Natural remedies for ticks and fleas for your terrier

Ticks and fleas are an annoyance for your terrier or any dog, and for you, not to mention they can cause health problems. There are many different powders and sprays out there, but with their chemical-based formulas, they could be harmful to the pet’s health and to yours.

Don’t worry - those powders and sprays aren't your only means of defense against these tiny annoying pests. You can fight them off with natural remedies that are safe for everyone, as well as being effective for your pup.

• Firstly, check out your local pet store. They should offer a range of different products for your dog in regards to flea and tick care that are made from all natural ingredients. These should have no chemicals that will be unsafe for your pets or family, but they do have ingredients that are very effective in getting rid of the pesky pests. 

The store should have powders and sprays, as well as natural shampoos and special flea brushes to remove the little beasties from your dog’s coat. There are some treatments that you can apply directly to the dog’s skin that won’t harm the dog in any way, but will kill the fleas. The treatment below contains peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil, both proven to repel these small critters.

Vet's Best Natural Flea and Tick Spray, available on Amazon

• Another option is the special-made flea collar that helps repel the fleas but doesn't have any harsh chemicals that could seep through the dog’s skin, so there’s little risk with other pets coming in contact with the collar. 

• Keep your dog and your home clean. This one's fairly obvious. Bathe your dog at least once a week and brush out their fur daily if possible. Vacuum the carpets in your home and keep the pet’s bedding clean as much as possible. 

Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, humid areas and they will lay their eggs in these places, so it’s best to vacuum these areas often. You can use products like borax or some dry powdered laundry detergents to sprinkle on the carpets to let sit for a few minutes. This kills the fleas and their eggs, so you can vacuum them up and be rid of them. Make sure your pets and any children are not around when you do it. They’re not known to be harmful, but it’s always best to be safe.

There are some homemade treatments that many pet owners claim to work very well. It is advised though to consult your veterinarian to make sure these treatments really are safe.
Garlic and brewer’s yeast have been reported as an effective treatment for killing and preventing fleas on your dogs. Please use these treatments with caution.

Something for the lawn. It’s also very important that you keep your lawn mowed and keep any foliage within the yard trimmed back, so the fleas have a tougher time getting to your dog. Introducing Beneficial Nematodes can greatly reduce the population of fleas and ticks in your yard and are safe to have around animals and children.

Beneficial Nematodes, available on Amazon

If you take all of the preventative measures possible, you can eliminate the need for chemical-based treatments that could be harmful for your dog. Along with that, use environmentally safe products and your dog and family will thank you for it.

The friendly Border Terrier

The Border terrier got its name from the area called Cheviot Hills, which is actually near the border of England and Scotland. The original purpose of this dog was to bolt foxes which had gone to ground. They were also used to kill rodents, but they have been used to hunt otters and badgers in the past too.

Although loved by many people, the Border Terrier could never be called a glamour dog. They have fairly wiry coats which makes them appear somewhat scruffy and a head 'like an otter', the Border is said to resemble a junkyard dog and is built for work rather than show.

Longer legged than some of the other small terriers, the Border stands around 25-28cm (10-11') and is lightly framed with a racy, athletic appearance. Colors range from red, tan, grizzle (salt and pepper), wheaten, or tan and blue. The water-repelling double coat is designed to protect the dog from the cold, harsh climate of its homeland.

The Border Terrier is an alert, bold little hunter. It is agile and is willing to squeeze through narrow spaces to chase down any small animal that may be on the other side. They enjoy playing with children and are very lively little dogs overall. They are affectionate and mild-mannered dogs that aim to please their owners, so this makes them easy to train. If well trained, they are obedient and will do very well in agility classes. Border terriers are not as belligerent as some other terrier breeds towards other dogs, so may do well with other dogs in the family.

A day in the life of a modern border terrier.

As with other terrier breeds, the Border may become distracted if walking off the leash. The hunting instinct is still strong so he may well chase any small animal he spots. Border Terriers like to dig so it is a good idea to sink fencing at least 50 cm into the ground and be sure to check for dig holes regularly.

This tough, scruffy, little terrier is a good watchdog, and may bark, but is not an aggressive dog. Make sure you socialize your puppy well. He will be very active, but his personality and energy level will mellow as he matures, as long as he gets plenty of exercise. 

They do make very cute puppies.....

The coat of the Border terrier is another one that does not shed, so is good for allergy sufferers. It requires grooming weekly and should be bathed only when necessary.

A Border Terrier can make a great little pet for the all family and has something to offer for everyone in the family. They are even used as therapy dogs sometimes, and to aid the blind and the deaf. The kids will love its playful and energetic nature, they are intelligent dogs and easy to please. 

All about the Norfolk Terrier

If you are planning to get a Norfolk terrier for a pet, here's a little information for you:

The Norfolk terrier is a British breed of dog. It is very affectionate and fearless and does not exhibit any particularly disagreeable behavior traits. Because of this, they make popular pets. But the Norfolk is not very common in the United States. Less than 300 puppies are born per year in America and litters are small. So if you want a Norfolk, you can expect to wait up to one year.

