Safehaven Small Breed Rescue

      Many of us are concerned about putting chemicals in and on our beloved pets.  We have found many herbal treatments that not only work well, but can easily be grown, and made fresh, at home.  We will update this list as new information comes in.

     We have found a few recipes for all natural household cleaners.   Here are a few non-toxic, dirt fighting formulas that I found in Do Fancy Magazine.

All Purpose Cleaner    1 Tablespoon Borax, 1 Tablespoon Castile Soap, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 quart warm water.   Shake to mix.  Use on Kitchen and Bathroom surfaces.

Window Cleaner   In a spray bottle,  mix either 2 Tablespoons lemon juice OR 1/2 cup White Vinegar.  Fill bottle with water and use on glass and mirrors.

Furniture Polish   1 cup mineral oil and 1 cup White vinegar.  Stir to mix, then wipe onto wooden surfaces with a soft cloth, buff.

Some medicinal plants and their uses:

 Calendula - Belonging to the Marigold Family, it is a pretty and easy flower to grow.  The flowers in red, orange, and yellow, are harvested when fully opened, slowly simmered in virgin olive oil, or almond oil, for about 20 minutes and left to steep overnite.  Strain out the solids and refridgerate the oil.  Use this on minor skin scrapes and scratches.  Calendula has a reputation for healing wounds rapidly and soothing the skin, so be sure never to use it on a puncture or deep wound, as the skin may close to soon.  This works well on hot spots and bug bites too!   For those of you who do not have that green thumb, Calendula cream can be purchased in health food stores.

Coconut Oil - Not for all dogs, especially those who are already overweight.  Coconut Oil is a good source of non-meat calories for ailing or underweight dogs.  It also has bonus medicinal values.  It is antimicrobial, killing disease-causing bacteria, fungi, and parasites.  The polyunsaturated fatty acids found in coconut oil help to supress cancer cells.  Maintenance dose is 1 Tablespoon for every 25 lbs. daily.  Since coconut oil is a food and not a drug, there are no side effects, other than loose stools if too much is given.  Please be sure to purchase only pure organic or virgin coconut oils.

Dandelion Root - Yes, that weed that grows in your lawn.  The root of this weed is a well know liver tonic, stimulating bile production and circulation.  Dandelion leaves are a natural diuretic and help with digestion.  Late fall is the best time to dig up roots.  NEVER USE ANY PART of a plant that may have been sprayed with pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers.

Lavender - The healing properties of lavender have been known for some time.  Lavender oil speeds healing of superficial wounds, minimizes scarring, and regenerates tissue growth.  You can purchase lavender oil, but be sure that it is Therapeutic grade and not just lavender scented.

Licorice - Natural licorice root is an anti-inflammatory but should be used with caution when being given with prescription medications.

Melatonin - A naturally occuring substance of the brain that helps regulate the internal clock that tells our bodies when to sleep.  It has been found that Melatonin can ease the anxiety of thunderstorm fear in dogs.  Although this does not work on every dog, about 80 % due show signs of refief.  It should be given before the panic sets in, preferably before the storm arrives.  Dosage is 1.5 mg for dogs under 25 lbs. and up to 6 mg for dogs over 100 lbs.  The dose can be repeated three times a day.