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Tip Store: Pets: Dog Health
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'Tis the Season For Fleas so Get Rid of Them Easily
We had a problem with fleas inside and outside and found the over the counter flea controls e.g. (Advantage/Advantix/Frontline) were no longer working effectively (they were also making me ill) so I tried pennyroyal oil ($17.50) from the health food shop. Put on a pair of dishwashing gloves (you must use gloves) and put 2-3 drops of the oil in the palm and simply rub it on the animal. Fleas disappeared within a couple of days and I re-treated the animals two weeks later as a precaution. I made a spray of 700ml water, 5ml pennyroyal oil and 2 teaspoons vodka. Shake and simply spray where you need to inside and out.
CAUTION: Do not use if either you or the animal is pregnant.
Contributed by Judy, Boronia Heights
We had a problem with fleas inside and outside and found the over the counter flea controls e.g. (Advantage/Advantix/Frontline) were no longer working effectively (they were also making me ill) so I tried pennyroyal oil ($17.50) from the health food shop. Put on a pair of dishwashing gloves (you must use gloves) and put 2-3 drops of the oil in the palm and simply rub it on the animal. Fleas disappeared within a couple of days and I re-treated the animals two weeks later as a precaution. I made a spray of 700ml water, 5ml pennyroyal oil and 2 teaspoons vodka. Shake and simply spray where you need to inside and out.
CAUTION: Do not use if either you or the animal is pregnant.
Contributed by Judy, Boronia Heights
Keeping Pets Pest Free on a Cheapskates Budget
If you have quite a few animals, this can be pricey. Just with the dogs alone in our house it costs $34. We have two small dogs that use a 1 ml tube and a large dog that uses a 4ml tube. The small ones are $63 for 6 and the large one $79 for 6 on eBay. Now I only buy the large 4ml tube and with a 2ml syringe and needle from the chemist, draw up the 1 ml dose. I am a nurse so it is second nature, but if you are unsure, get one to show you. Now it only costs me $18 a month. That is half price for exactly the same treatment. I also buy the worm tablets on eBay in bulk. We love our dogs and would not skimp on their protection, but this just makes it cheaper.
Contributed by Judith Robertson
If you have quite a few animals, this can be pricey. Just with the dogs alone in our house it costs $34. We have two small dogs that use a 1 ml tube and a large dog that uses a 4ml tube. The small ones are $63 for 6 and the large one $79 for 6 on eBay. Now I only buy the large 4ml tube and with a 2ml syringe and needle from the chemist, draw up the 1 ml dose. I am a nurse so it is second nature, but if you are unsure, get one to show you. Now it only costs me $18 a month. That is half price for exactly the same treatment. I also buy the worm tablets on eBay in bulk. We love our dogs and would not skimp on their protection, but this just makes it cheaper.
Contributed by Judith Robertson
For an Extra Large Dog Bed
Approximate $ Savings: $245
I have a large breed dog who needed a new comfy dog bed. After scouring online and at pet and discount department stores for a cost effective option, I found that nothing was big enough or even remotely in my price range. I had a brain wave, buy a single doona, fold it in half, stitch it together and make a cover with old surplus fabric. It was done in an afternoon, with the help of my mother's fabulous sewing skills. I was lucky Mum had a fabric cupboard full of fabric scraps, but otherwise you could use a flannel sheet or doona cover fastened together with velcro etc. Total Cost $17, for the Kmart single doona.
Contributed by Kristy Wilkinson, 6th June 2013
I have a large breed dog who needed a new comfy dog bed. After scouring online and at pet and discount department stores for a cost effective option, I found that nothing was big enough or even remotely in my price range. I had a brain wave, buy a single doona, fold it in half, stitch it together and make a cover with old surplus fabric. It was done in an afternoon, with the help of my mother's fabulous sewing skills. I was lucky Mum had a fabric cupboard full of fabric scraps, but otherwise you could use a flannel sheet or doona cover fastened together with velcro etc. Total Cost $17, for the Kmart single doona.
