Summertime Care for Dogs and Cats

Summertime can be hard for our four-legged friends. Hot weather can cause dehydration and heat stroke. Other problems can be caused by ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. Dogs and cats can also be harmed by coming in contact with pesticides and chemicals.

The Pet Poison Hotline lists the top ten dog and cat poisons.

You may be surprised to see grapes and raisins listed as harmful to dogs. But note that the toxic element in grapes is unknown. Grape seed extract is not considered a pet hazard and is actually found in some pet products.
Dogs

The Melaleuca Wellness Guide lists 50 ailments that affect dogs. Dogs appear to do quite well when treated with Sol-U-Mel, Renew Bath Oil and diluted T36-C5.

CAUTION: T36-C5 Melaleuca Oil needs to be diluted. There is an increased risk of an adverse reaction the stronger the solution, the longer it is used, and the larger the area covered (even more so if your dog is light-haired or gray). It is better to use a weaker solution initially over the affected area, and only use for the duration of the first aid application as stated. Dilution for a large dog: Mix 3-4 drops of T36-C5 in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Medium to small dog: 2-3 drops of T36-C5 to every teaspoon of carrier oil. Puppies: use minimal dilution. Do not use over a large area of skin.

If your dog is prone to pick up fleas, the best thing you can do is keep the fur well groomed, and regularly bathe your dog with ProCare Pet Shampoo. All you need is a teaspoon of the product and shampoo away! Rinse well and your dog's coat will remain in very good condition. Melaleuca Original Shampoo also has Melaleuca oil and discourages pests, and is an excellent solution if you don't have ProCare Shampoo on hand.

Coat conditioner used between bathing your dog keeps its coat healthy and pest free. Mix 3-5 drops of T36-C5 in 1-1/2 cups of carrier oil. Jojoba may be a little more expensive but it really does make a difference to the coat. Store this mixture in a dark glass bottle in a cool place. Sprinkle a few drops all over the coat, especially around the neck area, and comb through the fur. ProCare Skin + Coat Treats for Dogs help your dog maintain a healthy, shiny coat.

Ear infections can be caused by parasites or a scratch or bite from another dog. When treating the ears, use a dropper and massage the ears after medicating them. Be careful of the animal shaking its head. Do not put the dropper inside the ear. Apply a slightly warmed mixture of the following twice each day if possible until alleviated. Swab the excess along the flap of the ear with a cotton ball. Mix 1-2 drops of T36-C5 with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Apply a couple of drops of this mixture to each ear as directed above.

If your dog gets sunburned, give him plenty of drinking water; apply Renew Intensive Skin Therapy or MelaGel to the area 2 or 3 times each day. Keep your pet out of the sun for at least a week.

Cats

The Melaleuca Wellness Guide lists over 40 ailments that affect cats. Never use undiluted T36-C5 on your cat. If possible a cat will lick and groom an injured area. Using undiluted tea tree oil, or applying it over a large area, or using it for a long period of time could cause an adverse reaction. Never use T36-C5 on a cat with impaired liver or kidney function, or on young kittens without the guidance of a vet. Light-haired cats and pedigree cats may be more sensitive. That said, your adult cat can benefit greatly by using diluted T36-C5 for minor first aid applications. A tiny bit of T36-C5 goes a long way. For adult cats mix 2 drops of T36-C5 in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil. Apply twice a day to the immediate area, until healed. Do not saturate the skin more than necessary.

If a cat has a flea problem the best thing you can do is keep his fur well combed and every 7-10 days bathe the cat with the following mixture: 1 teaspoon Melaleuca Original Shampoo and 1 teaspoon jojoba oil. Shampoo the cat avoiding the eyes. Rinse well.

Cats often get into fights. It is a natural territorial trait. Bathe wounds, bites, scratches, etc with an antiseptic wash made by adding 2 drops of T36-C5 mixed with 4 drops of carrier oil to a bowl of warm water. Agitate the water well to mix and apply to a localized area with a cotton ball. Bathe twice a day to help stop infection. For larger wounds or wounds that are slow to heal seek advice from a vet. After bathing, apply antiseptic oil. Either use a dilution of T36-C5 that is appropriate for your cat or apply MelaGel to the area.

Roads are often repaired during the summer. If your cat has stepped or rolled on the road where there is wet tar, mix 1/2 tablespoon of Melaleuca Original Shampoo and 2 teaspoons of salt. Rub into the tar. Rinse with warm water and shampoo with Melaleuca Original Shampoo mixed 50:50 with Jojoba oil and rinse well. Repeat the process if necessary.

More information on grooming your pet can be found on the Animal Humane Society web page.