Norfolk terrier puppy. Isn't he cute?

Photo credit Flickr

These terriers are quite small dogs, males and females are 9 to 10 inches tall, and weigh 11 to 12 pounds.
They have a weather-resistant double coat that is made up of a soft, downy undercoat and a wiry top coat. The coat does not shed, but will need hand-stripping a couple of times a year at the very least. You can groom your terrier every day though, this may be enough for a house pet, rather than a show dog and will  help get rid of tangles and prevent matting. These little dogs come in different colors - shades of red, wheaten, black and tan, or grizzle.

Ideally, a Norfolk terrier should be kept in a place with a fenced yard so that it can have a large space to romp around. These dogs are very keen on digging though, so sink your fencing underground by about 50 cm and check it for escape holes regularly. These cute little terriers thrive on activity and boredom for this breed usually leads to destruction so provide it with plenty of toys and regular vigorous exercise.

Like all terriers, the Norfolk loves to chase, as they were originally bred as barn dogs to rid the barn of vermin. So when you walk your dog, be sure to keep him on a lead as he won't be able to resist tearing off after any other small animal. Subsequently, this terrier is not the best if you have other small pets in your house...hamsters, guinea pigs etc, as it WILL chase them.

The Norfolk is a good breed for children, and makes a good family pet. He is best suited to families with children age 10 and older though because they're less likely to accidentally step on or be rough with him, which most small terriers won't put up with. He is an endlessly energetic yet devoted dog, and will happily co-exist with other dogs in the family, unlike some other terrier breeds.

Full grown Norfolk terrier.

Photo credit Flickr

The Norfolk is actually an easy-care dog. Because of his diminutive size, he's well-suited to apartment living, though he will start barking if bored. Your little dog needs at least one 20 to 30 minute vigorous walk or play session, or two 10 to 15 minute sessions every day. This dog is intelligent and enjoys learning, but the terrier's natural independence and occasional stubbornness can make training him challenging at times. They are purported to be difficult to house train and crate training them is recommended. Make sure you bring your puppy to obedience training and follow up with practice every day.

Small terriers often are inclined to bark and the Norfolk is no exception. While he's not overly noisy, a "Quiet" command should be part of his basic training. They are more inclined to bark if they are bored or left alone for long periods of time, but these small dogs also make good watch dogs because they will bark if they feel something is amiss.

 A Norfolk's typical temperament is happy, spirited, and self-confident. They can be a devoted and involved family pet, just be sure to give your wee dog plenty of exercise, toys, obedience training and love, and let him be involved in family life. You will be rewarded with a lovely friendly, energetic dog, who is happy to be by your side wherever you go. Especially if you're going to the local park.

Learn about the Cairn Terrier

 Cairn Terriers 

If you are thinking of getting a Cairn terrier for a pet, you'll want to do some research first. As we're finding out, terriers have some very distinct differences between the different types and you want to pick one that's right for you. Here are some of the basics:

Originally bred in the Scottish highlands, the Cairn terrier is one of the smallest of all terrier breeds. But don't let it's size deceive you though, as the Cairn terrier was first bred because of its working ability. Translate that to our modern day pets, and that means a small dog with loads of energy.

These dogs are highly energetic
A Cairn terrier needs an active owner. They need a couple of brisk walks daily and of course a fenced-in yard to play in. Their high energy level also means that they aren't really suitable for apartment or condo living. So if  you live in such places, then consider choosing a different dog to be your companion.

They're brave and stubborn too
Their energy and inquisitive nature can put them in danger, as their natural instincts tell them to dig and run. They will take on larger dogs, often to their own detriment. When exercising your terrier, be sure to keep him/her on a lead, because of the irresistible urge to chase and hunt.

This particular terrier makes a fun dog to play with. They can adapt well to children and can make a good family pet, but they will not tolerate mistreatment. They are naturally inquisitive and while always willing to participate in a new adventure, if left lonely or bored they may bark.  A Cairn terrier can be easily taught to do tricks, they learn fast and do very well in obedience training.

But make sure they're well trained
You do need to make sure that your new puppy is trained properly. These dogs are mischievous and bold and because they are such cute puppies, some people will let them get away with anything while they are young. But don't do this, unless you want them doing it when they're older too.

Cairn Terriers don't shed
The coat of a Cairn terrier is weather resistant if handled correctly and sheds little to no fur. Because of this, it is a great dog for allergy sufferers. But to maintain the weather proof-ness of the coat, it needs to be hand-stripped, rather than clipped or shaved. This needs to be done regularly, from a young age so the dog gets used to it.

These terriers have few health problems and are expected to live from 12 -15 years old. Provide them with plenty of exercise and proper training and you'll have a lovely, energetic, family pet.