Contributed by Kristy Wilkinson, 6th June 2013
Happy Pets and Happy Owners
I hope my tip helps everyone who has dogs with long hair or double coats. It is very expensive to have your dog groomed i.e. fur trimmed, nails cut etc. starting at around $70.00 per visit. We have a large, old dog and she has lots of fur that floats around the house and we like to keep her trimmed and neat to make her less shabby and more comfortable. I looked into purchasing a dog grooming kit at Big W and was shocked at the price of $98.00. I then priced the cheapest family grooming set, purchased one for under $15.00, tried it on the dog and she fell asleep and started snoring while I continued to trim her shabby bits and tidy up the fuzz on her tummy. You can use the different size trimmer attachments and see what suits your dog the best. I have used it on her twice now and it works very well so I have saved $140.00 on dog grooming! $140.00 saved with a $15 purchase! I also purchased a pair of nail clippers from Big W for around $12.00 although I am yet to use them on her.
Contributed by CarolB, 6th July 2012
Contributed by CarolB, 6th July 2012
Frugal Flea Treatment for Small Dogs
Approximate $ Savings: up to $500
I have two very small dogs. To buy their flea treatment for one month from the vet costs me a total of $40 (for both). I now order the same flea treatment on eBay but I order the one for very large dogs. Six months supply costs me about $50 - $59 depending on what is available at the time I buy it. I then open all the applicators and pour them into a small screw top pill jar from the chemist. A really small jam jar like the ones that come in Christmas present confections will do. I then buy a small syringe for ten cents from the chemist and treat both my dogs with the amount they are meant to have. All together I get two years worth of treatment for my dogs. Same medication, for a fraction of the price. To see how much you need to give your dog, check the size of your usual medication applicator or ask your chemist. It goes by weight. My dogs need .7mls but a very large dog needs about 4.9mls (from memory) so in one applicator alone you will get six to seven applications for a small dog! Just think of what you can do with the savings!!
Contributed by Silvia Panciera, 29th October 2010
I have two very small dogs. To buy their flea treatment for one month from the vet costs me a total of $40 (for both). I now order the same flea treatment on eBay but I order the one for very large dogs. Six months supply costs me about $50 - $59 depending on what is available at the time I buy it. I then open all the applicators and pour them into a small screw top pill jar from the chemist. A really small jam jar like the ones that come in Christmas present confections will do. I then buy a small syringe for ten cents from the chemist and treat both my dogs with the amount they are meant to have. All together I get two years worth of treatment for my dogs. Same medication, for a fraction of the price. To see how much you need to give your dog, check the size of your usual medication applicator or ask your chemist. It goes by weight. My dogs need .7mls but a very large dog needs about 4.9mls (from memory) so in one applicator alone you will get six to seven applications for a small dog! Just think of what you can do with the savings!!
Contributed by Silvia Panciera, 29th October 2010
This Homemade Toy is a Doggy Favourite
Approximate $ Savings: $2.00 + a week
We had fallen into the habit of buying our dog a toy once a week. This was getting expensive as they are between $2.00 upwards depending on where you buy them. We now get an empty soft drink bottle washed out. Put a handful of dry food and his favourite treats in there. We then show him and screw the lid on. As he loves loud toys and treats, being a lab this keeps him occupied all day trying to get them out and costs us nothing. We have also found op shops will sell bags of 'used' toys for a $1.00 too and these come in very handy as doggy chew toys.
Contributed by Anna McCandless, 23rd July 2010
We had fallen into the habit of buying our dog a toy once a week. This was getting expensive as they are between $2.00 upwards depending on where you buy them. We now get an empty soft drink bottle washed out. Put a handful of dry food and his favourite treats in there. We then show him and screw the lid on. As he loves loud toys and treats, being a lab this keeps him occupied all day trying to get them out and costs us nothing. We have also found op shops will sell bags of 'used' toys for a $1.00 too and these come in very handy as doggy chew toys.
