Conehead

well, now we are working with raw apple cider vinegar diluted with water and sprayed onto her as well as giving her some every day with her food and the coconut oil… both of these work really well and do not get her splotchy blotchy and rashy like any of the essential oils have…

Cici has good days and bad… when I slather her up with Dr. Harvey’s healing cream and/or coconut oil, she does better and then she starts chewing and scratching again. I have a cone on her but she can get it off.

This has been a real challenge.  The apple cider vinegar helps with the itchies and the bugs (repelling them) so I think the combination of stuff works…  when she sees me coming with the spray bottle she has been running into the closet to hide, poor sweetie.   She barks at me with the cone because she thinks that she cannot do anything when it is on her head.  Any tricks that you have used that work on your dog when you have to spray stuff on them and/or make them wear a cone?  How do you overcome the itchies???

Apple Cider Vinegar (raw) 

Start with a one-teaspoon dose mixed into your dog’s food twice a day for a 50 lb dog (adjust accordingly by weight) and if necessary increase up to about 1 tablespoon twice a day for the same size dog. For skin application, you can spray on or rub apple cider in directly, or for sore or open wounds mix the ACV with equal parts water before application to the dog’s skin. In the case of pests or parasites, bathe your dog and then apply a 50:50 mix of apple cider vinegar and water. Allow this to air dry on your pet to kill off fleas, ticks, ringworm, etc. and to prevent future infestations and/or infection. You can also spray your dog with apple cider vinegar before going out for a walk, in order to repel fleas and ticks naturally.

Apple cider vinegar has excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties that give the immune system a good boost, arming your dog with the strength to ward off pests like fleas and ticks and also diseases like parvo virus in dogs and parvo in puppies.

ACV will calm the redness and swelling while providing your dog with some much needed relief.  ACV can be poured directly on your dog’s fur after a bath and then rinsed, which will cure dandruff, rejuvenate hair and help balance the PH levels in the body.

Apple cider vinegar has also been found to be helpful in the treatment of the following: allergies, osteoporosis, cancer, candida, high cholesterol, constipation, muscle cramps, diarrhea, depression, ear discharge, eczema, fatigue, bladder problems, metabolism and stiff joints.

We may also do this…

A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and borax is one of the best remedies used for mange. However, be sure to not confuse borax with boric acid. Use one to two tablespoons of borax for every 500 cc of 1% hydrogen peroxide, making sure that it thoroughly dissolves. Bathe the dog in it once a week. Do not rinse off and do not wipe the dog dry. Let the solution dry naturally so that it can be absorbed by the skin. Please note that this treatment should not be used longer than a two month period.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/029853_canine_mange.html#ixzz2b91cL3Ba

You can get 20 Mule Team Borax (pure borax)  at Target

Put the dog in the coconut

Ok, well, I always wanted to be a sleuth… Reading Nancy Drew books when I was a pre-teenager, I imagined what it would be like to solve mysteries. Fast forward to yesterday. I had a chance to figure out (once again) what is going on with Cici’s sensitive skin (why it keeps getting rashy and blotchy and itchy).  First, I realized after slathering her up with cream that she did indeed have fleas. Saw several critters fleeing as I slathered. Been trying different natural remedies for the fleas and the rashes and it seemed last week that the coconut oil plus spraying the bedding with a mixture of water and Oregano oil was working. Cici LOVES the coconut oil, laps it up as well as licks it off her fur but the rashes and itchiness was going away.  It is organic virgin Coconut Oil from Trader Joe’s. Am going to get a few more jars.  They’re about $7 for a jar (16 fl. oz).

Coconut oil has other benefits … skin smells good. weight loss, if that is an issue, keeping your dog slim and trim. Keeps the yeast away. Helps with arthritis / joints.

“the lauric acid in coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Capric and caprylic acid have similar properties and are best known for their anti-fungal effects.”

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/

http://www.petside.com/article/coconut-oil-miracle-jar-dogs

Until yesterday it seemed to be working. And it was strange because she had slept with me (as she did last night too) and I took her for a walk and fed her, gave her a few treats and she seemed just fine and dandy. Then I had brought her back to the bedroom for her after breakfast nap and noticed that she was all blotchy and rashy again. What possibly could have happened? I kept going over the events and decided to look up the ingredients of the treats. Voila.  I also found out that I gave her too many of them. (Am not a big follower of instructions but sometimes it is important to do so). It was suggested to give only 1 or 2 a day and I had given her five or six or seven. Oops.  Not only that but one of the ingredients was rosemary.

