Tea Tree Oil - Good for Dogs as well as You!

With the advent of warmer weather and longer daylight come games of Frisbee and catch ball with your doggie at the park or perhaps a hike in the backwoods. It’s marvelous to go out and smell the fresh air, watch the greening of the trees and hear the chirping of busy birds as they fly to and fro, gathering material for their nests. But the warmer weather has its nasty side as well – mosquitoes and other bugs that delight in making a meal of you and your furry friend. Never fear! Tea Tree oil is here!

Tea tree oil, often referred to as the “wonder from Down Under” is a wonder indeed. This amazing essential oil from Australia should be in every first aid kit. Indeed, when I was in Australia last year, no decent Aussie household would be found without a vial or two in their medicine cabinet. If there ever was such a thing as a magic potion, then tea tree oil would have to be it.

Identified as having no less than 48 properties, it has been scientifically proven to be an antiseptic of extraordinary strength, it is at the same time non-toxic and a non-irritant and proven to be soothing and healing.

The use of tea tree oil by the Australian military in the second world war is legendary. Australian Soldiers fighting in the jungles of the Pacific were less susceptible to tropical diseases and their infantry had the healthiest feet (very important if you are in the infantry) of all the allied forces. The reason being that mosquitoes and other bugs apparently are not fond of tea tree oil so these disease bearing insects moved on to other armies for their vitles.

Why so? Well, the Australian soldiers sprayed themselves with a solution of water and tea tree oil thus ensuring that they would be found to be unappetizing to those pesky bugs. They also bathed their sore feet in water to which drops of tea tree oil were added. This cleansed their feet, soothed them and promoted a quick healing process for any cuts, sores or abrasions.

So before heading into the great outdoors, buy yourself some good quality tea tree oil, add a few drops to a spray bottle of water, and spray both yourself and your dog. Be sure to get your dog’s underbelly done – this is where our pets are most vulnerable. Now you can rest easy that you doggie won’t be coming home with any bites!

Another good tea tree oil item to have on hand is an antibiotic cream or gel. A scuffle for that ball or long hike up rough mountain terrain can mean scrapes and cuts to your dog’s feet. Bathe the feet and wounds with a solution of tee tree oil and water, pat dry, and apply the cream to promote quick healing.

Fleas! To prevent them from making a home of your dog simply spray just like you would against other bugs. If your doggie has somehow inadvertently picked up a squadron or so, rub tea tree oil all over his body – those fleas will literally flee. Using a doggie shampoo with tea tree oil is good too, and the side benefit is that your dog’s coat will take on a super healthy shine and his skin will be silkier and softer too!

What I like about using tea tree oil, especially against bugs, is that it has none of the harmful effects of other insect deterrents. I know that when I buy a good quality tea tree oil and put it to use on my dog that no harm will come to him.

Putting on the Ritz - Just You and Your Fritz

To You its Just a Collar - To Your Dog it’s a Wardrobe!

At the very least, every dog owns a collar and a lead – it’s the very minimum and what to you may be just a collar and a lead, to your dog, it’s a wardrobe or at least, the very minimum a requirement to being well dressed pooch!

Its spring. What better time to spiff up your wardrobe and while at it, ducking in to your favorite doggie haberdashery and picking up a new set or two of collars and leads for your best friend. Choices have never been so plenty.

Lucky the dog that can strut down the walk in a Gucci or an Hermes hand tooled leather collar and lead. So handsome! So elegant! Just whip out the platinum card, swipe it once, and out you walk with bags full of clothing for you and your furry friend. Add a customized I.D. for good measure.

Designer duds are great, but they do tend to be a bit hard on the wallet. Despair not. There are plenty of alternative brands and designs that will have you and your dog stepping out in style. I like all the woven fabric ones that have designs woven right into the collar - now that’s making a statement! How about a nice brown background with green lettering proclaiming “Good Dog” all around the collar and a matching lead! One of my favorites is a green collar with white daisies all around and of course, the matching lead. These fashion statements need not stress out your finances – you’ll find good quality in the $20 plus range.

