Tried and Tested True Treatments for Pesky Pet Problems

This first helpful tip is more for dog owners, and cat owners are encouraged to skip ahead to the flea treatment section. If you have a cat that barks at all, I wouldn't try to make them stop.

Over Barking
Sometimes, barking can be more than just a dog's way of communicating. My left hand man is a cocker spaniel, so I know first hand what a problem it can be when your furry sidekick barks, and barks, and barks, and barks... eats some food, laps up some water, barks to go outside, then barks some more.

(To learn more about the cocker spaniel personality, check out "Everything You Should Know About Cocker Spaniels".)

Over-barking can be a form of aggression, and sometimes it can be entirely confusing. The cocker spaniel I use as an example will bark at anybody who enters the house... wagging his tail at the same time.

Though barking is the only vocal noise your dog can make, when it is a problem there are methods needed to minimize this noise. If your dog definitely has an over barking problem, then try this simple home made remedy before attempting a shock collar or anything else as drastic.

In a plastic spray bottle, mix one part water with one part vinegar. When your dog starts barking out of control, spray them in the snout with this mixture.

It may not work for every dog, but it works on mine. Don't over do it and you should have successful results. When compared to an electric bark collar, the cocker spaniel showed more improvement with his barking addiction when sprayed with vinegar water than when shocked.

Flea Infestation
As the weather is cooling down, fleas may be flocking to your animals for warmth. These little pests are such a bother, but it is easier than you would think to treat this problem!

To begin with, when your animal goes outside you should tuck a dryer sheet underneath their collar. This will repel a lot of different kinds of bigs, including fleas.

Secondly, if fleas have become a problem you need to treat more than just your animals. Your house can keep the flea infestation, so it is very important to find the right cure.

I have tried many kinds of flea bombs, and they may reduce the problem but none have ever eliminated the infestation. Though I have yet to find a successful home remedy for treating the house, the only effective treatment I have found is the Hartz spray. Sorry, but it works.

Once your house has been cured of fleas, you can treat the animals. I am never one to go cheap with flea treatment. When my pets have fleas, their misery causes you misery. So I have tried everything from Advantix, Frontline, and other name brand drops to top of the line, $30 a bottle flea shampoo. The only thing I got rid of was the money I had wasted.

The only home remedy I had heard of was using blue Dawn. This is offered consistently enough that it must work. However, I can't say it did the job for my dogs. Fortunately, there was one fellow pet owner who offered something that seemed quite unlikely. It was their confidence that convinced me to give this alternative a shot, and I am glad I did.

I will no longer buy special pet shampoos. If you put Head and Shoulders on your animal, you may be as amazed as I was to see all those pesky fleas immediately drop, dead, down the drain. I never expected anything to work so instantlly!

House Training
Again, this is a topic more suitable for dog owners. Some pet owners may confuse themselves and try to litter train a dog. If you think I'm joking you should read this article but I plead of you, fellow dog owner... pleeeeease don't try this at home!

I won't give you any recipes for mixtures to punish your dog if they go in the house. Quite the contrary in fact, because research has shown that in the case of potty training, it is reward not punishment that gets results.

So when you set a schedule to walk your dog, include a doggy treat (immediately after their business has been deposited) to let them know they are doing something right. For more on potty training your dog, check out "How To Train a Dog to Stop 'Going' in the House".

Other Articles Of Interest
Home Remedies for Removal of Stains Related to Child and Pet Care

This article, written by a very talented author (yours truly) gives some easy and affordable solutions for those unavoidable stains and other laundry/fabric issues that come with caring for either a pet or a child.

Seven Ways to Save Money on Pet Care

Who doesn't want to take the best care of their pet? Though spoiling and pampering your furry friend can be quite expensive, it is helpful to know it's possible to be an attentive pet owner without breaking the bank.

Home Remedies that Really Work!

Who doesn't like easy, affordable home remedy alternatives to those overpriced treatments for common problems?