Ticks – Yikes! Gross! What to do….

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by Diane Burket

I don't use chemicals on my pets.  Period.  Frontline, Advantix or other topicals—They are neurotoxins and can kill your pets.  Flea and tick collars = deadly neurotoxins.  Shampoos and sprays—NO!  I love my pets and will not knowingly put them in harm's way.

So….what's a loving pet owner to do??

Shampoo your pets with Dr. Bronner's Eucalyptus Oil Soap.  Great for your pets and great for your own body, too.   Smells great and fleas and ticks hate it.

 
See a tick??  Immediately remove it very easily with a Tick Key—A low-tech, inexpensive tool to always have on hand.
I keep one on the leash, on my keychain and give many as gifts.  
Be sure to use the alcohol swabs to clean the bite area.   
Ticks can cause Lyme Disease and in some cases, will kill your pet.

If you notice your pet has any of these symptoms after removing a tick—get him/her to the vet immediately!  Take the dead tick with you to the doctor for testing.

  • ​Loss of appetite
  • Joint pain
  • Lethargy
  • Fever

Treat the area around your home with Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth. It is totally organic and safe—and inexpensive! The reason it's "Food Grade" is that some farmers add Diatomaceous Earth to the animals' feed to kill parasites.   So the Food Grade is safe for your pets and your kids!
Purchase an inexpensive flea comb.

If you see your pet itch….grab your flea comb and use right away and see if there's a flea or tick there.
The flea comb is able to remove fleas easily.  Just be sure to kill them immediately 'cuz those little guys can jump very far.   Maybe even on YOU!
My pets love to be combed with a flea comb.  😉
                                      

Feel free to leave any comments, below.  I'd love to hear from you!
 
 

 

Fat Cats—Tips For Getting Them Slim & Trim!

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by Diane Burket



A fat cat is an unhealthy and unhappy cat. You might think it’s cute to be pudgy….but it’s not healthy. Fat cats aren’t able to jump, run and play like they should and may be at risk for many diseases.
You’ll rarely see a wild cat that is fat.  They’re very active and have to hunt for their food.
Indoor cats can get bored and eat too much.  
Perhaps you’re “spoiling” them with too many treats and too much food.

So….what to do if you’ve got an overweight cat?

  • Feed your cat(s) the recommended amount of nutritionally complete food.    ..depending upon their age and activity level
  • Feed 2 – 3 times per day at approximately the same time each day
  • I don’t recommend dry food for many reasons.  Read my post about this.  However, if dry food must be left out for thin, active cats—elevate it.  Keep it on a desk or shelf so the fat cats can’t get to it while the thin cats can.
  • Limit treats to less than 5% of their daily food intake (We keep regular dry food in the treat bag for the beggers in our house.  They think they’re getting treats…but it’s just food)
  • Milk is for cows—not cats.  Milk can cause diarrhea or vomiting.  Don’t feed it to your cats
  • If you’re still feeding your cats dry food, add a little water to it.  It’s filling and will keep your cat from dehydrating from dry food.
  • Schedule some play time with your cat(s) every day.  Use laser pointers,
    Da Bird Feather toys, etc.

  • Be sure to have plenty of stimulating cat trees, scratching posts and toys to keep them active

  • Keep plenty of water bowls around the house.  That will encourage your cats to drink more and he/she will feel more full.

  • My cats and dogs love water fountains.
    The movement of the water encourages them to drink.
    There are many styles from which to choose.

    Here’s a great article about how to help your cat lose weight:
    http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-tips-to-help-your-fat-cat-lose-weight.html