By Holistic And Organix Pet Shoppe
In today's world, we all want the perfect beautiful yard that's lush and green and makes your neighbors jealous. If you have that type of yard, you either worked VERY hard at it or you hired a professional to come in and maintain it. If you have dogs, you probably don't have this type of yard. Dogs makes paths and create trails beating down grass etc. That's ok, grass is always a work in progress and there are several things you can do such as artificial turf in those hard to grow or high traffic areas. You can use sand trails or walkways in those areas. Make sure you cover concrete and turf so on hot days it won't burn those paw pads.
The products sold over the counter or by vets are extremely toxic for pets. This includes internal meds, external topicals, collars, sprays and powders. Many deaths have occured. Don't let your pet be another fatality. Avoid these at all costs.
In today's world, we all want the perfect beautiful yard that's lush and green and makes your neighbors jealous. If you have that type of yard, you either worked VERY hard at it or you hired a professional to come in and maintain it. If you have dogs, you probably don't have this type of yard. Dogs makes paths and create trails beating down grass etc. That's ok, grass is always a work in progress and there are several things you can do such as artificial turf in those hard to grow or high traffic areas. You can use sand trails or walkways in those areas. Make sure you cover concrete and turf so on hot days it won't burn those paw pads.
The products sold over the counter or by vets are extremely toxic for pets. This includes internal meds, external topicals, collars, sprays and powders. Many deaths have occured. Don't let your pet be another fatality. Avoid these at all costs.
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Weeds! Let's talk about weeds. Weeds never go away. I was talking with my neighbor the other day and we were talking about weeds. I told her I never apply anything to my grass and they have more weeds than I do. Think about that one for a moment.
Have you ever noticed certain seasons or times of the year, you get different weeds and different grasses growing? In Texas, during springtime, the yards look horrible. During winter, they are all brown but springtime, they are both brown and green with wild grasses and aggressive weed growth going on. But if you wait a little longer, the weeds and wild grasses calm down and a lot of them disappear or go dormant. Then the original grass comes up. Yes you still have weeds but when you mow, those weeds blend in with the grasses (hoping you HAVE planted some grass right?). Now this may not be a perfect yard but it still looks great.
Have you ever noticed certain seasons or times of the year, you get different weeds and different grasses growing? In Texas, during springtime, the yards look horrible. During winter, they are all brown but springtime, they are both brown and green with wild grasses and aggressive weed growth going on. But if you wait a little longer, the weeds and wild grasses calm down and a lot of them disappear or go dormant. Then the original grass comes up. Yes you still have weeds but when you mow, those weeds blend in with the grasses (hoping you HAVE planted some grass right?). Now this may not be a perfect yard but it still looks great.
I DO hand pick weeds at times. Some that are really unruly or is an overabundance of that one weed. You will NEVER get rid of weeds no matter what you do unless you are continuously applying chemicals all over your lawn. Don't walk on it ever! With that said, if you have pets and they use your yard to even walk on it, do not apply any type of chemicals. That includes weed killers, bug killers, and fertilizers.
You can use 10%-20% white vinegar for natural weed killing.
Here is a recipe for killing weeds from the Dirt Doctor himself:
Herbicide Formula:
1 gallon of 10% (100 grain) vinegar
Add 1 ounce orange oil or d-limonene
Add 1 tablespoon molasses (optional - some say it doesn't help)
1 teaspoon liquid soap
Do not add water
You can use 10%-20% white vinegar for natural weed killing.
Here is a recipe for killing weeds from the Dirt Doctor himself:
Herbicide Formula:
1 gallon of 10% (100 grain) vinegar
Add 1 ounce orange oil or d-limonene
Add 1 tablespoon molasses (optional - some say it doesn't help)
1 teaspoon liquid soap
Do not add water
Weed killers can be done using safe products and mixes. Many may work for you and others may not. A lot of times it is trial and error on your particular yard and where you live and if you get the mix right. Do not purchase the store bought chemical laden weed killers. This also applies to lawn fertilizers. You can make your own weed killers and also purchase safe fertilizers for pet safe lawns. FYI, just because it says pet safe, it still may not be. Learn to read ingredients on these products. The Dirt Doctor is a good website to follow. You can learn a lot about gardening as well. Some other good ingredients to use are gypsum, lime, and/or bone meal.
I have used on my yard - DR. EARTH Super Natural Lawn Fertilizer. Can be found at most Home Depot stores. All Kellogg makes a good one.
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Jobe's as well also makes an all natural. So these are some choices. Remember, learn to read ingredients.
Some weeds are actually good. Many times you may see a dog munching on a weed. That may be just what your dog needs. Maybe he has an upset tummy or it just tastes good. Such as Dandelion weed. I am not fond of the Dandelion weed growing in my yard but I know they are safe and good and if my dog needs them, they are available. They don't stay year round. These are only a springtime weed around here.