~ Richard M Barry

Dogs and Cats from The Melaleuca Wellness Guide

Here are the topics covered in the "Guide" for dogs and cats:

Dogs

Abscess
Allergies, Chronic
Antiseptic Wash
Arthritis
Bathing
Bedding & Blankets
Bites, Cuts & Scratches
Bronchitis, Chronic
Car Accident
Coat Care
Coat Conditioner
Deodorant
Dermatitis
Dewclaws
Diarrhea
Dry Skin
Ears
Eczema
Epilepsy
Feeding Bowls
Fleas
Fractures
General Information
Heart Problems
Hip Dysplasia
Hot Spots
Insect Bites & Stings
Itching
Joint & Muscular Disorders
Kennel Cough
Kennel Hygiene
Kidney Problems, Chronic
L eeches
Lice
Mange
Mouth Ulcer
Nail (Claw) Care
Nail or Pad Infection
Oil (Diesel) Saturation
Precautions for Dogs
Rashes
Ringworm
Scent Masking
Serious Injuries
Skin Infections
Skunk Odors
Soiling
Sore Muscles
Sprains
Stains
Sunburn
Tar
Ticks
Toys
Urinary Problems, Chronic
Vaccinations
Vomit Stains
Warts
Water Bowls
Wormer

Cats

Abscess
Allergies, Chronic
Antiseptic Wash
Arthritis
Bedding
Bites and Scratches
Accident
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Ears
Eczema
Feeding Bowls
Fleas
Fractures
Fur Care
Heart Problems
Infections of the Skin
Itching
Insect Bites & Stings
Itching
Joint/Muscular Disorders
Kidney Problems
Leeches
Lice
Litter Tray Hygiene
Nail or Pad Infection
Oil (Diesel) Saturation
Precautions for Cats
Rashes
Ringworm
Scent Masking
Serious Injuries
Soiling
Sore Muscles
Splinters
Spraying Toms
Stains
Tar
Thorns
Ticks
Toys
Urinary Problems
Vaccinations
Vomit Stains

Read more about The Melaleuca Wellness Guide »

Dogs and Cats Success Stories

I have two dogs. One of them is a nervous dog and tends to make hot spots in various places on his body from constant licking of the area. I used to have to make a trip to the vet for antibiotics and topical ointment to the tune of at least $100 a trip. My other dog is little and scratches behind her ears causing open sores; same thing, trips to the vet, antibiotics and ointment. Well, since I decided to try applying MelaGel with a Q-tip to the hotspot or sore as soon as I noticed it, I have not once had to take either one to the vet for treatment of the sores! I apply the MelaGel a couple of times a day and within a few days the sores are healing! MelaGel has saved me hundreds of dollars in vet bills!

~ Diana

Provex Plus is a staple in our dog care cabinet. Our Auzie-doodle puppy hurt her paw One summer speeding up the deck stairs in the rain resulting in an emergency vet visit and medicine costing $800. One year later and still a puppy, she had another speed-induced leg injury. This time we sprinkled a capsule of Provex Plus on her morning meal for 4 days, and she recovered quickly. Our first dog (beagle) walked without pain and avoided surgery for a limp from joint pain for the last eight years of his life thanks to Provex Plus. We keep a bottle of it in our home at all times.

~ Deborah

My mom has a 14 yr old German shepherd. German shepherds are prone to arthritis. My mom's dog was so bad that she could hardly stand up, let alone walk very far. My mom took her to the vet expecting them to put her to sleep, but they told her that other than arthritis she was healthy. So they gave her some pain pills for the dog. They helped a little, but like most pain pills they made her tired all the time. So my mom decided to try giving her Replenex since my mom takes it and it works so well for her. A couple weeks later her dog was up and wanting to play fetch all the time. It was a complete turnaround thanks to the Replenex. Now my mom orders 2 bottles every month; 1 for herself and 1 for her dog.

~ Amber

My Little Milo is a Chinese Crested Powder Puff. Born of hairless Chinese Crested parents, Milo has hair!!! And lots of it! When I am walking him I frequently hear people exclaim, "Is that a dog?!" With such an abundance of hair, I love the dog shampoo! His hair turns into shine and softness. Thank you Melaleuca for caring about dogs!

~ Beth

I have not been with Melaleuca that long but have been very impressed with the quality of products. My dog had a thorn in his paw and I was thankful to have some MelaGel to put on it. It healed quickly and without infection. I carry it all the time now. I also use the Melaleuca oil T36-C5 with Jojoba oil and some Lavender oil to repel bugs. This mixture I place on a bandana to wear like a collar on his neck and/or I wipe it on with a towel. It is a pleasure to have a safe alternative to use for healing and prevention. Thanks Melaleuca for producing such wonderful products.

~ Gene

Early in the year we "dog-sat" for our daughter. Her dog was an old dog; he could barely walk and was staying 2 weeks. I recommended Melaleuca ProCare for hips and joints and within a few days he was walking normal again.

This week we had friends from New Jersey come to visit. They came with a darling small fluffy 18 year old dog. It appeared the dog was planning on dying in my yard. He would wobble and stumble in circles until he bumped into something, sometimes just falling over. They are Melaleuca customers, so when I suggested they purchased the Hip and Joint Treats. They did. Three days later the dog ran off, and it was 2 days before someone found her a mile from home!

~ Lynda