Going All Natural

[AnimalFarm2006]

So Anyway... Every since i adolpted these two Rascals, and found out about an all natural diet, I've realy wanted to start doing things all natual. Fleas, Food, Bedding, Treats, Toys, Even things around the house.

The only issue is that i don't know where to start. I'm already in the Ferret Mentor Program to start my kids on a natural diet, but I'm still in a tie between using things for fleas, cleaning substances, etc.

Can someone Dirrect me to starting the household includding the animals on a more natural living?

What i have been doing so far is Cleaning with Vinagar water, but it makes the animals things kind of smell a little too salty. What herbs could i use to spice the blankets?

Flea help- I have the apple vinegar, but how long between putting some of them? And Do i put dab it on them, or lather them?

What about ways for ALL the animals? One of my dogs has horrible flea allergies, and I have a long hair cat, and a Cat that gets dry skin.

[pear2apple]

Sept 28, 2008 18:12:03 GMT -5 AnimalFarm2006 said:

What i have been doing so far is Cleaning with Vinagar water, but it makes the animals things kind of smell a little too salty. What herbs could i use to spice the blankets?

Flea help- I have the apple vinegar, but how long between putting some of them? And Do i put dab it on them, or lather them?

What about ways for ALL the animals? One of my dogs has horrible flea allergies, and I have a long hair cat, and a Cat that gets dry skin.

I don't know if you're allowed to use any kind of herbal stuff on the blankets, but in the Enrichment section Giuli suggests putting lavender oil on their blankets to help them sleep. Don't know much about that though. Also, perhaps you have too much vinegar with the water? I'd say it should be 50/50 but if the smell still seems strong, try 60 water/40 vinegar and see how that works. Also try Nature's Miracle (found at most pet stores) that is awesome for getting off smells and stains on carpets and also getting rid of messes in the cage. It comes highly recommended.

Apple cider vinegar is not to put ON your pets, its to mix in their water. Check out this link holisticferret.proboards80.com/index.cgi?board=care&action=display&thread=870
This is great information for you. I think you might be able to use some of these flea repellents for your other animals.

[Lynna]

using just baking soda in the wash works vs using detergent too. I used to use that all the time back in pa.

[squishy506]

I have been told you can put vanilla extract in the wash for their bedding, and I have used a little lemon juice in my water/vinegar spray bottle to help with that weird smell that happens when vinegar meets poop.

I don't know if bleach is considered natural. But I use it once a week to clean the cage. We have this huge container of Simple Green, and if you mix just a little of it in a bucket of water, you can mop an entire house with it and not have to buy more for months.

[Forum Administrator]

Natural Flea/Tick Preventative: 1tbsp apple cider vinegar per 16oz of water. IMPORTANT! If they stop drinking the water, you will need to add less vinegar! For a spray on flea/tick replellant you can use Neem Oil. You can use this for your dog, cat, and ferrets. Apple cider vinegar also helps to promote digestive health.


Natural Earmite preventative/treatment:
holisticferret.proboards80.com/index.cgi?board=care&action=display&thread=215&page=1


Essential Oils/Aromatherapy:
Be AWARE: Avoid using essential oils on or near cats, I wouldnt recommend using them period. Cats can become seriously ill from even inhaling essential oils. A safer bet is hydrosols:
cats.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=cats&cdn=homegarden&tm=20&gps=349_676_1276_599&f=22&su=p284.9.336.ip_p504.1.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.holisticat.com/aromatherapy.html

Herbs/Herbal Remedies:
As for using herbs and whatnot to treat illnesses, I recommend doing so ONLY under the supervison of a holistic/homeopathic vet. Herbs can be as powerful as regular medicinces, so dont use them without direct vet supervision.

Hairball Preventative:
Use a Petrolium-free hairball laxative. Petrolium kills good gut flora, which your ferret needs to effectively digest its natural diet. Stick with sugar free-petrolium free products.

Heartworm Preventative:
This is one area where most "natural" advocates will say, conventional approach *might* be best. While ferrets arent the natural host for heartworm, they CAN get it, and when they do there is no cure. It is up to you to weight the pros and cons of a heartworm preventative. You might choose to not give one at all, only give one in cold months, give it every month, etc. The choice is yours. Revolution is a popular choice, but many believe a less harsh alternative is topically applied Ivermectin. Talk to your vet about your heartworm preventative options.

Natural Cleaning: Try hydrogen peroxide and vinegar, this might work better then vinegar and water. Nature's Miracle is also a good brand. 7th generation (I think that is what its called) is a company that makes natural cleaning products.

[animalsgetrevenge]

7th Generation does make GREAT all natural products, I would highly recommend them. Check out their website for coupons!

I read in a natural health magazine to use 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar to help with HUMAN dandruff. My boyfriend tried it last night and his scalp looks great today! I don't know if this is safe to use on your cat with dry skin, so you would have to look into it to see if it was safe.

Here is what the magazine said to do:
Mix 1/4 cup AC Vinegar with 1/4 cup warm water in a clean squirt bottle and spray your scalp and hair. Wrap a towel around your head and leave Vinegar and towel on for 15minutes to an hour, then rinse or out.

We didn't have a squirt bottle so my man just carefully poured it on his head. He showered when it was all done and it his head didn't smell like vinegar at all afterward!

[Forum Administrator]

To help the kitty you can a.) get them onto raw (which is higher in moisture then kibble----if that is what you feed) That alone should help the dry skin. You can also supplement the diet with omega 3 fish oil (ask your vet how much to use).