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As for fleas and ticks, this is a little harder battle using safer products but it is possible and don't give up. First you can use Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade) often or after any rain event. Wear a mask and don't let dogs be present if you are throwing this into the air. The dust particles are small and sharp and inhaling larger amounts can cause respiratory issues. Wear a mask. This is your only concern with DE. DE can be used for so many things, its endless. Deworming, brushing teeth, internal flea control, external flea control, good for the soil, potted plants..you name it. Buy in bulk and use it often. You can use many products being sold on the market that are natural and mostly safe. Some include essential oils. Take a look at these. There have been some reactions to them in certain pets especially cats but most are safe to use. Follow directions. Be careful with cats though. Much more toxic for them.
Here are some to avoid or to use with extreme caution and by an experienced holistic vet.
Here are some to avoid or to use with extreme caution and by an experienced holistic vet.
Essential oils to avoid with animals:
Anise
Birsch
Bitter Almond
Boldo
Calamus
Camphor
Cassia
Chenopodium
Clove Leaf and Bud
Crested Lavender
Garlic
Goosefoot
Horseradish
Hyssop (use decumbens variety only)
Juniper (use j. berry only)
Mugwort
Mustard
Oregano
Pennyroyal (high in ketones that's toxic to kidneys)
Red or White Thyme
Rue
Santalina
Sassafras
Savory
Tansy
Terebinth
Thuja
Wintergreen
Wormwood
Yarrow
Anise
Birsch
Bitter Almond
Boldo
Calamus
Camphor
Cassia
Chenopodium
Clove Leaf and Bud
Crested Lavender
Garlic
Goosefoot
Horseradish
Hyssop (use decumbens variety only)
Juniper (use j. berry only)
Mugwort
Mustard
Oregano
Pennyroyal (high in ketones that's toxic to kidneys)
Red or White Thyme
Rue
Santalina
Sassafras
Savory
Tansy
Terebinth
Thuja
Wintergreen
Wormwood
Yarrow
You can also plant around your yard or in pots, plants such as lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, catnip. Be very careful about plants, bushes and flowers. Most are toxic to pets. Nandina's, Begonias and such. If your pets like to get into things or are not supervised at all times in the yard, don't plant them. Plant them in the front yard or where the pets don't roam.
Here are a few toxic plants:
Autumn crocus
Azalea
Baby’s breath
Begonia
Calla lily
Chrysanthemum
Daffodil
Elephant’s ear
Foxglove
Geranium
Japanese pieris
Larkspur
Lupine
Morning glory
Oleander
Yew
Dahlia
Iris
Daisy
Carnation
Chrysanthemum
Peony
Lily Of The Valley
Hydrangea
Poinsettia
English Ivy
Boston Ivy
Morning Glory
Oak trees - acorns and leaves are poisonous. They contain a combination of gallic acid and tannic acid.
Tomato plants - contains solanine, a highly toxic element.
Here are a few toxic plants:
Autumn crocus
Azalea
Baby’s breath
Begonia
Calla lily
Chrysanthemum
Daffodil
Elephant’s ear
Foxglove
Geranium
Japanese pieris
Larkspur
Lupine
Morning glory
Oleander
Yew
Dahlia
Iris
Daisy
Carnation
Chrysanthemum
Peony
Lily Of The Valley
Hydrangea
Poinsettia
English Ivy
Boston Ivy
Morning Glory
Oak trees - acorns and leaves are poisonous. They contain a combination of gallic acid and tannic acid.
Tomato plants - contains solanine, a highly toxic element.
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Also don't forget the indoor flowers and potted plants. Did you know that by just drinking water from a vase containing poisonous cut flowers can result in vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, lethargy, and lack of appetite in pets.
A few non-toxic plants: African violet Bamboo Blue echeveria Burro or lamb’s tail Hens and chickens (evergreen succulents) Jasmine Marigold (select varieties) Petunia Ponytail palm Rose Tiger orchid Wild hyacinth Lemon Balm Bee Balm (technically an herb) |
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If you use chemicals on your yard, your pets paw pads will absorb these chemicals through their pads along with when they go to lick their feet and are ingesting these chemicals. Pets absorb these chemicals on higher levels and are therefore much more toxic than to humans. Don't forget the thought of if your pet decides that they want to munch on some grass. More ingesting of chemicals. Does your dog eat dirt? Mine does. I certainly don't want my dogs eating dirt with chemicals in it.
You know those mushrooms that pop up overnight in your yard? Remove those immediately. They are extremely toxic to your pets. Only medicinal mushrooms are safe for ingestion. Not the ones in your yard.
Keep your pets safe. Eliminate chemicals in and out of your home. Your pets and your children will be much healthier.
