TEA TREE OIL – MELALEUCA – USE WITH DOGS AND CATS

I advocate using tea tree oil for dog shampoo, particularly for larger breed dogs. When I use a tea tree oil shampoo it seems to keep the fleas and ticks away for several days after a bath.

With smaller dogs, miniature breeds like small poodles, Chihuahua's, and felines; you should avoid shampoos with concentrations of tea tree oil or other essential oils like menthol, in concentrations greater than 1%.

Cats and small dogs are highly at risk to central nervous system depressants (CNS depression) like some essential oils.

Never use directly tea tree oil, mint, or pennyroyal essential oils on any small animal.

Although some of these oils have proven themselves effective in repelling fleas and ticks, they can be dangerous or deadly to your small pets.

PetsVentura NATURAL RINSE™ - FOR DOGS

3 table spoons white vinegar
2 cups warm water
1 camomile tea bag or 1 tablespoon dried camomile flowers in tea ball.
1 table spoon lavender dried flower buds.
1 cup boiling water to steep the dried flowers

Let the dried flowers steep for about ½ hour.

If you did not use tea ball, strain out dried flowers.
Mix the tea solution with the vinegar, and remaining warm water.
Pour onto the dogs coat do not rinse. Vinegar smell will dissipate when the dog drys.

It works great on humans too... Enjoy

PET 'S SHAMPOO, FRARANCES AND SKIN CONDITIONERS - HOME MADE

Aromatic Dry Shampoo

250 ml (1 cup) cornmeal
250 ml (1 cup) baby/talcum powder
5 ml (1 tsp) rosemary
5 ml (1 tsp) lavender

Combine all of the ingredients in a large, airtight container and let them sit overnight. This will allow the rosemary and lavender to scent the other two ingredients lightly. When ready, sprinkle generously over your dog and brush it into her fur by working your fingers against the lay of her coat. Once it's worked in thoroughly, use your fingers or a hard rubber brush to massage her coat in the direction of the fur but working in circles. Brush until the mixture is completely out of the coat. Your baby will smell great, the powder and cornmeal help absorb excess oil and dirt to clean her, and she won't have had to go through the trauma of having a full bath! How great is that?

Herbal Shampoo

470 ml (2 cups) purified water
10 ml (1 tbsp) rosemary
10 ml (1 tbsp) orange zest
30 ml (2 tbsp) chamomile
10 ml (1 tbsp) lavender oil
120 ml (1/2 cup) baby shampoo

Bring water to a boil, and then remove from heat. Add all of the herbs, cover the dish, and allow it to steep overnight. Strain the mixture and stir in the oils, then gently add the shampoo until well mixed. This shampoo should be kept refrigerated for freshness when not in use, but use about 2 tablespoons every time you wash your dog for a sweet-smelling, great treat for both of you. Don't forget to give her a little massage while you're rubbing it in!

Lemon Flea Dip

3 lemons
940 ml (1 quart) water
60 ml (1/4 cup) baking soda
5 ml (1 tsp) herbal shampoo

Cut the lemons into eighths while bringing the water to a rolling boil. Add the lemons, boil for one hour, then cover and let the mixture steep overnight. Strain the solution then add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Warm to a tepid temperature before applying. To spoil your pup with the application, dip a sponge into the water and drizzle it slowly over her coat, then use your fingers to work it in using slow, deliberate circles focusing on points like the hips and shoulders. Give her a good massage - she deserves it! This shampoo uses citrus oil to help repel fleas, but the warm water and baking soda also help to soothe any existing irritations she may have.

ALOE DOG HAIR CONDITIONER

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup Aloe Vera gel (available in health food stores)
½ of a lemon
3-5 drops essential oils of your choice

Mix the Aloe Vera gel with the juice of half a lemon. Add the essential oils.

Apply to freshly shampooed hair. Leave on for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

HOMEMADE DOG CONDITIONER

This dog conditioner will cost less than $1.

• A quart of water (4 cups)
• 2 teaspoons of rosemary (fresh if you have it, but dried works too!)
• Paper towel/cheesecloth
• Colander
• Bowl slightly larger than colander

1. Boil the water and then add rosemary
2. Remove from heat and cover, letting it seep for 10 minutes
3. Strain out the rosemary by setting the colander in the bowl and placing a paper towel / cheesecloth in the colander. Pour the liquid into the lined colander.
4. Let the water/rosemary mixture cool to a lukewarm temperature

SOLID DOG SHAMPOO BAR

4 oz Melt & Pour Glycerin Soap Base
1 tablespoon castor oil
1/8 teaspoon vitamin E oil
1/4 teaspoon liquid glycerin
10 drops peppermint essential oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil

Melt the glycerin in the microwave, until just melted, not boiled. Add the remaining ingredients and pour into your favorite square mold.

DOG SHAMPOO - HOME MADE

This simple recipe will give your dog a beautiful, healthy coat and is much cheaper than commercial products.

1 pint Ivory or Dove liquid dish washing soap
1 pint water
1 pint apple cider vinegar
4 ounces glycerine (available at your local pharmacy)

Mix all of the ingredients together.
Double the ingredients if a larger amount is desired.