A few weeks ago when this all had started up again I had sprayed her with an all natural flea spray that ALSO had rosemary as one of the ingredients.  I think I also oversprayed her too. She did NOT have a problem, I don’t think, with the Salmon oil that had rosemary in it but maybe that is not true. All I know is that there is a common denominator here and it seems to be the MISSING LINK.

So there you have it folks.  No more Rosemary for Cici. It is good to be cautious when it comes to herbs, essential oils, and other natural remedies as well as regular treatments. Some may be too strong for you and/or your poochie pals. Tea tree oil, clove, oregano, cinnamon bark, are some oils that can burn when put on the skin (and more). They have beneficial properties but proceed with caution, dilute, dilute, dilute and for some, do not use at all.  Ask your vet (holistic vet). Tis better to be safe than sorry… don’t let the flea bugs bite !!!!

Lickiest tongue in the west

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151540622537545

 

 

Put the dog in the Coconut…

Giving Thanks

Slathering Cici with Lavendar mixed with coconut oil on her itchies. Made a lavendar oil infused bandana for her neck. And also applying Dr Harvey’s healing cream to her tush and feeding her wild salmon oil with her food. Gave her an herbal bath and a soft cone to keep her from scratching and biting her rear.

And yesterday the pit bull across the street decided to get out of her gate and run after us on the way to the park barking all the way. The two dogs do not really know one another. Both girls. And have barked at other. I was not going to chance a fight or barkfest so I managed to keep them far apart. And it was scary. I tried to get Sasha back into her yard to no avail. And tried to enlist two men to help me. They were both scared of Sasha the pit bull… Finally, I convinced one man to hold onto Cici and I chased Sasha back into her yard. On the way to the yard, two cars came while she was in the middle of the road. Thankfully they both stopped and were driving slowly. Did not feel secure enough to know if Sasha would stay inside, so I grabbed Cici and brought her inside our home. I wondered if the old guy who lives in the house was ok. And how long Sasha was outside. I decided to bring her over some water and food just in case. A few hours later, I saw my neighbor’s car and went over and told him what happened. He simply forgot to lock the gate. And I made friends with Sasha up close and personal. Let her smell me. Am very thankful it all ended well.

looks like Sasha…

Am also thankful for my roommate being a jerk. and for spending my birthday / Thanksgiving alone this year. At least that is how it seems it is going to be since roomie is being a tick.

Am REALLY thankful for the wonderful foot massage I had yesterday before all the dog chaos.

Am REALLY thankful for the lovely comp meal I will have at Benihana’s today, the movie I will see (Lincoln) and for my polka dot princess, the best dog on the planet.

And am REALLY thankful to all of you dear readers!!!

Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones and remembering the people
and things we are thankful for – including our furry family members. This year, Pet360.com has created the following list of the top nine reasons to be thankful for our dogs and cats.

—  Easy to Please: After a long day at the office, few things are better
than coming home to your pet. A bowl full of food and a nice long belly
rub or ear scratch is all it takes to make their day.
—  Up For Anything: Plane? Train? Automobile? Regardless of where you
travel, most pets are content to be anywhere you are, and they’ll never
ask, “Mom! Are we there yet?”
—  Get Us Moving: Whether it is the dog that needs to go out, or the cat
you are entertaining with a feather teaser, our pets always keep us on
our feet and on the go.
—  Love to Snuggle: From when they are kittens and puppies until they
become senior pets, our dogs and cats will always snuggle up with us on
the couch or in bed, making any snuggle session ten times better.
—  Calm Us: Whenever we are having a hectic day, one look at our pet
reminds us to take a deep breath and be calm. Petting, scratching, and
even rubbing your pet’s belly can be therapeutic, too.
—  Appreciate the Little Things: Our pets remind us every day that it is
the little things — a cardboard box, a shoelace, or a walk outdoors –
that are most important in life.
—  Keep us on Schedule: Our pets make sure we are up on time everyday!
Whether it is a paw to the forehead or a lick to the face, these gentle
reminders to be fed or go outside make sure we’re awake to see the
sunrise.
—  Get us Out of Jams: Date not going well? Stuck at a neighbor’s? If
nothing else, pets provide us with a perfect built-in excuse to quickly
exit a situation. Who would ask you to stay when you suddenly remember
that you have forgotten to feed the pets?
—  Provide Unconditional Love: Above all, our pets teach us what
unconditional love is and remind us to always be the people our pets
think we are.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Easter treats 4 your pooch

