dry skin.

Propolis has been used as a powerful natural antibiotic since ancient times. It has been extensively employed by man for its remarkable immune-boosting properties.

Therefore, it can be of great help in tackling wounds and preventing infections. To achieve the desired effect, it is sufficient to apply a few drops of propolis to the affected area.

Natural pet remedies for restlessness, nervousness, anxiety and aggression

Just like humans, pets can suffer from stress, anxiety and depression.

Bringing a new pet to your home, constant travelling or visiting the vet may all be very stressful and potentially  traumatic events for your pet.

Herbal remedies such as valerian, skullcap or St. John's wort can help your pet handle such stressful situations, reduce irritability and anxiety and promote relaxation.

These herbs are well known for their soothing, antidepressant properties.

Valerian has been clinically shown to ease stress, depression and anxiety, reduce aggression and nervousness and promote relaxation in both humans and animals.

Valerian root contains valerenic acid, which is responsible for its typical scent that is particularly appealing to cats. The fragrance of the valerian root has a calming effect on felines.

Apart from its soothing effect, valerian also helps treat various gastrointestinal problems – it relieves cramps, nausea and other gastrointestinal conditions.

Due to the flavones it contains, skullcap may effectively treat anxiety, depression, aggression and restlessness.

You may use these herbs by applying a few drops of their tincture on your pet's collar or bed.

It is also important to mention that they have no adverse side effects and do not affect your pet's behaviour or its usual activities in any way, despite their soothing properties.

Valerian tincture recipe

Ingredients:

• 50 g valerian root, ground
• 1 l alcohol (40%)

To make a tincture, infuse valerian root in alcohol. Stir the mixture thoroughly and let it sit for about 10 days. Steep the tincture, pour into a dark-coloured bottle and close it properly.

 

Note:

While choosing natural pet care remedies, pay attention to the essential oils you pick, since some of them may cause harm to your pet's health. Potentially harmful essential oils include cinnamon oil, basil oil, sage oil and cedarwood oil.

 

Sources referred to in the article include:
http://pets.webmd.com
http://www.primallyinspired.com
http://www.dogster.com

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