Contributed by Anna McCandless, 23rd July 2010
Doggy Doo
Approximate $ Savings: about $1/ week
As a loving (crazy) pet owner I clean up doggy doo from two big dogs on a daily basis. I save money whilst doing this by putting the waste into the bag it came out of i.e.. the dry dog food pack. It is strong and large enough to take the bulk until I fill it and then it goes into the bin on rubbish day.
Contributed by Rachel Ashworth, 1st July 2010
As a loving (crazy) pet owner I clean up doggy doo from two big dogs on a daily basis. I save money whilst doing this by putting the waste into the bag it came out of i.e.. the dry dog food pack. It is strong and large enough to take the bulk until I fill it and then it goes into the bin on rubbish day.
Contributed by Rachel Ashworth, 1st July 2010
DIY Dog Collar
Approximate $ Savings: $30
Having shopped around for a new large leather dog collar I could not justify spending $30 or more for my much loved pet. Browsing through my local op shop I came across leather belts, many different colours, sizes and designs so I bought one for $1.50. I trimmed it down to size making a pointed end and resizing it to fit my large dog, who now looks very spiffy in her new red leather collar!
Contributed by Denise, Parkes, 1st February 2009
Having shopped around for a new large leather dog collar I could not justify spending $30 or more for my much loved pet. Browsing through my local op shop I came across leather belts, many different colours, sizes and designs so I bought one for $1.50. I trimmed it down to size making a pointed end and resizing it to fit my large dog, who now looks very spiffy in her new red leather collar!
Contributed by Denise, Parkes, 1st February 2009
Look for the Doggy Pile at the Op Shop for Free Dog Bedding
Rather than buying new pet beds, go to your local op shop. I picked up a quilt (doonas or mattress protectors work too) free because it was in the doggy pile, cut it in half, and sewed the ends. You can even buy old doona covers, cut them in half, and you have instant covers for their beds. My local op shop has a special doggy section so they were free, and the doona cover cost me $2. Not bad considering dog beds are costing upward of $50! Also try your smaller op shops, I am finding the Salvos are getting expensive!!
Contributed by Jolien, Fern Tree Gully, 29th April 2010
Contributed by Jolien, Fern Tree Gully, 29th April 2010
A Soft Bed for the Family Dog
Approximate $ saved: $80
Looking around for a soft bed for our large old dog who has arthritis, and with prices at pet stores around $80.00 for one big enough I started thinking. We had been hanging onto some old air mattresses which leaked, so we cut one open, stuffed it with some old pillows, cushions, fabric scraps (yes I'm a hoarder) and stitched up the hole. Then we sat it on a wooden palette so she can get out of it easily and she loves it. Best of all it cost us nothing but a little time.
Contributed by Kay, Albany, 7th March 2010
Looking around for a soft bed for our large old dog who has arthritis, and with prices at pet stores around $80.00 for one big enough I started thinking. We had been hanging onto some old air mattresses which leaked, so we cut one open, stuffed it with some old pillows, cushions, fabric scraps (yes I'm a hoarder) and stitched up the hole. Then we sat it on a wooden palette so she can get out of it easily and she loves it. Best of all it cost us nothing but a little time.
Contributed by Kay, Albany, 7th March 2010
A Dash of Vinegar Ends Flea Agony
Approximate $ Savings: $50+
My dog had fleas, her bed had fleas, the kids got bitten, I got bitten and my husband got bitten, and a miserable time was had by all. My poor dog had flea bite allergy as a large lump in her tail and kept nibbling at it all day and night. I spent hundreds of dollars on flea preparations, collars, baths, dusting powders, shampoos, soaps, the list was endless, and the vet bills were piling up due to her allergy. Then my mum told me that adding one teaspoon of white vinegar to 500 ml of our dog's drinking water will make all the fleas disappear. It really worked, it took about a week, but apparently the fleas don't like her blood now, and the vet assured me its completely safe. Its fantastic, cheap and easy. So if you have fleas on your pet, please try this method, and stop all the misery of these blood sucking parasites!!!!