No self respecting pet parent would have their dog go out without an I.D. Tag and what better way to complete an outfit than with a customized enameled light weight stainless steel that says “Good Dog” on one side and engraved with all your dog’s stats on the other. Get several - one for each collar!

When you think about it – there’s nothing like putting on the Ritz as your Fritz takes the honors of being Top Dog of the Walk!

Collars and tags selected just for your Fritzie at
Boo's Bootique

9 Rules for Basic Dog Care

Bringing a dog into your life, is just like adding a new family member. Bringing up doggie may not be the same as bringing up baby, but remarkably some basics are similar.

#1. The Dog House
Give your dog a home – literally. Make sure that somewhere in your house there is a home for your dog. It can be a separate small room or a corner of the family room, but it should be designated as his space. Some people put a dog crate lined with soft, washable bedding in a separate part of the house to which the dog can retire when the family does. Having his own “house” within the house, gives him a sense of security. If an extra room is not available, put his bed in a nice corner of the family room. Some families designate a soft chair for their pet – I’m not too keen on this as it’s not practical to keep it clean.

If you have a fenced in back yard get an outdoor doghouse for those times when you may want to have your dog outside – particularly during the non-winter months. A dog house provides shelter from the rain or the hot noonday sun. Do not however, make a practice of leaving your dog out all the time. Dogs are social animals and love being with their humans.

#2. Dress Right
At the very least your dog will need a collar, a lead and an ID tag. I have seen some really smart looking lead and collar sets and when I see dogs out on walks. Judging from the way they strut you’d think that they are aware of their appearance! You will get an ID tag when you license your dog, but I really like the customized ones – they add to your dog’s appearance and are not at all costly.

If you live in a cold winter climate and doggie is short haired, he will be a much happier camper with a nice dog coat or sweater. Those windy Chicago winters can just as hard on your pet as they are on you. Dress well.

#3. Get a Vet
A vet is as important for your dog as a doctor is for you. When you get a puppy most vaccinations will already have been given by the breeder but it’s a good idea to introduce your puppy to his vet as soon as possible. Regular checkups will keep your dog healthy and if you travel with your dog, you may need to get regular booster shots. Select your vet with care.

#4. Spay or Neuter.
Did you know that spaying or neutering your dog actually promotes better health, a longer life and reduces problem behavior such as biting or running away? Check with your vet as to when to schedule this routine surgical procedure for your puppy. If you are adopting an adult dog there is not wait time necessary. Do your part in reducing pet overpopulation

#5. Chef not necessary – a good diet is.
In the country where I grew up there were no pet stores or prepared pet food then, so mom became the dog chef and cooked for our dogs. Rice was the basic and she would put various meats or fish and even veggies into a big pot and cook it for several hours.

Today it is not necessary to cook for our dogs. Choose a good nutritious diet for your dog. There are many good national brands that you can purchase at any good pet store. Small, boutique style manufacturers are also on the increase. Fresh ingredients, shorter shell life, no preservatives are some of the benefits of buying a localized brand. Again, check with your vet.

Be sure there is always fresh water available.

#6. Doggie School.
A well trained dog is a pleasure to behold and to hold. If your own training efforts are not paying off, take your pooch to a local trainer. Select several to interview. Ask which method of training they use (some training methods may be harsh) and as always, ask for references or check with the local shelter for names of reputable trainers in your area.

#7. Daily Walkies
Exercise regularly. Depending on the breed and size of your dog, the amount of daily exercise will vary – clearly a greyhound will need a lot more exercise than say a St. Bernard. Both are big dogs but their exercise needs differ. Walking your dog is a dual benefit – its as good for you as it is for him. If yours is a small dog taking him everywhere in its posh carrier does not qualify as exercise. Be sure to put him down on the pavement or grass and let him walk!

#8. Control
Remember this cardinal rule: off property, on lead. I can think of only two exceptions: doggie parks and a deserted country side.

#9. Last but not least, be patient. Your new dog needs time to learn how to live in his new surroundings, how to behave with his new family, what is acceptable behavior. Your new family member will give you unconditional love and loyalty – give him a good start with love and loyalty from you!