Pets Rock Blog

I have been ask by a reader about natural remedies for ticks and fleas. Frontline seems to irritate their dog’s skin.

The saliva of parasites contains and ingredient that irritates the skin. Some dogs have sensitive skins and should not use strong soaps or parasite repellent or  parasite-killing products.

Personally I haven’t really used natural remedies yet but I would like to try them with my next dog. I think we and our pets could all do with fewer chemicals. When it comes to animals, natural is definitely better.

I found an ad for Eco-dust in the pet classifieds. It is organic and eco-friendly and can be used on cats and dogs and their bedding. It is also available from Eco-stuff.

A company called Vondis sells all natural pet products including, skin care products and food. A natural Khakibos remedy for parasites is available from them. They also have a Rooibos remedy to relieve itchy skin.

Aloe Ferox is also recommended since it is soothing on the skin. Diluted lavender  and lemongrass oils  help to ward of both ticks and fleas. Lavender also repels mosquito and soothes the skin. Other useful essential oils are citronella, lemon, geranium and peppermint. Have a look at the essential oils labels at your health shop or pharmacy.

You can also boil fresh lemons in water,  let it cool and spray it on or put a bit of apple-cider-vinegar in the rinsing water after you bath your pet. These are probably good options to try first.

It is also suggested that your pet can ingest garlic to ward off parasites. This should how ever be giving in small doses and can be mixed into your pet’s food.

In general: Bath your pet as regularly as in recommended for the breed. Keep your pets bedding clean. Vacuum carpets regularly

If you sell natural remedies you can advertise it by placing a free ad in the classifieds.

Important Disclaimer:
Consult your veterinarian or local health shop. The information above serves merely as suggestions.

sources: mandalahealth and  PAW animal rescue

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The term Schnauzer comes from “Schnauze,” the German word for snout, and is applicable because of the dog’s distinct beard.

The Miniature Schnauzer is one of the most popular dog breeds due to its size and temperament. They were developed in Germany around the late 1800s. Originally breeders wanted a miniature version of the popular Standard Schnauzer. They tried bringing the size down by crossbreeding the Standard Schnauzer with other breeds, such as the Affenpinscher, Poodle and Miniature Pinscher, These dogs where originally bred a “ratting” dogs to catch rodents. Thus they have very strong hunting instincts.

Schnauzers require very specific grooming and are very high maintenance. They are known for the distinctive beards, which give them a wise and noble appearance. They do not shed a lot of hair, which make them hypoallergenic and suitable to those with pet hair allergies.

Minis are about 30-36 cm in height. Males weigh about 5.4 -6.8 kg and females 5.0 to 5.9 kg. Their tails are usually docked as puppies and some dogs also have their ears cropped.

Their colours usually vary from black and silver, salt and pepper and pure black. There are also some white schnauzers though the breeding of white Schnauzers is controversial, as many associations won’t allow them in conformation competitions. There is rare cases of multi-coloured, chocolate- or liver coloured pups, but those colour variations are considered faults.

They are generally healthy dogs, but can be prone to diabetes, hyperlipidemia (which can lead to pancriatitis), bladder stones and eye problems. They can generally live up to 12-15 years.

They are highly intelligent, friendly, energetic and alert dogs that make good guard dogs. They will bark when they spot a possible intruder, but are not incessant barkers. They will bark at strangers but once they see their owner welcomes the visitor, they will stop perceiving the visitor as a threat and stop barking. They are not aggressive towards people, unless the pose a threat. They don’t really like to be picked up and are not lap dogs. They are very territorial so they do well in homes where they are the only pet, but they can learn to get along with other pets if they are properly socialized as puppies.

If you live in a complex or have a small yard, only want one pet and want a good (but not too noisy) guard dog, the Miniature Schnauzer is a ideal choice. They have a high cute factor and are highly trainable.

As always buying a dog is a serious choice. Before you start looking for dogs for sale first make sure that you have selected the right breed for you. Also give adopting a dog some thought.

See also: Standard Schnauzer

Source:  Wikipedia.

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Huskies include several breeds of dogs used originally as sleigh dogs. The Siberian Husky, Samoyed, and Alaskan Malamute are all breeds directly descended from the original “sled dog”. The Siberian Husky is probably the best known type. Other types of huskies include:

• Alaskan Husky
• Mackenzie River Husky
• Sakhalin Husky
• Siberian Husky
• Greenland Husky

These dogs are very popular for their lupine appearance.
The Siberian husky originated in the icy cold Siberia in Russia. They were later exported to Alaska during the gold rush giving rise to the Alaskan husky.
The Siberian husky is a medium sized working dog with a dense coat. Their coats are thicker than most coats in order to keep them warm in icy winter conditions. They are prone to shedding in summer and require regular grooming. They are most commonly black & white, copper & white, grey & white or white in colour.
Their eyes are dark blue, light blue, amber or brown in colour. Some dogs can also have eyes that differ in colour. They have pointy ears and long tails.

These dogs are known to howl rather they bark, not unlike the wolves they resemble.
They are highly energetic and love to hunt. They are considered to be fun loving, affectionate, friendly, stubborn, intelligent and mischievous. They are not considered to be guard dogs.

In comparison with other dogs of their size they aren’t very prone to hip dysplasia, though they are genetically prone to problematic eyes.

Apart from being sleigh dogs they are also sometimes used in sleigh races.

