Body Mind and Paw : Summer Dog Care Tips

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All the best,

Marianne & Steve

In This Issue

• Featured Article: A Natural Approach to Flea & Tick control

• Recipe of the Month: Frozen yogurt treats

• Specials

A Natural Approach to Flea & Tick Control

The best approach to controlling fleas and ticks is prevention! It’s easier to prevent an infestation of fleas and ticks than to treat an existing infestation. An animal in good health does not attract as many fleas and ticks as one in poor health. A wholesome, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle goes a long way in increasing your dog’s health and resistance to these pesky critters.

Groom your dog regularly. This provides you with an opportunity to monitor for signs of trouble before things get out of hand. An occasional shampoo is helpful. No need to lather them up with a pesticide infused potion. Plain soap and water usually will drown the fleas. Work up some good suds and allow it to stand for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing your pet.

Use a flea comb. Dipping the comb in soapy water will kill the fleas. Remove ticks by hand or with tweezers. Transmission of Lyme Disease usually does not occur unless the tick is attached for 24 to 48 hours.

Treating your home environment is very important. Wall to wall carpets provide the perfect environment for fleas. One female flea can lay up to 30 eggs daily. It is important to thoroughly vacuum and clean floors and furniture weekly to pick up flea eggs, larvae and pupae. Consider a professional carpet treatment when you begin your flea control program. Steam cleaning is effective at killing flea eggs. Wash your dog’s bedding in hot soapy water weekly and dry in the dryer on maximum heat. Cedar beds are effective repellants provided the cover is laundered weekly.

Herbal flea collars and herbal flea powders may help during seasons when fleas are most abundant. Check out the natural flea collars available from Holistic Family and Pets. Some studies show adding brewer’s yeast or garlic to your dog’s diet may also deter the little buggers. Springtime, Inc. offers natural supplements that protect against fleas and ticks.

When natural remedies have been ineffective preventing or alleviating the problem, and your dog is miserable a more aggressive approach is necessary. Over the counter spot treatments, sprays and dips can be more toxic and less effective than a monthly prescription treatment such as Frontline. Talk with your vet before treating your dog. If you must rely on chemical treatments try limiting their use. Two to three months may be enough to break the cycle and allow the more natural approach to flea and tick control to be effective.

Recipe of the Month

16 ounces organic plain yogurt

1 ripe to very ripe organic banana

2 ounces organic peanut butter

1-2 ounce filtered water

Combine yogurt, bananas, peanut butter and water in a blender and puree on high until well mixed. If mixer is to thick to pour add a little more water.

Divide between 8, 4 ounce plastic containers with lids (like the ones you find in a grocery store) Only fill ¾ full to allow room for expansion when they freeze. Another fun option is to use some of the mixture to fill a Kong toy. Put in freezer until frozen.

When it’s time to give them a treat just pop off the lid and set the container down, they will slowly lick it until the cup is empty. (We put it on a rug for Thumper otherwise he tends to push it across the floor).

Specials

Come see us at the Saco Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, and bring this coupon to receive 20% off your total purchase!