Contributed by Heather, Clagiraba, 12th November 2009
My dog had fleas, her bed had fleas, the kids got bitten, I got bitten and my husband got bitten, and a miserable time was had by all. My poor dog had flea bite allergy as a large lump in her tail and kept nibbling at it all day and night. I spent hundreds of dollars on flea preparations, collars, baths, dusting powders, shampoos, soaps, the list was endless, and the vet bills were piling up due to her allergy. Then my mum told me that adding one teaspoon of white vinegar to 500 ml of our dog's drinking water will make all the fleas disappear. It really worked, it took about a week, but apparently the fleas don't like her blood now, and the vet assured me its completely safe. Its fantastic, cheap and easy. So if you have fleas on your pet, please try this method, and stop all the misery of these blood sucking parasites!!!!
Contributed by Heather, Clagiraba, 12th November 2009
Smelly Dogs
Your lovely dog can have the disgusting habit of rolling in the most putrid smells, proudly they will return home stinking the place out, if you haven't got time to bath the offending mutt, add 125 ml white vinegar, a few drops of lavender essential oil in 1 litre of water, dip a sponge in it, then use it on the smelly dog with a quick rub down. The vinegar will remove the dreadful pong, disinfect your pet and leave him or her smelling as fresh as a posy.
Contributed by Heather, Clagiraba, 26th September 2009
Contributed by Heather, Clagiraba, 26th September 2009
Stop the Itch
Does your dog get sore itchy ears? Dip a soft, moistened cloth in a small amount of white vinegar and wipe inside the animal's ears. The vinegar will disinfect the area, keep them clean and dry and control the bacteria.
Contributed by Heather, Clagiraba, 26th September 2009
Contributed by Heather, Clagiraba, 26th September 2009
Create a Favourite Toy for Your Dog
Turn your old tea towels into a toy for your dog. Find three old towels and cut two long strips from one, about 10cm - 12cm wide. Tie the towels together at the top with one of the strips and then braid the towels tightly. Use the other cut strip to secure the end of the braid.
Contributed by Michelle, Donvale, 4th June 2009
Contributed by Michelle, Donvale, 4th June 2009
Stop a Digging Dog
If you have dogs that dig out under fences etc like my little Lhasa, get yourself some flat fencing or cement metal gridding - and push the fencing flat under the fence that's upright. Hold down by using tent pegs, the dog tries to dig and push his way out but he cant. Soon enough though they give up - takes about a week to stop them from trying. Usually you can find left over pieces of fencing at recycle places or at the dump or even at freecycle.com.au. I have put down this has saved 1000's of dollars as I won't have to worry about a vet bill if he had been hit by a car. It cost me $2 (for the tent pegs) as the dump was more then happy to provide me with the metal gridding.
Contributed by Terri, Mt Morgan, 24th March 2009
Contributed by Terri, Mt Morgan, 24th March 2009
Sweet Smelling Pooch
Approximate $ Savings: $80 to $600 per year
Most people wash their dogs too frequently, mostly because of their need to have their pet smelling nice. Dogs have an extremely acute sense of smell so can you imagine what it's like for them to be covered in chemically based highly perfumed sprays, shampoos and conditioners!! Washing too often also strips natural oils from their skin and coat. The cost of a good dog shampoo can be $20 per bottle and the same for a conditioner. That could be $80 per year if you do it yourself. If you get a dog groomer let's say it averages out at $50 per month. That means $600 per year. A very simple coat cleanser and conditioner which smells fresh to us but not overpowering to our dog is fresh rosemary. Take a 3 to 5cm sprig, place in a bowl with 500ml hot water poured over it and allowed to steep overnight . When cooled, remove the sprig and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray this lightly over your dog once a week and give a good rub and/or brush. If you need a professional to clean ears and to cut nails then you can still save money by having them done every 8 weeks. Better for your dog and for your wallet!