If you are a fan of Huskies, be sure to watch The Eight Below. This Disney live action movie is inspired on a true story. Eight huskies (Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes) get left behind during a snowstorm in Antarctica to fend for themselves.

If you are planning to get a Husky remember buying a dog it is a serious decision. These dogs prefer colder climates and if you live a warmer clime, you’ll have to ensure that your husky adapts to its environment.

Huskies are certainly one of the most beautiful and a fascinating group of dogs.

See also: The Alaskan Malamute

Related site:
Husky Rescue

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The Shar-Pei is a Chinese dog breed originating in Guang Dong Province (Southern China) with ancestors dating back to possibly the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.), though the exact origin is uncertain.

The breed is believed to be related to the Chow-Chow because they both have black tongues.

They breed was originally bred as guard dogs but were also very poplar as fighting dogs. Shar-Peis also have the nickname of Chinese Fighting Dogs.

The dogs faced extinction during the time of the Communist Revolution, probably due to the breed’s association with the upper classes and nobility. Matgo Law from Hong Kong made a considerable effort to rescue as many dogs as possible. Law was responsible for the export of many Shar-Peis to America in the 1970s and greatly contributed to the preservation of the breed. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992.

The breed is best known for its distinctive wrinkly coat, although the original Shar-Peis had smoother coats. Coat textures of Western Shar-Peis vary between “brush”, “horse” and “bear”. The Shar-Pei has many wrinkles as a puppy but then loses most of them as it grows into its skin. The Chinese breed has a harsh “sand coat” and has fewer wrinkles than the Western breed. The bear coat also has fewer wrinkles and does not meet AKC standards. Shar-Peis come in a multitude of colours. Any one of over sixteen colours are acceptable as long as the coat is one solid colour and not spotty.

Shar-Peis are mediums-sized squared-built dogs. They weigh about 46-51cm (18-20”) and weigh around 20-27 kg (45-60 lbs). They have small triangular ears and tails that curl up, so no cropping is needed.

Health problems that might occur include skin- and food allergies, Familial Shar-Pei Fever, Swollen Hock Syndrome and eye problems. Due to their wrinkly faces they may also develop a condition called “Entropion” were the eyelashes curl inwards and irritate the eyes, which could lead to blindness. Entropion can be treated by an eyelid lift surgery or removal of excess skin.

Shar-Peis are very territorial dogs and can be very aggressive towards strangers. They are not particularly noisy and make good guard dogs. They are intelligent and alert, but are independent and can be very stubborn. They can however make loving a loyal pets.

If you are thinking of buying a Shar-Pei please make sure that is the right breed for you. Can you handle such and aggressive dog? Are you willing to deal with possible health issues and eye operations? Sure these wrinkly canines are very cute, but remember they require great responsibly. If you buy from a breeder, please make sure they are registered and inspect their premises. Before you look at dogs for sale please consider getting a dog at a rescue shelter or adopting a dog directly from its former owner. You might be able to find the breed you want up for adoption in the pets classifieds section, so it is worth a look.

Source: Wikipedia
Related link: American Kennel Club

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The Scottish Terrier as the name suggests originates from Scotland. Known commonly as Scotties these terriers are also sometimes called by their original name: Aberdeen Terriers. They were given the nickname “Die-hards”, by the Earl of Dumbarton.

Scotties were originally bred in Aberdeen Scotland in the 1700s to hunt rodents, badgers and foxes.

The  Scottish Terrier is a small breed of dog, about 28–38 cm (in height). A Male dog should weigh around 8.5–10 kg (19–22 lb) and a female round 8–9.9 kg (18–22 lb). They have square build and short legs. They have a short and bearded muzzle and have pointy ears. Their tails are kept natural.

They have a wiry topcoat with softer undercoat. Hair is usually shaved short at the top but kept long around the legs and under carriage. They are mostly black (pure black, gray or brindle) in colour but rare, wheaten Scotties are white. Scotties require special grooming. Their coats need regular brushing and should be trimmed about six times a year.

Scotties are intelligent, fiercely independent and somewhat stubborn which makes them somewhat difficult to train. They are quite aggressive dogs and should be kept on leash during walks. They are very energetic and highly alert. Their independence makes them a good choice for working people who aren’t at home all day. Scotties aren’t such a good choice for smaller children, because they don’t like being teased or prodded. They get along with most pets, but skittish pets that run away might trigger the Scotty’s hunting instincts.

They tend to gain weight easily, so special attention should be given to their diet. They are more susceptible to cancer, especially balder cancer, than some of the other terrier breeds. Other health issues that they might be genetically prone to are von Willebrand disease and craniomandibular osteopathy. They might also suffer from Scottie cramp, cerebellar abiotrophy and patellar luxation.

In popular culture, the Scotty is a token in the game of Monopoly. Jock, an old Scotty is one of Ladies friends in “The Lady and the Tramp”. They became extremely popular between World War I and World War II”. Although its popularity has not remained constant, the Scottish terrier is still a well-known and popular dog breed.

If you’ve decided that you would like to buy a puppy (or even better, adopt a dog) you have to keep the Scotty’s temperament in mind before you choose the breed. Is this the right dog for your family set-up and life style? Are you dominant enough to be the boss of a Scotty?  When you buy a dog you should be willing to take responsibility for it and take care if its special requirements.

Sources: Wikipedia  & IAMS
Picture by: Ukapala (sxc)

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