My Miniature Schnauzer

Question
I actually have a couple questions. My first question is about flea prevention. I have read that a natural soap called Dr. Bronner's Lavender Soap is a good flea prevention soap because of the lavender. I bought a quart and have washed Jesse a couple times with it. He seems fine with it and his fur is wonderful. What do you think? My next question is I would like to feed my dog cat food because of the higher protien and fat percentages. Formula wise do you know if cat food will hurt my dog and if so, why. Thanks, Joel Griffith

Answer
Hello Joel -

Dr. Bronner's Lavender Soap is a wonderful product and will help in flea prevention. In addition, you could purchase the herb pennyroyal. Fleas, flies, ticks and other pests do not care for the aroma of pennyroyal. Give your dog a bath with the lavender soap and make a tincture of pennyroyal, then simply rub it into your dogs skin. You can puchase Lavender oil as well and dab it behind his ears which is a popular place for fleas to hide out.

To make a pennroyal tincture, simply add the herb to boiling water for about 15 minutes then strain. Apply to your pet at room temperature. This will also keep your pets fur soft and shiny along with the lavender soap.

Another wonderful remedy for flea prevention is Garlic. Add garlic powder to Jesse's food, its also an anti-microbial and will help to fight internal bacteria while keeping fleas at bay. Don't be afraid to sprinkle it with a heavy hand, dogs love garlic and he should eat it up right away. You can give him garlic powder daily, it will not hurt him and its a good year round supplement to fight bacteria. The only draw back to adding garlic to his food is flatulence. After about a month in his system, the flatulence will reduce, until then just keep a couple clothes pins handy!

Cat food will not hurt your dog. A few clients of mine have begun to feed their older dogs cat food for the higher protein levels. This is perfectly safe, as long as your pet will eat it. Your dog may experience loose bowel movements for the first few days he is ingesting cat food, this is normal, its just a food change in his system. You can add the Garlic to this as well.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you and send you a catalog with my home made herbal remedies.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist