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​Flea Shampoo

This is a recipe for a homemade flea shampoo for dogs that won't dry out their skin like woolwash can. Mix one part Dettol, two parts dishwashing liquid and three parts water. I use a medicine measuring cup to measure the amounts. It really works and is so much cheaper than a commercial flea shampoo from the pet shop or vet.
​Contributed by Michelle, Donvale

​Pet Care Ideas

For dog shampoo, I mix a few drops of lavender oil or tea tree oil into 1 cup water to make antiseptic, then mix 1 part antiseptic, 2 parts washing up liquid and 3 parts water. Also keeps fleas away. For dog food I cook 1 cup rice and 1 cup mix vegies in 4 cups water till rice absorbs water then mix in either 700g or 1.2kg tin dog food and extra water to make moist, this alone feeds our two dogs for 1 week or 2 weeks if we also feed them on household scraps and dog biscuits. For our three cats (1 hungry male) I either make up the rice and mixed vegies and add to tinned cat food or I mix up soaked TVP (textured vegetable protein) from health food shop,1/2 cup TVP to 1/2 cup boiled water with 1/2 cup mixed vegies, let sit 5 mins then add to cat food. I get 2 tins out of 1. You can buy vitamins at supermarkets. Was recommended to us by a vet. Also buy 2kg bag no-name budgie seed from there as well. Can't help with bird lice, none of mine ever had them.
​Contributed by Sian, Mackay, September 22nd, 2004

​Using a Flea Treatment

Treat your dog with frontline or advantage (this is not the cheap bit!). To prevent the fleas from coming inside and re-infesting wash all dogs bedding in hot water with pennyroyal oil added to the wash. This oil can also be added to water in a spray bottle and sprayed on cushions, lounges, doorways etc. May also be sprayed on pets to prevent fleas if you do not wish to invest in the frontline or advantage flea treatment.
​Contributed by Mandi, Goulbourn, November 3rd, 2005

​Wool Wash for Cleaning

Wool wash is very useful, it can be used to wash down many surfaces such as kitchen sides and it also very useful to use as a wash for your pets. The Eucalyptus in it cuts through built up grease so well, cleans down walls and bench tops easily, it also is great for using as a shampoo with your dog and by using the wool wash you control the fleas and because it is premixed it is the safest way to use eucalyptus near your animals. The coats shine beautifully as well.
​Contributed by Penny, Muswellbrook, December 9th, 2005

​Eathy Pet Shampoo

​I used to pay $50 every time my dog needed grooming, and he always came home smelling beautiful with a shining coat, so I asked what type of shampoo they used. The answer surprised me, "Earth" dishwashing detergent! Cost around $2.50 for a large 1 litre bottle at any supermarket, then follow up with the "secret ingredient" - any cheap hair conditioner you can obtain. You must ensure that your pooch is well rinsed. I have regularly washed Spike, my cavoodle, this way now for 2 years, and he always gets remarks on his lovely soft, manageable coat, and with absolutely no skin complaints. Contributed by Christine, Hefield, 29th January 2008

​Beautiful Dog Wash

Approximate $ Savings: $10.00

Speaking of dog shampoos I always washed my Jack Russell in Martha Gardiners' woolmix and her tan and white coat came up soft, spotless and smelling great. Best of all I can honestly say she didn't have one flea for all of her happy, adventurous and faithful 13½ years, due I would think to the eucalyptus in the mixture.
​Contributed by Anne Marie, Kew, 15th February 2008