You know those mushrooms that pop up overnight in your yard? Remove those immediately. They are extremely toxic to your pets. Only medicinal mushrooms are safe for ingestion. Not the ones in your yard.
Keep your pets safe. Eliminate chemicals in and out of your home. Your pets and your children will be much healthier.
Wondercide
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Wondercide Natural Flea & Tick Control is a fast-acting product that kills and repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes and offers prevention and treatment in a safe, effective spray. As a natural alternative to monthly chemical treatments like drops and pills, this powerful repellent both kills and repels with no toxic effects to pets or children. It can be used as often as needed!
KILLS AND REPELS! A preventative and a treatment, this aromatherapeutic spray kills and repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. It kills the insect life cycle (adults, eggs and larvae) by contact and prevents pests from hitching a ride on your pet when you go on walks or to the park. FOUR INCREDIBLE SCENTS. Choose from four amazing fragrances, made with therapeutic-grade essential oils. |
DOES NOT STAIN. That’s right! This spray does not stain furniture, flooring, carpet, fabrics and pets. Tip: It may leave a thin residue on hard surfaces which can simply be wiped away with warm water and cloth for surfaces or mop for flooring.
SAFE FOR DOGS & CATS OF ALL SIZES AND AGES. From kittens and puppies to large breeds, tiny breeds and everything in between – this is safe to use on the whole pack!
100% NATURALLY DERIVED. No artificial colors, fragrances or synthetic pesticides. Our products are made in the USA from human-grade ingredients and are safe around children.
SAFE FOR DOGS & CATS OF ALL SIZES AND AGES. From kittens and puppies to large breeds, tiny breeds and everything in between – this is safe to use on the whole pack!
100% NATURALLY DERIVED. No artificial colors, fragrances or synthetic pesticides. Our products are made in the USA from human-grade ingredients and are safe around children.
CEDAR: Active: 5.7% Cedar Oil, 2.2% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, 0.1% Sesame Oil | Inert: 92% Water, Polyglyceryl Oleate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Ethyl Lactate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Vitamin E
LEMONGRASS: Active: 4.2% Cedar Oil, 2.2% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, 1.5% Lemongrass Oil, 0.1% Sesame Oil | Inert: 92% Water, Polyglyceryl Oleate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Ethyl Lactate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Vitamin E
ROSEMARY: Active: 4.2% Cedar Oil, 2.2% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, 1.5% Rosemary Oil, 0.1% Sesame Oil | Inert: 92% Water, Polyglyceryl Oleate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Ethyl Lactate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Vitamin E
PEPPERMINT: Active: 4.2% Cedar Oil, 2.2% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, 1.5% Peppermint Oil, 0.1% Sesame Oil | Inert: 92% Water, Polyglyceryl Oleate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Ethyl Lactate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Vitamin E
Our cedar oil is sourced exclusively from Texas & Virginia cedar trees
LEMONGRASS: Active: 4.2% Cedar Oil, 2.2% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, 1.5% Lemongrass Oil, 0.1% Sesame Oil | Inert: 92% Water, Polyglyceryl Oleate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Ethyl Lactate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Vitamin E
ROSEMARY: Active: 4.2% Cedar Oil, 2.2% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, 1.5% Rosemary Oil, 0.1% Sesame Oil | Inert: 92% Water, Polyglyceryl Oleate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Ethyl Lactate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Vitamin E
PEPPERMINT: Active: 4.2% Cedar Oil, 2.2% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, 1.5% Peppermint Oil, 0.1% Sesame Oil | Inert: 92% Water, Polyglyceryl Oleate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Ethyl Lactate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Vitamin E
Our cedar oil is sourced exclusively from Texas & Virginia cedar trees
Wondercide Lawn Control
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INGREDIENTS: 90% Cedar Oil, 10% Ethyl Lactate
Our cedar oil is sourced exclusively from Texas & Virginia cedar trees.
Our cedar oil is sourced exclusively from Texas & Virginia cedar trees.
Nematodes
Beneficial Nematodes - For Pest Insects
Beneficial nematodes seek out and kill all stages of harmful soil-dwelling insects. They can be used to control a broad range of soil-inhabiting insects and above-ground insects in their soil-inhabiting stage of life. More than 200 species of insect pests from 100 insect families are susceptible to these insect predators.
They are a natural and effective alternative to chemical pesticides, and have no detrimental effect on non-target species such as ladybugs, earthworms and other helpful garden insects.Finally, there is no evidence that parasitic nematodes or their symbiotic bacteria can develop in vertebrates. This makes nematode use for insect pest control safe and environmentally friendly. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled that nematodes are exempt from registration because they occur naturally and require no genetic modification by man.