Dog Breeds that are Good with Children

thanks to Martha Stewart for including staffies on this list…

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire bull terrier is extremely courageous and obedient, highly intelligent, and affectionate with a sense of humor. This, coupled with its affection for its friends — children in particular — off-duty quietness, and trustworthy stability makes it an all-purpose dog. He looks forward to daily exercise, and his powerful jaws enjoy a supply of sturdy chew toys. While he is a sweet-tempered, affectionate dog, his strength and determination require an experienced owner who can work with him in a firm but gentle way. The staffie’s coat is short and smooth and needs only a quick brushing once a week.

http://www.marthastewart.com/274834/dog-breeds-good-with-children/@center/307037/dog-breeds-center?xsc=eml_pet_2012_04_04&om_rid=NsgvVu&om_mid=_BPfElWB8hoFOHT#/264833

she also has some fun, easy and interesting crafts to make as gifts to pets with kids including dog biscuits, a bunny gift basket, a dog can robot, pet ID tags and puppet animals

http://www.marthastewart.com/275020/pet-crafts-for-kids#/200849?xsc=eml_pet_2012_04_04&om_rid=NsgvVu&om_mid=_BPfElWB8hoFOHT

You’ve still got time to enter to win our Easter giveaway…

To be eligible for the box of homemade vintage butterscotch, participants must “Like” the Zeke’s Facebook fan page and Tweet the following to Zeke’s Twitter page: “What’s your best memory with butterscotch?” Leave a comment here and/or like the Have Dog Blog will Travel Facebook page, too to keep us in the loop.

Contest ends April 8 at midnight PST.

 

and here’s a yummy recipe for dog cookies with carob which are non-toxic unlike chocolate…

Carob-Oat Cookies

• 1/2 cup brown rice or oat flour (wheat flour can give some dogs an upset tummy)
• 1/2 cup carob powder
• 1/2 cup whole rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup carob chips
• water to mix

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, adding water slowly until the dough sticks together (enough to form solid scoops).
3. Scoop out tablespoon-size balls of the dough onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Cool and refrigerate for up to a week.
(Makes 30-40 cookies.)

Don’t have time for homemade dog cookies? Melt some carob chips to dip your dog’s favorite biscuits into instead. Cool the chocolate-dipped biscuits on wax or parchment paper before serving.

Tip:  Since carob chips don’t contain as much fat as chocolate, they don’t melt as easily. To help them melt, add a spoonful of virgin coconut oil, which also has multiple health benefits for your dog.

 http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2012/03/sweet-dog-treats

fleas and allergies and bites on dogs, oh my

Cici is still itchy and scratching herself, but after discussing the situation with Dr. Harvey’s office and Dr. Richmond’s office, I’ve been putting coconut oil on her skin and she is loving the taste of it too. I LOVE essential oils but Cici has had strong reactions to them sensitive girl that she is. Coconut oil is supposed to help with itchies and a lot of other situations. Am going to start taking it myself as well. We also got some spirulina. (Read about the health benefits at Dr. Mercola’s website).   I love Dr. Harvey’s herbal protection shampoo, smells yummy and has all good organic ingredients. Cici survived her bath. And she is eating Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health.  Only thing is that yesterday something bit her. And I got bit, too. Do not know what the bites are from. Ugh.

Once she got the hang of it, she LOVED having her belly and chest rubbed with the coconut oil (raw unrefined) and licked it off my fingers, too.  I think we have a winner.

http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/coconut-oil-benefits.html#2

Coconut oil has strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal functions. Coconut oil alleviatesskin allergy symptoms (e.g. itching, dry skin and hair coat) and protects the skin against cancerous growths. When used topically, coconut oil can:

• Disinfect cuts and promote wound healing.
• Improve dogs’ skin and hair condition, making the hair coat smooth and shiny. It can also eliminate the dog’s body odor.
• Clear up numerous skin problems, such as warts, eczema, dandruff, precancerous lesions, ringworm, bites and stings.

an interview with Dr. Annette Richmond, holistic vet in Pacific Grove, California

do you have general suggestions for dogs who are itchy?  what do you look for and/or what should pet owners consider if their dog is constantly itchy, scratching and licking their paws?

