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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After a dog tested positive for rabies in Linden, Johannesburg, the Gauteng government urged people to ensure that their pets have been vaccinated against the disease. Vaccinating your pets is compulsory and failure to do so is illegal.

The Department of Agriculture and rural development is currently giving free vaccines/boosters to domestic animals. You can take your pet to Marks Park near the Melville Koppies to get a shot. 8:00 am – 18:00 pm from 24-28 August 2009.  Pet owners of the following areas are urged to make use of this drive: Linden, Victory Park, Cresta, Roosevelt Park, Delta Park, Emmarentia, Parkhurst, Risidale, Greenside and Montroux.

The Government of Limpopo province has also issued a warning urging residents to vaccinate their pets and is running a rabies awareness campaign .  A Rabies awareness day will be held on 26 August at Bungeni community hall in Bungeni village.

Rabies is a viral disease that spreads through the saliva of animals. The disease attacks the brain and causes madness and aggressive behaviour. If an infected animal bites a human it will transmit the virus to the human. Humans can also get the disease if they get a rabid animal’s saliva in their eyes, mouth or broken skin. If you are bitten wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical help. If your pet is bitten, take it to a vet immediately.

Rabies is almost always fatal, unless post-exposure prophylaxis is giving before certain symptoms appear, usually within 10 days of infection. The virus can be diagnosed using a viral culture test. In the case of Rabies prevention is key, therefore all pets must be vaccinated. The first rabies vaccine was created by Louis Pasteur and Émile Roux in 1885.  Subsequently other forms of vaccines have been developed,

Tell tale signs of rabid animals are foaming at the mouth and unusual aggression. Some of the symptoms that may manifest include: insomnia, paranoia, paralysis, cerebral dysfunction and anxiety.

People are also advised to avoid stray animals and animals showing unusually aggressive behaviour. Rabid animals should be reported to the state veterinary or health authorities.

World Rabies Day is on 28 September. Please make sure that all your pets vaccinations are up to date and if they haven’t been vaccinated against rabies yet, get it done as soon as possible.

Sources: News24 and  Wikipedia

Important contact numbers:
State Veterinarian: (011)821-7700
Health Authority: (011) 226-8300

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