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Hot Tips for Your Pets & Garden
Looking for some good simple advice? Why not ask our knowledgable staff next time your in-store or checkout some of our suggestions below!
We will be adding new ideas to this page regularly, so why don't you add this page to your favourites!
| Do you have a pet cow... here is how to care for it! |
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| • Provide shelter. Cows need shade in summer and a windbreak in winter. The type of shelter depends on the type of winter your area has and the breed of cow.
• Keep cows wormed. Change brands of wormer every other time to prevent them from becoming immune.
• Provide water at all times - either a pond, spring, creek or watering tank.
• Feed cows. Milking cows will need grain and hay for good production. Beef cows can manage on pasture with supplemental feedings of hay and grain in winter.
• Keep salt and minerals out for cattle at all times. Check with your local vet or agricultural agent about types of minerals needed for your area and time of year.
• Maintain a good fence or pen around cows.
• Clean barn stalls and lay fresh straw if you keep your cows in a barn.
• Milk dairy cows twice a day.
• Check cows for lice and parasites and medicate as needed. Check with vet for any questions you have.
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| Dogs need a warm winter coat! |
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| Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear. |
| Winter Reminder! Look out for Cats! |
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| Roaming cats, as well as house pets and wildlife, may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside. |
| Flea Control |
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| The key to successful household flea control is frequent vacuuming of pet bedding and resting areas, treatment of the pet, and careful use of insecticides. An integrated pest management program provides maximum Flea control. Be sure to treat the house, yard and pets. |
| De-clutter Your Garden |
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| Weed the garden to bring balance and harmony into your life! When you think of clutter, no one thinks of their garden. A clutter free garden (one free from weeds and rubbish) can help you think clearly, relax and enjoy life¿s natural energies!
Weeding the garden is the number one spring garden tip, costing no money and a minimum amount of time and energy. Clear the clutter in the garden to keep your plants and trees healthy.
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| How to Grow a Lemon Tree |
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| Choose a spot in the yard that is very sunny to plant a lemon tree in the ground, or pot a dwarf variety in a small garden preferable in sun shine.
Make sure you soak the roots in water before planting to keep the roots intact. Dig a hole twice the root balls width, position the plant level with the surrounding soil and backfill.
Fertilise with organic matter or manure every three to six months, or add slow-release fertiliser if potted.
Soil should be kept moist but not wet as too much water yellows the leaves until they drop. Give the tree lots of water in spring and summer, easing off in autumn and winter.
Mulch around the base to protect the roots, suppress weeds and retain moisture. Use an organic variety that breaks down to improve the soil, such as well-rotted cow manure or sugar cane mulch, ensuring it doesn't touch the stem and cause rotting.
Prune to encourage new growth by cutting back half the current season's growth before planting. Prune again when the tree has matured and annually to keep fruit within reach.
Harvest the fruit buds when they appear for the first few seasons, as fruit fails to ripen properly while the tree is young and growing branches and leaves. Twist lemons off the stem to avoid harming the tree.
If insects are detected early they can be controlled, but once a citrus becomes damaged it¿s difficult to bring it back to good health. Use organic oil every month to keep scale, leafminer, caterpillar and fungal rust under control, and if there are any signs of new damage to the tree, increase to fortnightly spraying.
Fact or fiction
Yes, peeing on a lemon tree helps it grow. Urine is made up of water, salts and urea, which is an organic product containing nitrogen, much like fertiliser
Source: Australian Handyman Magazine
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| Dog boredom and inappropriate chewing |
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| These days many of us are busier than ever and leave our dogs completely alone for long periods of time, sometimes for 12 hours or more. Then we come home to find that the dog has been chewing on all our favorite shoes, clothes, furniture legs, wires etc. Then of course it is the dog that gets yelled at, scolded or heaven forbid hit.
First off this really isn't fair to a dog, and if you have this busy a lifestyle, and you are thinking about getting a dog, maybe you shouldn't. Other pets may well be more appropriate. Dogs are pack animals by nature; this means that they need companionship and don't like being left alone for long periods.
If you are in this scenario perhaps you could ask a neighbor or friend to walk or play with your dog in the middle of the day. If you can afford it, a dog walker is a great idea.
The number one cause of inappropriate chewing when you are not home is boredom.
Make sure you provide your dogs with good toys to amuse and entertain themselves. Many toys can be stuffed with peanut butter or other dog treats. This gives the dog something appropriate to do when you are not around. Another tip is to keep the television or the radio on. Talk radio is thought to be better than music and is soothing to most dogs. Nothing though, can replace human interaction, not even a second dog, which is not a good idea if you don't even have time for the first one.
Source: petconnect.com.au
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