Summer is coming and everyone is looking forward to spending more time outside. However, more time outside means your pets will be soaking up the afternoon sun, too. Before the hot weather hits, prepare for what summer has in store for your four-legged friends. From shampoos to allergies, it’s important to be “pet prepared.”
Maintaining Freshness
Keeping a dog clean can be a challenging task. When dogs get dirty outside, it is imperative they receive a bath every now again, no matter how much of a struggle it might be to get them in the tub. Natural and organic shampoos are better for your pet’s coat, especially if your companion has sensitive skin. Shampoos with healing properties like chamomile, aloe, jojoba, and seaweed are great for maintaining a soft, rich coat. Consider purchasing a natural conditioner if your dog has a long coat, or just suffers from dry skin.
When temperatures rise, pets shed their coats, leaving tufts of fur right where you enjoy sitting. Groom your cats and dogs with natural rubber brushes. This type of brush promotes a healthy coat while massaging and conditioning the skin. It has flexible fibers that collect unwanted hair very effectively. Natural rubber brushes can be used on dry or wet fur, and also work great when lathering shampoo.
Be more efficient with your vacuum in the summer months: Use that vacuum on your pet to get rid of unwanted hair! Usually dogs are more likely than cats to let you use the vacuum on them, but you never know.
What About Fleas and Ticks?
Use an herbal flea collar to prevent unwanted critters from annoying your pet. Herbal flea collars keep pests away effectively and serve as a deodorizer.
If your pet is past the prevention stage, be careful-conventional flea- and tick-control products contain toxic chemicals, which are usually safe for animals, but can be harmful to humans. Ingredients to be wary of include organophosphates and carbamates, both found in a variety of flea and tick removers. Children are most vulnerable to these conventional pesticides, as they are still developing and have an increased risk for acute poisoning, brain dysfunctions, and other severe diseases. Children also have hand-to-mouth tendencies, which is unsafe when the family dog has been treated with toxic chemicals.
Your best bet is to purchase an all-natural spray that is safe for children and effective at killing fleas and ticks.
Pesticides, Yuck!
Common pesticides used to keep lawns green can make a dog or cat very sick-especially among those that tend to eat grass. Animals exposed to pesticides can experience vomiting, increased aggression, and even cancer.
Dogs, especially, love to roll around in the grass to pick up a smell, and may even graze like cows on the lush greens. Be conscious and try to limit the ways your pet is exposed to pesticides.
Pets can also carry pesticides into the home environment where they get into the carpet fibers and furniture. Once inside, pesticides linger for a longer time because they require sunlight to break down.
If you know certain lawns in your neighborhood are sprayed with pesticides, try to keep your dog on a leash and away from them. Keeping cats indoors is also safer for them, and you. Let your grass grow naturally and encourage your friends and family members to do the same.
Tips of the Trade
Some dogs naturally gravitate towards getting wet. If your dog is scratching more than usual, it may be getting into a ravine which, most likely, is causing an allergic reaction. Seasonal allergies can be an issue in summer months. If you suspect this, take your pet to a veterinarian.
When traveling to the cottage, dogs with fine hair are particularly vulnerable to those annoying mosquitoes. Pack some tea tree oil or natural toothpaste to help alleviate the dog’s bites, and even your own.
Indoor cats may get the urge to run outside when the days are warmer because they want to have fun. Give your cat some organic catnip in a laundry basket or cardboard box, for some no-mess fun.
When dogs get their feet dirty, prevent them from tracking dirt into the house by keeping naturally made towels available at the door. A towel, as recommended by Douglas Adams for those traveling the Universe, is a great tool for cleaning a dog’s feet. The all-natural, fast absorbing fibers trap moisture and dirt very effectively. They are washable and reusable, making them a better option for the environment. Search online for these towels, there are many brands available.
Go outside! Spend more quality time with your dog by hanging your clothes outside to dry. You will save energy and a few extra dollars. Stay healthy and enjoy this summer with family, friends, and your lovable animal companions.