Of course check for basic things like fleas first. If none, then I am thinking a food or environmental allergy. So then I always start with looking at the diet. A diet that is NO grain, high quality and easily digestible proteins, preferably organic is what I recommend.

Raw food is the best. Home cooking is terrific too. But if those options don’t appeal to the owner, then the brands I recommend include; Taste of the Wild, Orijen, Wellness, just to name a few.

Eliminating any treats that don’t fall in that category too. Supplementing with fish oils is therapeutic for itchy skin as it is a natural anti-inflammatory.

Use shampoo that contains therapeutic quality lavender oil and chamomile on a weekly basis, a high quality shampoo with oil will not dry out the skin. There are a few homeopathic anti-itch remedies as well.

Environmental allergies are tricky to diagnose, but all the above will help with that too. A blood test is easily performed to check for either food or environmental allergies.

are certain breeds more susceptible to fleas or allergies?

Yes, there are certain breeds affected by skin problems. All the breeds with extra skin folds: English bulldogs, Shar-peis, Mastiffs, and Pugs. Other breeds include: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, and West Highland Terriers.

are allergies seasonal or get worse during hay fever time? do dogs get hay fever? are there plants/grasses that make dogs sneeze and itch?

Some allergies are definitely seasonal for pets, as there are many environmental grasses and trees that make dogs itchy. So if these are in bloom, or growing well, dogs can be adversely affected by them. Dogs usually don’t sneeze like people, but may have inflamed eyes and discharge from the eyes.

how can pet owners prevent or treat fleas and allergies naturally?

Essential oils are a wonderful flea and tick repellent for dogs. Cats are too sensitive to the oils and I don’t recommend them for cats. One product line I carry is Only Natural Pet, they have an oil that is put along the back of the dog once weekly and also a spray to put on anytime the dog is going out. This product line also carries a flea powder that is made of diatomaceous earth which dries up the flea eggs and larva, and also contains essential oils as a repellent (this powder is safe for cats). These types of essential oils are used by humans for the same effect.

best diet/foods for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, digestive issues?

Organic, no grain, high quality protein. I recommend raw food whenever possible. There are many raw food brands. Starting the dog off slowly with just little bits to get them used to it, and supplementing their diet until they eat only raw food is the purest diet that their digestive tract is designed to handle. Raw meats can also be cooked if owners prefer. I also recommend probiotics and digestive enzymes along with the meat.

what do you think about comfortis and over the counter flea treatments? drugs for allergies (steroids)?

I don’t like to use any of the strong flea medications, they do build up in the environment and because there aren’t any long term studies on these products, I don’t feel comfortable recommending them for ongoing treatment. However, if an owner is dealing with a severe infestation, doing one dose after a good bath may be required once in a while. Many general practitioners will give steroids without trying some of these other treatments first. Only in very severe cases is a steroid warranted.

any other thoughts about itchy dogs esp. during summer?

Baths are wonderful with the right type of shampoo that puts good quality oils back onto the skin and all the other things I mentioned above.

About Dr. Richmond

Dr. Annette Richmond graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. She became a certified veterinary acupuncturist through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society which is a world recognized certification program. Dr. Richmond has been integrating acupuncture in to her practice since 1999, and has continued the study of natural medicine, Eastern and Western herbology, homeopathy, flower essences, healthful diets, and nutraceutical support. She incorporates all of these into her natural medicine clinic to treat most common ailments. The clinic also includes a canine and feline physical rehabilitation component helping pets before and after orthopedic and neurologic surgery, pets that suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia and much more.

www.naturalveterinarytherapy.com

some relevant articles written by Dr. Richmond for Canine Coastal Magazine

http://www.naturalveterinarytherapy.com/coastal_canine_magazine_articles

washing the dog green…

Vermont Soap Organics Pet Wash smells soooo yummy and is a safe, nontoxic and delicious way to make cici’s fur feel sooooo soft… can’t say that she likes baths any better but this definitely makes a HUGE difference to me, knowing that I can get her clean without harsh chemicals… and this pet wash also protects her against fleas and ticks !

this product has none of that fake synthetic smell, it is good for the planet and good for the dogs !