Contributed by Carol, Concord West, 11th March 2009
Most people wash their dogs too frequently, mostly because of their need to have their pet smelling nice. Dogs have an extremely acute sense of smell so can you imagine what it's like for them to be covered in chemically based highly perfumed sprays, shampoos and conditioners!! Washing too often also strips natural oils from their skin and coat. The cost of a good dog shampoo can be $20 per bottle and the same for a conditioner. That could be $80 per year if you do it yourself. If you get a dog groomer let's say it averages out at $50 per month. That means $600 per year. A very simple coat cleanser and conditioner which smells fresh to us but not overpowering to our dog is fresh rosemary. Take a 3 to 5cm sprig, place in a bowl with 500ml hot water poured over it and allowed to steep overnight . When cooled, remove the sprig and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray this lightly over your dog once a week and give a good rub and/or brush. If you need a professional to clean ears and to cut nails then you can still save money by having them done every 8 weeks. Better for your dog and for your wallet!
Contributed by Carol, Concord West, 11th March 2009
Soothing Eye Treatment for Your Dog
Approximate $ Savings: $20
Dabbing a dog around the eye with a warm teabag removes any mucus and can stop eye infections from arising.
Contributed by Hannah, Macclesfield, 1st August 2008
Dabbing a dog around the eye with a warm teabag removes any mucus and can stop eye infections from arising.
Contributed by Hannah, Macclesfield, 1st August 2008
Cheap Pet Beds for Small Dogs or Cats
Approximate $ Savings: $50 each pet bed per year
I have recently found a cheaper alternative to buying pet beds from the pet shop. After years of buying 2 beds (one for each of my small dogs) at approx $50 each was unsatisfied with them as found that the shapes of them unsuitable to wash in the washing machine after they got a bit smelly. I was about to throw out a couple of old pillows when I realised that these could be used instead. I also use old pillowcases to cover them up. So now they can easily be thrown into the washing machine to freshen them up when needed, I'm recycling and the dogs love them!
Contributed by Kirstin, Meadow springs, 2nd July 2008
I have recently found a cheaper alternative to buying pet beds from the pet shop. After years of buying 2 beds (one for each of my small dogs) at approx $50 each was unsatisfied with them as found that the shapes of them unsuitable to wash in the washing machine after they got a bit smelly. I was about to throw out a couple of old pillows when I realised that these could be used instead. I also use old pillowcases to cover them up. So now they can easily be thrown into the washing machine to freshen them up when needed, I'm recycling and the dogs love them!
Contributed by Kirstin, Meadow springs, 2nd July 2008
Sweet Smelling Puppies
Approximate $ Savings: $18 per fortnight
Our local Petwise store (there are 2 locations in Brisbane, Cannon Hill and Macgregor) offer $2 DIY hydro baths on a Monday! This is an $18 saving per dog each fortnight. We currently save $36 a month between our 2 pups.
Contributed by Alana, Morningside, 2nd September 2007
Our local Petwise store (there are 2 locations in Brisbane, Cannon Hill and Macgregor) offer $2 DIY hydro baths on a Monday! This is an $18 saving per dog each fortnight. We currently save $36 a month between our 2 pups.
Contributed by Alana, Morningside, 2nd September 2007
Pets Health
To cut your vet bills by at least half give your dog Pooch Power Plus an all-natural supplement put on food every day. My dog now only goes to vet once a year for her shots. No more skin problems or arthritis or fleas. Go to www.poochpowerplus.com.au
Contributed by Margaret, Logan Reserve, October 18th 2006
Contributed by Margaret, Logan Reserve, October 18th 2006
RSPCA Cuddles Program
Seeing as we aren't home very often to be fair on a dog we take our children to our local RSPCA and they participate in the "Cuddles Program" where they get to walk the dogs, play with the puppies and also the kittens and cats. This way our kids get to enjoy the companionship of a puppy or dog without the unfairness and cost of having one at home. They are also helping the local RSPCA and learning about volunteering.
