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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There are many homeless pets worldwide as well as in South Africa. According to the National Sterilization Project (NSP), about ten thousand homeless pets are put to sleep in South Africa on a weekly basis, due to the sheer volume of abused and abandoned animals.

It is not only in other countries that animal abuse happens, it happens right on our doorsteps. It is irresponsible to breed your pets, simply because you want to make a few hundred Rands. There are so many pets that desperately need homes. By contributing to the over-population of cats and dogs, pet sellers are contributing to the problem. I’m not saying there should be absolutely no breeding at all, we don’t want any breeds to die out, but we should definitely breed less, far less and only in a controlled and responsible manner.

Surprisingly in China many pet owners won’t sterilize their dogs. I asked a Chinese friend why and she said: “It’s cruel to sterilize the dog, it’s not the dog’s choice to be sterilize and you’re taking away its natural right to have babies.”  Okay fine, but what happens to all the puppies that don’t find homes or the puppies that get discarded once they grow up? I think the fact that the humans are restricted in the number of offspring they may produce that they probably compensate by letting their pets breed at will.
The NSP strives to encourage mass animal sterilization and subsides sterilization for pet owners who can’t afford to pay for it. The NSP is a Non Profit Organization (NPO) that rely on public donations for funding. Please visit the National Sterilization Programme’s website for more information or to find out how you can help.

Please spay and neuter your animals. It is the compassionate thing to do. Let’s focus  increasing the quality of pets’ lives and not on  increasing the quantity of pet lives. Let’s sterilize before we euthanize.

If you want to get a cat or a dog, please consider adopting a pet before you think of buying one.

Please see also in the Animal Welfare category of this site:  My posts on Dog Adoption and International Homeless Animals Day.

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In honour of International Homeless Animals Day, The Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre will be hosting a fun day. You can adopt a dog for the day and take it for a walk. This is a good option for those of us that want to adopt animals, but can’t. It’s not as good as giving a doggy a new home, but at least you will gave a homeless dog one wonderful day filled with love. Wes Nose is just outside of Pretoria .(View the programme)

I for one am a firm believer in pet adoption. There are so many abandoned and abused animals that just need good homes.  There should definitely be strict control on dog breeding and the sale of dogs. However if you do prefer to buy instead of adopt, play close attention to where the dogs come from (refer to the Dog Advice section).  Dogs a sentient beings and loving pets that should not be treated as cash cows.

(Refer to my post on pet adoption.)

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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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