Cici’s light pink / white skin is very sensitive and the essential oils really work to clean her and get her smelling sooooo good… i have put some of the pet wash onto a wash cloth with warm water and soaped her down, this is the easiest way for me to wash her without too much balking.

Vermont Soap Organics Pet Shampoo is made from organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, organic aloe vera, and a combination of natural and organic essential oils. Natural rosemary extract is the only preservative. This eco-friendly natural liquid soap product is extraordinarily mild, hypoallergenic, and free of petroleum or animal by-products. It meets all USDA Organic Food Standards. Their factory and products are certified by NOFA and Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF).

Vermont Soap Organics does not engage in harmful animal testing. They did however, wash a lot of pets after they came up with this formula.

The American Pet Products Manufacturer Association (APPMA) estimates that there are approximately 65 million dogs and 77.7 million cats in the U.S.

Synthetic detergents contain many ingredients which are toxic and harmful to our four legged friends. Instead, conscientious pet owners should use natural liquid soap products designed with your pets health and well-being in mind. Dogs should be bathed every month to remove accumulated toxins that can make them more susceptible to disease. However, excessive bathing, especially with improper cleaning products, may remove natural oils and dry out a pet’s skin and coat.

Many animals develop sensitivities to the detergent chemicals commonly used in pet shampoos today. Because no chemical detergents, synthetic fragrances, colors, or antimicrobial preservatives are used in Vermont Soap Organics Pet Shampoo, the possibility of sensitivity reactions is greatly reduced. The natural essential oil blend also helps to repel fleas and ticks without poisoning your pet.

Instructions: Using warm water, wet pet thoroughly. Apply Vermont Soap Organics Pet Shampoo from head to tail, gently massage deep into coat and skin. Rinse well with warm water.

camping with your K9 …

tips for camping with your dog

summertime and the living is hazy… due to the over 800 (that’s right, not a typo) eight hundred fires currently burning in California (north and south), the air here has been VERY unhealthy, smoky and horrible, been putting Vick’s on before I go outside and thought about getting a face mask although the news said that it doesn’t really do much… all i could find were paint face masks made out of paper from Lowe’s and the local pharmacy… and you have to buy a bunch of them, too…

the last two days, we met up with a dog pack made up of three labs, one golden, one puppy and a lab of unknown age, and a woman who takes laps around the dog park (about 6-8 laps at a time), and cici has joined right in with the pack and gotten along with all of them, especially the puppy lab…  yesterday, the dogs found raw hide treats and cici was running and chewing at the same time, and taking the treats away from the other dogs… she thinks that fun… along with stalking squirrels.

she also was the center of attention last night.  People just love her and this group of guys and another family with a tiny infant were fawning all over her, much to her delight… wag thy tail…

we finally got the word that the car is ready so today we will get it and probably leave tomorrow, gotta get us some good clean air to breathe!

gasp gasp gasp….

anyway, thought I’d write about taking your dog camping, since it’s summer and people are spending less on vacations and probably more people will be camping out with their K9’s…

http://www.coyotecom.com/dogcamp.html

cici did not like being inside the tent when we camped out a few weeks ago… i had to bodily lift her up and put her inside and zip her in… so yes, getting a dog used to a tent beforehand is a good idea, if you can do so…

http://dogs.about.com/od/travel/a/travelwithdogs.htm

Bring for the car ride:

* Lists of rest stops and veterinary hospitals
* Leash
* Dog seat belt or crate / kennel
* Water and Bowl
* Treats
* One or two toys
* Blanket and/or dog bed
* Bags to pick up waste
* Medications, if applicable
* Your dog’s medical records
*  First Aid Kit

encounters with critters

http://ee.1asphost.com/jongr81/camp/animals.htm

some great natural products thanks to polkadotpup.blogspot.com that we will have to try…

http://www.econsciousmarket.com/site/Vendors/Jackson_Sage/Bug_Off_Soap/

Doggie Sage Bug Off Soap is made from skin loving conditioning oils and bug repellent essential oils. It does not contain artificial or synthetic ingredients that cause allergic reactions or irritations. It is easy to use. Rinses off easily leaving your dogs coat soft and shiny.

