Whether it’s piping hot or a touch cooler this Summer certain problems with our pets often arise. Here at Dorwest Herbs, we have put together some tips to help combat these common problems with the use of herbal pet remedies.
1. Fleas and ticks
The population of both these parasites rise during the warmer months with increased breeding. The bites of fleas can irritate and often cause allergic reactions in pets, and ticks can pass disease, the most common of which is Lyme disease. As with most things, prevention is better than cure and keeping on top of the problem with herbal pet remedies can be very effective alongside over the counter medications if needed.
Remember to wash your pet’s bedding regularly at this time of the year, too, to make sure there are no flea eggs or other nasties lurking there. The peppermint herb has been used throughout history to prevent and deter parasites because of its strong minty aroma, and although it must not be given internally, it is very effective for pets when used externally, such as in our Clean & Fresh Dog Shampoo.
2. Itchy skin
High pollen counts and an increase in temperature can cause pets to suffer from sometimes debilitating skin conditions. These can range from a mild localised irritation to an extreme allergic reaction.
There are several herbal products to use depending on the condition and the severity. We recommend having our herbal supplements for dogs and cats, Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets and Green Releaf® Tablets to hand, two of our best-selling products. These tablets don’t only soothe itchy skin for dogs, but they can used for more persistent irritation or minor infection. They contain parsley, watercress, celery seeds, fenugreek and garlic, all of which have antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Also, you can add fresh spinach, dandelion, parsley and watercress to the feed but remember to put it through a blender or food processor first to break it down – or use our Easy-Green Dog Supplement Powder which contains these important plants.
Herbal dog shampoos can also be used externally as an allergy and itch relief for dogs. Our Soothe & Calm Shampoo contains lavender and glycerine, which calms the skin and provides soothing relief. For sore places, our Skin Balm is invaluable to have on hand to help with healing.
3. Insect stings
With the increased number of insects in the summer, your pet can become more likely to be stung or bitten. The most common is a wasp or bee sting and young dogs and cats are particularly likely to suffer from these – until they learn to keep away! Stings to the face, mouth and throat can be more serious than those elsewhere on the body because if the throat or airway becomes swollen it can be difficult for your pet to breath.
If your dog is stung by a bee or wasp it is best to apply ice to the area to reduce swelling, ice cubes or even a bag of peas will suffice, and always wrap these in a towel as to not apply directly to the skin. If the sting stays red and painful for longer than a few hours consult your vet. For bites which sting and itch a natural allergy relief for dogs which is often used is Urtica Urens 30C; this is also very effective for nettle rash. Some animals can be allergic to these stings in the same way humans can, so a sting may lead to anaphylactic shock, which is extremely serious and affects the whole body. If this happens the animal should be taken to the vet immediately.
4. Summer thunderstorms and noises
The downside of this hot weather is that inevitably when it eventually breaks, we get some violent thunderstorms and these can be scary for our pets. As we don’t have these storms regularly, most pets, especially young ones, find the noises and lightning flashes disturbing as it is not something they come across very often, although some cope quite well when they become accustomed to them.
Keep your pet indoors during a storm and in a safe place where they will feel secure. Give a toy or a treat to take their mind off what is going on outside. Playing a game with them will distract from the fear as well as keep them occupied and so less worried. Sometimes this alone is not enough and even with the greatest amount of reassurance some dogs will still feel unsure and unsettled, which if ignored can lead to a permanent nervousness.
As ever, prevention is better than cure, so if you are expecting thunderstorms it is advisable to give Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian Tablets, to keep your dog or cat feeling calmer, more relaxed and so not frightened by the bangs and flashes. Sometimes, of course, there will be no warning of a storm and in this case, our Valerian Compound is ideal as it is very quick acting in these situations and will reduce stress and fear.
Barbecue dangers
With many of us ‘firing’ up the barbecue once the summer arrives, it’s best to be aware of the risk to your pets. Two common problems to keep on top of are to:
-Make sure any leftover food and rubbish is thrown away
-Don’t feed dogs cooked bones or corn on the cob.
Both of these items can lead to serious blockages and compaction in the digestive system. It is best to keep these leftovers away from your pets even if they try their best begging techniques. Some dogs and cats can also get upset stomachs from eating new foods, especially fatty or heavily marinated barbecue food. If your pet does show signs of a digestive upset give Tree Barks Powder for dogs to help soothe the digestive tract and get the stomach back to normal.
It's important to be careful of the heat from barbecues, making sure they are positioned in such a way that your pet cannot get burned. Barbecue lighting fluid is also a danger so keep this safely away and out of reach. Then just enjoy the barbecue!
Sunburn
Sunburn on white dogs and other light-coloured pets is common due to their lack of protection from the sun. The areas that are most likely to be burnt are around the mouth, the top of the muzzle, the ears and belly. There are several good quality sunscreens available for pets and these can be very effective. However, to avoid having to care for a sore dog with sunstroke, ensure your dog has a shady place to retreat and try to keep them away from sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
To find out more information about our herbal supplements for dogs and cats, get in touch with our team today on 01308 897272 or email us at info@dorwest.com where our team will be happy to assist you. Plus, get free UK delivery on all orders over £50!
Please remember, you should always consult a vet if you are concerned about your pet’s health.
