Pet Care Information

Disclaimer. Please read! The pet care information and tips listed below have been gathered from a variety of reputable sources over the years. Some are common sense: others we have termed as 'WOW!'. These tips are NOT one size fits all. Each pet is different. Some breeds (and individuals within a breed) are more sensitive than others. Before using the information listed below, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian, kennel club or other organization. These tips are provided as-is without guarantee, and without liability.

Litter Box tips

On an average, a domestic male or female cat uses their box four to five times a day. If left to sit, the urine produces ammonia as it gets broken down by bacteria. Not only does ammonia give off an unpleasant smell, it’s an unhealthy gas to inhale for both animal and human.

Of course no one likes a smelly litter box – especially your naturally fastidious feline. Some finicky felines will refuse to use a box all together which hasn’t been cleaned – preferring to take their business elsewhere. Other cats may wait until the box has been cleaned resulting in constipation and increase the risk of urinary track infections.

The solution to litter box odor is simple – keep the box as clean as possible. A very effective way to remove pet stains and odor is with an all-natural bacteria and enzyme product. This type of product combines cleansers with beneficial bacteria and enzymes to completely digest the source of the odor and stain. Bacteria and enzyme products remove all types of organic stains and odors and are safe to use on carpets, walls, furniture, tile and all other surfaces where water may be used.

You’ll also need to change the litter and wash the box out regularly, although the frequency will depend on the number of cats in your household and the type of litter used. There are products available in pets supply stores that will neutralize odors in the box. Many pet owners have had great success by adding carbon to their litter. Simply sprinkled on top of the litter, the non-toxic carbon crystals are dust-free and absorb ordor naturally.

To make clean-up even easier, you may want to stock up on disposable rubber gloves. Yes, it does take some extra effort to maintain a clean litter box – but you’ll be rewarded with an odor-free home and a happy, healthy animal companion.

Fleas and Ticks

Citrus Repellent. Cut a lemon into quarters and place in a pint jug. Cover the lemon with boiling water and let it steep overnight. Next day you have a flea repellent that you can use in a spray bottle. Spray all over your dog remembering especially behind the ears and around the head generally (careful of eyes), around the base of the tail (once again keep away from delicate bits) and under your dog’s ‘armpits’.

Aromatherapy repellent. Using 10 ml. of sweet almond oil as your base, add 10 drops of lavender and 5 drops of cedar wood. Shake well and use 1 or 2 drops spread over the skin at least twice a week to keep the fleas away. A flea collar can be made by rubbing a few drops of one of the following into an ordinary webbing or rope collar or even a doggy bandanna: eucalyptus oil, Tea Tree Oil, citronella, lavender or geranium. Don’t forget to do this weekly.