Manx Canine Cuisine makes one of the best raw complete and balanced dog foods on earth. As the Isle of Man is the only place on the planet that is registered as a Complete Biosphere Nation, the food raised and grown on our Island is incredibly healthy and nutritious, we use meat, vegetables, fruit and herbs grown by some of the best farmers in the world, who still use ethical and environmental practices that not only benefit us and our pets, but the land we live in too.
Natural Essential Oils
Using essential oils is something our pets actually do naturally, you find throughout the animal kingdom animals rubbing themselves or rolling in plants in order to control pests, capuchin monkeys rub themselves with pungent-smelling plants like onions and citrus fruits, this provides a variety of functions, as well as anti pesticide properties and protection from insect bites, they also have antifungal or antiseptic properties, who’s dog hasn’t rolled in something whilst on the beach, or in wild garlic or similar plants?
They know better than we do, that essential oils from these plants act as a pesticide. We can emulate this by diluting the oils with a carrier oil, (olive or sweet almond oil is perfect for this) and lightly spraying on our dogs coat, behind the shoulders, at the base of the tail, being aware not to spray in their face, (their sense of smell is far greater than ours and you don’t want to overload their senses) adding a few drops of essential oils to their collar or a bandana can be just as effective, you can also drop a little into their favourite shampoo before their bath.
Best essential oils to use are Peppermint, Lemongrass, Lavender, Cedar, and Rose Geranium.
Neem Oil
Rose Geranium
Fresh Crushed Fresh Garlic
Fresh Peppermint
Lemon Grass
Apple Cider Vinegar
Lavender
Cedar Oil
I’ve just been reminded that the warmer weather is not as far away as we would think, especially as it’s been icy cold out there lately.
Sadly warmer weather also means pests and parasites for our fury family members which always spark the pest control debate! Commercial off the shelf chemical laden products or a more natural gentler product.....
Think you can guess which one I am in favour of?
We now have more and more access to the ingredients and chemicals used in the commercial products, and the side effects they create as well as the health risks and problems they leave behind, including, but not limited to: skin irritation, cysts, tumours, respiratory distress, hives, gastrointestinal problems, depression, vomiting, diarrhoea and seizures. Smaller dogs and cats can be most at risk due to their size, and remember; many products marked safe for dogs may not be safe and may be highly toxic to cats, or vice versa, even if they come from your vets office.
TICKS
FLEAS
We’ve created some natural remedies to help deter those little blighters this spring & summer, more than 1 out of every 3 vet visits are about adverse reactions (often to food) using a natural & none chemical product is far better for your pets health.
No pesticide based parasite medication is 100% safe, they are created to kill another living creature after all, but using products designed with natural products to deter pests is far more favourable that poisoning your dog or cat with a highly toxic pesticide.
Opening Times
Monday 12:30 to 6:00
(No Collections on Mondays)
Tuesday 12:30 to 6:00
Wednesday 12:30 to 6:00
Thursday 12:30 to 6:00
Friday 1:30 to 4:00
Saturday 12:30 to 3:00
Sunday Closed
Delivery Schedule:
East & North: Saturday
West & South: Friday
IMPORTANT NOTE:
These days and times may
change without notice,
do not leave ordering
till the last minute,
please ensure if you
are not in you have
a safe, secure and cool
place to leave your order.
Delivery dates will change if they fall on a Bank Holiday, they will be delivered on the previous day, please ensure you take this into account when ordering.
pests and parasites
Apple Cider Vinegar
Here’s another ingredient likely already in your kitchen that can be used to protect your pet. Vinegar can be added to your cat or dog’s drinking water at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 1 litre, or it can be diluted in water in a 1:1 mixture and sprayed on your pet’s coat, ensure your are not overloading your pets coat with too many natural pesticides, if you are using essential oils, don’t use apple cider vinegar on his coat too, only put it in his water.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is another not so well known favourite insect repellent.
Using essential oils in your garden as a deterrent in your driveway and decking area etc also helps keep nasty urine smells at bay.
Fresh Finely Chopped or Crushed Garlic
Yes! Garlic can be added to your dog's diet I get asked this so frequently and the answer is YES, (there are exceptions though, do not give to young puppies, pregnant bitches or dogs with a history of haemolytic anaemia), using only FRESH garlic, never dried or extract. It is a fantastic flea repellent. Do not give garlic to cats as cats are known to be more sensitive to garlic than dogs and it can cause gastrointestinal upsets.
Supplements From The Outdoors
Beneficial nematodes that may already be in your garden and can be used to kill flea larvae. Beneficial Nematodes are naturally-occurring, microscopic organisms found in soils throughout the world. They mainly parasitize insect pests that have soil dwelling larval or pupal stages; however, they have been known to parasitize above ground stages of certain pests. Their wide range of prey makes them exceptional for general pest control in chemical-free growing environments.
Beneficial Nematodes
Can be used in gardens, lawns, orchards, vineyards, greenhouses, row crops, pastures and more.
This is a new concept for many gardeners and now for the pet owning community, more information from University of Vermont: https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/nemat.html
Food grade Diatomaceous Earth (we now stock this) can be sprinkled in the environment, on your pet, or even in his food. Be careful when using topically, as you don't want your pet to inhale the dust or it to get into their eyes. Remember: Any hedgehogs, voles, rabbits and mice outside can be harbingers of fleas.
Flea Combs
Don't forget this good, old-fashioned solution. Teeth in these combs lie close together and can effectively filter fleas, flea larvae, and flea eggs to help protect your pet. Comb your pet daily to check for any evidence of flea activity.
So, a few alternatives to the chemical products available, and the above all work exceptionally well, most cases far far better than their chemical counterpart, plus it is better for the environment and in general and most importantly, your pets health.