Beneficial nematodes can be applied anytime during the year when soil-dwelling insects are present and soil temperatures are above 45-F during the day. Beneficial nematodes seek out and kill over 200 pest insects in the soil. They are a natural effective alternative to chemical pesticides. Beneficial nematodes are formulated and applied as infective juveniles, the environmentally tolerant free living stage that attacks the insect. There are several species and strains that are specialized for particular host insects. It is important to choose the right species for the job. Please review these nematode types for your selection. Steinernema carpocapsae, and Feltiae uses an "ambush" strategy as they wait for an insect host to move by, and therefore works well against pests that are moving around the soil surface. The Heterorhabditids bacteriophora do well against soil pests that are not as mobile because these nematodes are "cruisers", they actively search for hosts deeper in the soil.
Beneficial nematodes seek out and kill all stages of harmful soil-dwelling insects. They can be used to control a broad range of soil-inhabiting insects and above-ground insects in their soil-inhabiting stage of life. More than 200 species of insect pests from 100 insect families are susceptible to these insect predators.
They are a natural and effective alternative to chemical pesticides, and have no detrimental effect on non-target species such as ladybugs, earthworms and other helpful garden insects.Finally, there is no evidence that parasitic nematodes or their symbiotic bacteria can develop in vertebrates. This makes nematode use for insect pest control safe and environmentally friendly. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled that nematodes are exempt from registration because they occur naturally and require no genetic modification by man.
Beneficial nematodes can be applied anytime during the year when soil-dwelling insects are present and soil temperatures are above 45-F during the day. Beneficial nematodes seek out and kill over 200 pest insects in the soil. They are a natural effective alternative to chemical pesticides. Beneficial nematodes are formulated and applied as infective juveniles, the environmentally tolerant free living stage that attacks the insect. There are several species and strains that are specialized for particular host insects. It is important to choose the right species for the job. Please review these nematode types for your selection. Steinernema carpocapsae, and Feltiae uses an "ambush" strategy as they wait for an insect host to move by, and therefore works well against pests that are moving around the soil surface. The Heterorhabditids bacteriophora do well against soil pests that are not as mobile because these nematodes are "cruisers", they actively search for hosts deeper in the soil.
Grub-Away® Nematodes
One of the best all-natural, all-purpose pest controls available, Grub-Away® Nematodes are an environmentally friendly, non-chemical solution to a wide range of lawn and garden problems. While they control many soil-dwelling pests, you can rest assured that they'll pose no threat to people, pets or plants. And they won't harm beneficial insects, either. Attacking many types of soil-dwelling pests, these microscopic worms kill White Grubs, Banana Moth Larvae, Bill Bugs, Black Vine Weevils, Citrus Root Weevils, Grape Root Borer, Japanese Beetle Larvae, Small Hive Beetles and Sod Webworms.
Our expert entomologists have done careful evaluations of their effectiveness in our research garden. Application rates vary depending on the type of pest in need of control, but in general, our entomologists recommend one package of 5 million nematodes will cover 200 sq. ft. of lawn and one package of 10 million nematodes will cover 400 sq. ft. of lawn. Only infested areas need to be spot treated; there is no need to treat non-infested areas.
Store Grub-Away in the refrigerator, then remove and let it come to room temperature before mixing and applying to the soil. Nematodes can be applied anytime the soil is not frozen, but become active at soil temperatures of 68 degrees or above. Early morning or evening applications are ideal, and the area to be treated should be watered before application and then watered again after application. Applying Grub-Away during a gentle rainfall is ideal. Nematodes are most active at controlling grubs in late summer to early fall. You'll only need one application per year (two, if your area suffers from long droughts). Once you apply it, look for the adult pest population to begin dwindling in 1-2 weeks. Grub-Away nematodes kill pests at the larval and pupa stages, so they'll prevent future pest populations once the adults die off.
Our expert entomologists have done careful evaluations of their effectiveness in our research garden. Application rates vary depending on the type of pest in need of control, but in general, our entomologists recommend one package of 5 million nematodes will cover 200 sq. ft. of lawn and one package of 10 million nematodes will cover 400 sq. ft. of lawn. Only infested areas need to be spot treated; there is no need to treat non-infested areas.
Store Grub-Away in the refrigerator, then remove and let it come to room temperature before mixing and applying to the soil. Nematodes can be applied anytime the soil is not frozen, but become active at soil temperatures of 68 degrees or above. Early morning or evening applications are ideal, and the area to be treated should be watered before application and then watered again after application. Applying Grub-Away during a gentle rainfall is ideal. Nematodes are most active at controlling grubs in late summer to early fall. You'll only need one application per year (two, if your area suffers from long droughts). Once you apply it, look for the adult pest population to begin dwindling in 1-2 weeks. Grub-Away nematodes kill pests at the larval and pupa stages, so they'll prevent future pest populations once the adults die off.
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