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Natural Pet Care
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Natural Pet Care

Natural pet care is becoming popular as more and more research shows that many of the additives found in pet shampoos, grooming aids, sprays, and even pet food produce allergic and sometimes toxic effects in our furry friends. Fortunately, pet stores, veterinary offices, and even grocery stores are stocking up on products that contain botanical extracts such as chamomile, rosemary, tea tree oil, and jojoba oil.

Pet owners will find a wealth of information at the bookstore and on the Internet that offers advice on everything from the benefits of a raw meat diet to feeding your pet garlic to control worms and pests such as mosquitoes or fleas. This kind of advice, though well-intended, may not be right for all pets and will depend on your pet's age, size, activity level, and medical history. Always be sure to check with your vet before you make substantial changes to your pet's diet or when you introduce new products to your pet's health and grooming regime.

Aromatherapy Dog Shampoo (bar) **

4 oz Melt & Pour Glycerin Soap Base (clear or white)
1 tablespoon castor oil
1/8 teaspoon vitamin E oil
1/4 teaspoon liquid glycerin
8 drops peppermint essential oil
8 drops tea tree essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil

Melt the glycerin in the microwave, until just melted, not boiled. Add the remaining ingredients and pour into your favorite square mold. When washing your pet, try to avoid getting the shampoo into his eyes (peppermint and tea tree oils may irritate eyes).

Anti-itch Dog Shampoo (liquid)

12 oz Ivory brand liquid soap
2 oz liquid glycerine
2 oz white vinegar
2 oz concentrated aloe vera juice
Distilled or purified water (one gallon)

Transfer distilled or purified water into another clean container for later use. Pour first 4 ingredients into the 1 gallon (empty) water container; funnel in a little of the distilled or purified water and shake gently until the contents are mixed. Pour in additional distilled or purified water until the gallon container is full. Shake gently before using. If shampoo is used on cats, buy aloe vera liquid without benzoic acid preservative.

Herbal Insect Repellent **

2 ounces witch hazel extract
58 drops citronella essential oil
2 drops garlic oil

Preparation: Put 2 ounces of witch hazel into a lotion or spray bottle. Add 58 drops of citronella essential oil and 2 drops of garlic oil. Label properly. Shake well before each use. If you don't have witch hazel, vodka will work just as well.

Stink Away De-Skunker

1 quart hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 tablespoons dishwashing liquid

Carefully mix all 3 ingredients in a bucket and immediately apply to your pet's coat (avoid the eye area). Massage for 5 minutes. Rinse well and repeat if necessary.

Pet Odor Buster **

Spray bedding regularly with a mixture of 2 drops eucalyptus oil, 2 drops rosemary oil, and 2 drops lavender oil to 2 oz of distilled water. Shake well before using.

Pet Mistake Remedy and Deodorizer

Remove as much of the soiling as possible. Sprinkle the spot generously with baking soda. With a cleaning brush dipped in water, gently scrub the carpet working from the outside of the soiled area towards the center. (Always test the rug for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area before applying to the stain.) Remove the excess water from the carpet by blotting with a clean paper towel and allow the area to dry. When the carpet is completely dry, vacuum the remaining powder. Repeat as necessary, and then apply Carpet Freshener (recipe below).

Carpet Freshener **

1 cup baking soda
3/4 cup cornstarch
25 drops of your favorite essential oil fragrance (a combination of lavender and rosemary smells wonderful!)

Sprinkle onto carpet, let powder sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum.

** Note: Essential oils should not be used for or on pets that are younger than 2 years old. Consult a veterinarian before introducing any new product to your pet's skin or diet.