* Paraban Free
* No Mineral Oil
* Vegan Friendly

Ingredients: Saponified Oils of Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Aloe Vera Oil and Essential Oils of Cedar, Citronella, Eucalyptus

ticks, eeeewwww… they are a fact of life when you take your dog in the wild… so you should be prepared to deal with them…

http://www.theritzyrover.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8761#height_446

TICK KEY is the only tick removal device on the planet that uses natural forward leverage to remove the entire tick, head and all, quickly and safely without touching or squishing even the toughest engorged ticks. Tick key is 99.9% effective on all sizes and types of ticks. Tick Key Is The Easiest-To-Use Tick Remover On Earth!

Place the key over the tick in the teardrop hole. Slide the tick into specially tapered slot. Pull key up from skin. The Tick is removed easily, head and all! This patent pending design has been perfected and tested for over five years and is responsible for removal of thousands of ticks of all sizes including deer ticks and dog ticks.The Tick Key is fabricated from high-strength anodized aluminum…this is not a weak piece of plastic.

The Tick Key is flat and is easily stored in a wallet, pocket, on a key chain, collar, saddle, or leash

How Not To Remove Ticks: Don’t Remove Ticks With Your Fingers. In many cases a tick is likely to be carrying pathogens such as lyme disease,ehrlichiosis and others that are harmful to humans and pets. Tick saliva or blood is something you do not want to risk being on your hands or under your fingernails.Pulling on a tick, even with tweezers, can tear the mouth parts from the body of the tick leaving them embedded in the wound causing risk of secondary infections.

WHY TICK KEY?

Don’t Squeeze, Crush or Squash A Tick. This can force spirochete and other infective body fluids through the mouth parts of the tick and into the wound site increasing the risk of infectious diseases. Don’t Apply Substances To A Tick. Applying any substances, such as petroleum jelly, fingernail polish remover, repellents, or a lighted match that upset or harm the tick almost always cause the tick to vomit the contents of its stomach back into the host. No matter how badly a tick may want to remove itself, it is not capable of doing so quickly.Ticks can live without air for long periods; attempts to smother it can allow disease transmission for hours.

http://www.thecosmeticmarket.com/product.php?productid=19719&cat=545&page=1#height_446

Herban Essentials Pet Towelettes

Herban Essentials Pet Towelettes are a fabulous treat for both you and your furry family member. The towelettes are made with the highest quality pure lavender essential oil, which not only makes them smell amazing, but makes them naturally antibacterial and antiseptic as well. Plus, lavender oil is wonderfully calming and relaxing.

Use the towelettes to clean your hands and kill germs after playing with, caring for, or cleaning up after your pet. Rub a towelette over pet’s hotspots, scrapes, or skin irritations to disinfect, promote healing, and prevent licking. Place a towelette in pet’s crate to help calm and relax in stressful situations (ie: vet visits, illness, travel). Use towelettes to regularly clean pet’s ears.  Contains 20 Towelettes

http://thewritingwiz.googlepages.com/easybeinggreen

Young Living’s Thieves Spray and Thieves Wipes are easy-to-use, natural, and convenient products to help clean and protect your family from harmful bacteria.

if you want an especially great natural antibacterial and antimicrobial with nontoxic coconut oil that smells good, too, you’ve got to get a Thieves pack with oils from Young Living… check out my Easy Being Green page and order some… It’s fantastic for cleaning your home, and they have a foamy hand soap which I love, as well as the essential oil blend which was created by Gary Young, based upon the historical account of four thieves in France who protected themselves from the Black Plague with cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics while robbing victims of the killer disease. When captured, they were offered a lighter sentence in exchange for their secret recipe.

Young Living’s proprietary Thieves® oil blend includes clove, cinnamon bark, rosemary, lemon, and Eucalyptus radiata …

The Foaming Hand Soap, features the therapeutic grade essential oil blend Thieves, pure lemon and orange essential oils, Ginkgo biloba, and vitamin E.

now, this is a spoiled pup gone camping…