essentialdog

Oh speaking of honey - it is a humectant which means it has conditioning properties. Imagine a calendula tea rinse for your dog with a touch of honey for a softer, shinier coat.

Yes I would definitely see a new vet. Some dogs are not big eaters, but when they're not eating and underweight it's for a reason and you need to find out why.

I think if he is dedicated enough to take his dog to the park, then he'd be interested in his dog's health. I would just mention something along the lines of what Yonjuro describes.

Calendula is good for your dog's skin and has healing properties. If you want an emollient (conditioning) for your dog's coat, then a pH balanced moisturiser or conditioner with calendula in it would do the trick.

My dog absolutely loved the everlasting treat and it kept her entertained for hours. I was so disappointed when they discontinued them. She didn't have any reaction to the everlasting treat so might try the nature's gift treats in a treat ball.

It should be fine as long as you only use about a tablespoon per litre. I would not use copious amounts of it as your dog may have an allergic reaction to it due to the natural chemicals that exist in plants that dogs and humans can have dermal sensitivities to. I would probably buy an organic product as there could be residual pesticides on the flowers but i'm sure it will be fine if it's being sold for human consumption.

Gosh if it's that bad you probably need to get a pest control company out. There are alot out there that are environmentally friendly and pet safe. It's also important to wash all bedding and pillow/cushions in hot water and detergent and vacuum every day for at least 2 weeks after the treatment. Good luck!

Here is a story of dog owner who used a product that contains 5% fragrance which is incredibly dangerous. It makes me so mad that some companies will throw anything in their products to make the fragrance linger - it's all about masking your dogs scent which is $$$ to them. I would never use more than 0.25% of eo's in any dog product. The most toxic essential oil to dogs is pennyroyal and I see that in alot of products which astounds me and makes me really angry! You're lucky your dog has recovered and i'm so glad your pooch is ok considering the foot itch product contained 5% tea tree oil. Sorry if I keep rambling on about this topic! I have done a 3 year study and research on sensitivities focusing on fragrances and allergens in canine skin and some of the stories I hear makes my blood boil!!

Oh great!! Sounds like a fun weekend. Hopefully can make it.

My dog got really ill from a pigs ear I bought from the vet. I would have thought a vet clinic would be fairly stringent on the quality of their stock but apparently not. I won't be buying her any more of these type treats. I have been scared of giving her any types of dried treats now so I give her a chicken wing as a treat.

Whoa! I can't believe products like that are on the market. 5% tea tree oil is toxic! All reputable pet products use less than 1% of any fragrance whether it be synthetic or essential oils - anything over 1% is outright dangerous and not to mention illegal if it is not registered as a medication and the APVMA will be onto them soon enough.

Also wanted to add that the APVMA and vets recommend a dilution of less than 1% of essential oils on any product you put on your dog's skin.

Those photos look amazing. Will have to check it out. Thanks.

To loose my best friend would be heart wrenching. I don't know what to say. That is awful. x

We have alot of customers with labradors that use our Lavender, Lemon Peel & Sage shampoo and they are very happy with it. The lemon peel is a natural odour eliminator. I think a stinky lab is better than no lab - they are the most beautiful dogs and love how they do that bouncy gallop when they are happy.

I thought many of you may find it useful to know that often shampoos and grooming products that claim to have 'tea tree oil' in them are often synthetic chemicals that mimic the smell of such oils. Unless the product labels say contains 'tea tree 100% pure essential oil', it is most likely a combination of synthetic chemicals called aroma chemicals and fragrance extenders like DPG and phthalates (also used in plastics manufacturing). These chemicals are used most shampoos and can cause alot of itching and allergies for dogs, particularly those with sensitive skin. Using aroma chemicals is a cheaper alternative and a very common marketing trick to get you to believe you are buying something that you are not. I would only believe any product has essential oils in it if they claim the product contains '100% pure tea tree essential oil' and no synthetic fragrances. There is no law in Australia or any other country that I am aware of where ingredients have to be disclosed in non medicated pet products (cosmetics), so some of the major manufacturers take advantage of these law and often marketing their products as 'natural' but these products are no different to other 'non-natural' products. Basically, what I'm saying is that although your dog may be having some itching and drying of the skin from the tea tree oil shampoo you're using, it may not be the type of tea tree oil you think it is. I personally don't like tea tree essential oil for dog shampoos as it can dry the skin out. I only use dog grooming products that are free sulphates and artificial fragrances as these are the major causes of dryness, itching and allergies for dogs.

The oatmeal shampoo contains sulphates, synthetic fragrances which is probably why it is making your dog itch. Try and find a natural shampoo that's states it is sulphate free and contains no synthetic fragrances and i'm sure you'll notice a huge difference. Best of luck.

I can help shed some light on your dog's skin irritation. This can be due to the presence of allergens during the warmer weather. Alot of dog owners wash their dog more frequently during warmer weather (I know I do). If your dog is being bathed more often check to see if there are synthetic fragrances and sulphates in your dog shampoo as these ingredients can be highly irritating. Unfortunately dog grooming products are not required by law to disclose ingredients, although some do. If the ingredients are not listed perhaps try grooming products that specify they're sulphate and synthetic fragrance free as this may be contributing to your dogs skin problems. Best of luck.

Yes calendula is amazing and has alot of healing properties. You may find using a sulphate free dog shampoo will also reduce the issue. Sulphates are pretty harsh especially for dogs and can cause skin flaking.

You should seek vet advice before giving your dog antihistamines. I went to the vet and they gave me a list of human antihistamines that are safe for dogs and recommended usage rates. They will usually give you this list for free.