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It’s simple to have healthy pets. The program is similar to the proper approach to gardening. Don’t do anything that hurts the life in the soil is the gardening and agriculture mantra. Don’t do anything that hurts the health of animals is the same concept.
GENERAL
Limit vaccinations and other medications. Don’t use toxic chemicals, pest controls and other products. Provide good nutrition and clean water. Make sure your pets get plenty of exercise.
NUTRITION
Feed your pets quality natural foods that don’t contain toxic chemical preservatives or provide raw foods and cook for your pets. Here’s a connection to the recipes I recommend. Also provide them plenty of clean water. Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar is helpful.
PEST CONTROL
Healthy animals have few pest problems, but when present, pests are actually easier to control with natural techniques. The toxic chemical products don’t work for several reasons. They cost too much, don’t really control the pests and are toxic to pets. The “one spot” products sold to use on the backs of your pets are among the worst toxic products. If you are thinking about that idea, put a spot of the product on the back of your neck first. See how you feel in a while. I doubt you will be using it on your dog or cat after that.
Dipping: Don’t ever dip or let anyone else dip your pets in pesticides, not even organic ones - especially pyrethrum products. Spraying toxic pesticides, including pyrethrum products, on areas your pets use is of course something that should never be done.
Bathing pets too often and with toxic products: Bathe pets with mild herbal shampoos, but only when needed. The most effective shampoo for pest control contains citrus (or d-limonene) or tea tree oil (melaleuca). Avoid all products that contain pesticides, including pyrethrum and pyrethroids.
Fleas: Spray area with Garrett Juice or Garrett Juice Plus with 2 ounces of orange oil added. Then apply beneficial nematodes. Dusting natural diatomaceous earth can help in dry weather.
Ticks: Same program as above but spray up on the trunks of trees and the sides of buildings where the ticks hang out. The Eco-EXEMPT products can be used for serious infestations.
Worms: Synthetic products that contain toxic chemicals should never be used. Add natural diatomaceous earth to other pet foods at 2% of the volume of the food. Add apple cider vinegar in the pet’s drinking water from time to time - about 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Organic apple cider vinegar is of course best.
Flies: Pick up and compost pet manure regularly.
Skin Allergies: The best control comes from feeding animals a diet that does not contain synthetic toxic preservatives.
Comfrey tea can be use topically for dog skin allergies. Cook a mess of comfrey greens, dilute the cool pot liquor down to a light iced tea color and pour or dab on to the hot spots or in to the dog’s fur. Comfrey is very powerful so don’t use more than once a month and only when needed. Cornmeal juice is also good and can be used more often. Put a cup of whole ground cornmeal in a 5 gallon bucket of water, strain out the solids and apply to the skin liberally.
Here are some other useful resources from dirtdoctor.com:
To discuss this newsletter or any other topic, tune in each Sunday 8am - 11am central time to the Dirt Doctor Radio Show. The call-in phone number is 1-866-444-3478. Listen on the internet or click here to find a station in your area.
Please share this newsletter with everyone in your address book and all your friends on Facebook and Twitter to help me spread the word on the proper way to select, plant and maintain plants.
Naturally yours,
Dogs & Cats Healthy Newsletter
The Secret to Healthy Dogs & Cats
It’s simple to have healthy pets. The program is similar to the proper approach to gardening. Don’t do anything that hurts the life in the soil is the gardening and agriculture mantra. Don’t do anything that hurts the health of animals is the same concept.
GENERAL
Limit vaccinations and other medications. Don’t use toxic chemicals, pest controls and other products. Provide good nutrition and clean water. Make sure your pets get plenty of exercise.
NUTRITION
Feed your pets quality natural foods that don’t contain toxic chemical preservatives or provide raw foods and cook for your pets. Here’s a connection to the recipes I recommend. Also provide them plenty of clean water. Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar is helpful.
PEST CONTROL
Healthy animals have few pest problems, but when present, pests are actually easier to control with natural techniques. The toxic chemical products don’t work for several reasons. They cost too much, don’t really control the pests and are toxic to pets. The “one spot” products sold to use on the backs of your pets are among the worst toxic products. If you are thinking about that idea, put a spot of the product on the back of your neck first. See how you feel in a while. I doubt you will be using it on your dog or cat after that.
Dipping: Don’t ever dip or let anyone else dip your pets in pesticides, not even organic ones - especially pyrethrum products. Spraying toxic pesticides, including pyrethrum products, on areas your pets use is of course something that should never be done.
Bathing pets too often and with toxic products: Bathe pets with mild herbal shampoos, but only when needed. The most effective shampoo for pest control contains citrus (or d-limonene) or tea tree oil (melaleuca). Avoid all products that contain pesticides, including pyrethrum and pyrethroids.
Fleas: Spray area with Garrett Juice or Garrett Juice Plus with 2 ounces of orange oil added. Then apply beneficial nematodes. Dusting natural diatomaceous earth can help in dry weather.
Ticks: Same program as above but spray up on the trunks of trees and the sides of buildings where the ticks hang out. The Eco-EXEMPT products can be used for serious infestations.
Worms: Synthetic products that contain toxic chemicals should never be used. Add natural diatomaceous earth to other pet foods at 2% of the volume of the food. Add apple cider vinegar in the pet’s drinking water from time to time - about 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Organic apple cider vinegar is of course best.
Flies: Pick up and compost pet manure regularly.
Skin Allergies: The best control comes from feeding animals a diet that does not contain synthetic toxic preservatives.
Comfrey tea can be use topically for dog skin allergies. Cook a mess of comfrey greens, dilute the cool pot liquor down to a light iced tea color and pour or dab on to the hot spots or in to the dog’s fur. Comfrey is very powerful so don’t use more than once a month and only when needed. Cornmeal juice is also good and can be used more often. Put a cup of whole ground cornmeal in a 5 gallon bucket of water, strain out the solids and apply to the skin liberally.
To discuss this newsletter or any other topic, tune in each Sunday 8am - 11am central time to the Dirt Doctor Radio Show. The call-in phone number is 1-866-444-3478. Listen on the internet or click here to find a station in your area.
Please share this newsletter with everyone in your address book and all your friends on Facebook and Twitter to help me spread the word on the proper way to select, plant and maintain plants.
Naturally yours,
Howard Garrett
The Dirt Doctor
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