Contributed by Louise, Kings Meadows, July 22nd 2006
Contributed by Louise, Kings Meadows, July 22nd 2006
Empty Plastic Milk Bottles
We all know that they make a great shaker toy for babies. I have found them to be a great dog treat toy. I put broken up pieces of dog treats into the bottle, squash the bottle and put the lid back on. As I am leaving to go to work I give it to my dog and he has to work out how to get the treats out. This works really well as it prevents him from getting bored while home alone, and my couch gets to stay in one piece.
Contributed by Kristieanna, Busselton, September 25th 2006
Contributed by Kristieanna, Busselton, September 25th 2006
Fleecy Suit
When my dog was a pup, I cut the bottoms off old tracksuit pants. The cuff goes over the head, cut two holes for the front paws to go through & leave it long enough to cover the back. Can be washed, then replaced when needed.
Contributed by Cheryl, Toongabbie
Contributed by Cheryl, Toongabbie
Pet Hair
I have 2 dogs - both of which leave their hair in my car every time I take them out. The other day my mother was blowing the leaves with the garden blower. She opened the doors of the car and pointed the blower in there - hair went everywhere - mostly out of the car. It was fast and worked very well. Make sure you pick up papers first, but other than that it worked great.
Contributed by Sue, Melbourne
Contributed by Sue, Melbourne
Save Money on Heartworm Medication
I live in Queensland and have to give my two medium sized dogs heartworm protection medication. Rather than purchasing the medication from the vets, I just had a look on line it would cost me about $164 for both of them for 12 months, I buy plain wrap heartworm tablets from Woolworths for $3.44 per 100, they each get one before their dinner at night and I keep them healthy and happy for around $29.00 for the twelve months A saving of about $135 per year!
Contributed by Jane, Mount Isa, July 29th 2006
Contributed by Jane, Mount Isa, July 29th 2006
Johnson & Johnson Baby Soap
I had an itching dog and he chewed his paws so much they swelled. I couldn't find the Melaseb ($$$$$$ from vet) and the closest thing I could find was my baby's bar of soap. His paws were so bad I carried him (40kg) to the bathtub. After washing with the baby soap, by the next day his paws were no longer swollen and he didn't itch for another couple of weeks. I've also used Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo/ Conditioner mixed with Dettol. Seemed to do a good job.
Contributed by Karen, Kamerunga, April 26th 2006
Contributed by Karen, Kamerunga, April 26th 2006
Avoid Food Colourings
My dog used to have allergy problems and would scratch himself until he bled. I was advised that the food colouring in commercial brands of dried dog food caused his allergy. Once I bought his food from a pet-shop and not the supermarket, the pet-shop products contained no colourings, my dog no longer suffered from his allergy problems. The gel from the Aloe Vera plant rubbed on to the affected area two or three times a day used to alleviate his scratching and it took a few days to heal, the Aloe soothed the area and his fur began to grow back after a week or so. This product is also available in a tube from the health food shops and it will not harm the dog if he does lick it off! Try changing your dog's food to organic products that do not contain food colouring and see if it makes a difference.
Contributed by Beverley, Seacliff Park, April 26th 2006
My dog used to have allergy problems and would scratch himself until he bled. I was advised that the food colouring in commercial brands of dried dog food caused his allergy. Once I bought his food from a pet-shop and not the supermarket, the pet-shop products contained no colourings, my dog no longer suffered from his allergy problems. The gel from the Aloe Vera plant rubbed on to the affected area two or three times a day used to alleviate his scratching and it took a few days to heal, the Aloe soothed the area and his fur began to grow back after a week or so. This product is also available in a tube from the health food shops and it will not harm the dog if he does lick it off! Try changing your dog's food to organic products that do not contain food colouring and see if it makes a difference.
Contributed by Beverley, Seacliff Park, April 26th 2006
Keeping Pets Off Furniture
Train your puppy to stay off the furniture by putting sheets of heavy-duty foil on the chairs where you are not sitting. Dogs don't like the foil, and after a couple of attempts, won't jump onto the furniture again.