Category: Natural Rearing

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Prematurely gray

There are times I question why I decided to breed dogs.

This week is one of those times. If you follow this blog then you already know about our last litter – it was bittersweet, exhausting, expensive, educational and fulfilling all at once. Multiply those emotions and facts for this past few days and you will understand my feelings a little better. I have included some interesting (to me) photos above from this litter experience. If you think all breeders are alike then you must not follow this blog or you live under a rock. What I show/do/describe/experience doesn’t make me better/worse than other breeders. I write about what I experience mostly for my own sanity, but also in the hopes that readers can learn a little bit – about breeding, about Staffords and about me. I also hope it educates them on the ‘ART OF PUPPY BUYING’ and everything that can, and should be a part of it.

Above you will see how we take photos of each bitch and he progression in her pregnancy and we can compare her to generations before her. We keep detailed notes from the moment she is born, on each season, each mating and throughout her pregnancy, whelping experience and raising the puppies. It doesn’t stop there but this blog today is mostly about this particular breeding experience.

We knew the semen we used was of good quality and we knew the bitch was healthy and young. The veterinary clinic we use is one of the best reproductive clinics in the country with two board certified Theriogenologists on staff.  We did all health testing, timing, driving, sparing no expense – we did a surgical AI using frozen semen shipped to us from Italy. It was of very good quality upon thaw. The bitch conceived and progressed as expected without incident. We fed an appropriate diet, supplemented as directed and kept her in shape, not over feeding. Check ups went well, ultrasound showed 6-7 fetuses, all normal. We knew she had resorbed some at the x-ray and saw 4 good sized normal looking lined up puppies waiting to be born days later. Stage one began as expected and progressed normally. I move into the whelping room with each bitch approximately two weeks prior to due dates. I like to get them accustomed to the room. We use a guest room so she can be away from the other dogs in the home, in a dark quiet space but not too far from my husband in our room. The night before her due date (based upon progesterone, LH, ovulation) I slept on the floor beside the whelping box carefully monitoring her as she progressed. I take notes and photos along her journey as well as using Young Living oils to diffuse and massage.

I wont post the actual whelping photos here because for me thats personal for my experience and comparisons for each whelping. I will tell you that with each litter I gain experience and education that I never knew I lacked. In past blogs about the last litter you read we learned to tube feed, give oxygen and FFP and sub q newborns. With this litter I learned about stuck puppies (how to get them delivered and also how sometimes you just can’t), new (to me)  resuscitation methods (including but not limited to accordion method, DeeLee catheters and CPR).

I also learned that sometimes the vet you choose to join you on this journey can be so invaluable! I always loved and trusted Dr Ana and she has made puppies from nothing for us – she is fantastic and words cannot describe how much respect I have for her. This time we worked with her colleague Dr. Bob and wow did we connect! He is another veterinarian whom I hold in admiration and have a tremendous amount of respect for as well. I consider myself quite lucky to have developed a good working relationship with both of these talented and kind doctors. I also learned that my local emergency clinic can be amazing! We have used them in the past with mixed results but there is one Dr there we have worked with a few times now who was a HUGE part of this delivery, Dr Houghton.  Our fourth and final puppy was stuck and our bitch was suffering dystocia. I knew something wasn’t right with the puppy and that I would not be able to free her. Dr. Houghton was kind, understanding and helped me through the tears of losing the one bitch in this litter as she removed her from the birth canal.  The puppy was stillborn. She understood how we did not get a bitch last litter, lost one of the two puppies last time and had three boys this time, the first one being stuck himself. She spoke with Dr. Bob (who was on a day off I need to add and who answered his phone at 5am anyway) and together we made sure our bitch was safe and would be ok. She was our main priority.

We took everyone in the next day and Dr. Bob assessed all was well – we did sub Q for everyone and added Arnica 6c and more probiotic. With another 12 hours of constant monitoring and care today on day 3 we are doing well. The three handsome boys are gaining weight, Bay is being an amazing mama ad finally getting the sleep she desperately needs. I am still in the whelping room (as I type I can hear her snores in the box next to the bed) and I will remain here for the next two weeks.

Our wait list consisted of extremely patient people who have been waiting through three litters now and two families who already purchased puppies from us. All wanted girls.

Why did I decide to become a breeder? If you could hear the snores and  squeaks I am listening to right now you would totally understand.

 

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Waiting for a puppy?

So here you are waiting for a puppy from the breeder you have developed a relationship with after a lengthy search. You both have agreed that your expectations and theirs are a good match. You have passed the breeders detailed interviews, home checks, reference checks and enjoyed many lengthy conversations over the last few months or years possibly. Now what?

Now is the time for you, and your family, to continue the education you began when you first researched the breed you were seeking. Does your breeder offer mentoring and education materials? If so take advantage of these! I cannot stress enough that NOW is the time to immerse yourselves in any and all education materials offered to you.

Now is also the time to be proactive – reach out to your breeder and talk about questions, concerns you may have. Now is the time for all adults to speak to the breeder. Now is the time to discuss your childrens puppy experience. If they have none or only a little – educate your children now! Do NOT wait to bring a puppy home to teach your kids the correct and safe way to interact with puppies and adult dogs. Now is also not the time for bravado and machismo to take over. Your kids do not know everything you think they know. Explain to them the importance of being safe, gentle and kind to dogs. No screaming, sudden wild movements, no loud noises, no jerking, poking, pulling. Sit down to hold puppies. Be gentle with puppies. Teach your kids to be patient. A little good parenting now will pay off later. Your breeder is more concerned about the puppies experiences than your kids, trust me on that.

For our new owners, we have this incredibly detailed website chock full of articles, blog posts, book lists, puppy raising protocols, nutritional and natural rearing  information, essential oils,  health, exercise  and training advice and more! Read about Breed Specific Legislation and Breed Bans. They exist and are very real. We give everyone a copy of the suggested exercise schedule written by Puppy Culture. We also upload 100’s of files pertaining to the breed, the litter, health testing documents, history and advice for our buyers to print, download and read on a FB group they have the link to. We have The Stafford Knot , rescue fund raiser pages and SBT Mentor websites and FB pages. These are excellent places to learn more about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. We post a book list we suggest new owners to read from. We make suggestions on safe breed appropriate toys and warnings about those that can be ingested causing obstructions or broken teeth. We are here to answer any and all questions for the life of your dog so please – take advantage of this!

We suggest they join other groups on FB as well. Examples of these groups include a debates page where you can follow along with many topics pertaining to the breed from fellow owners in America. There is a page for Stafford Rescue and Re-homing which all SBT owners need to participate in. We need help with transport, breed ID and foster care. There are fun pages such as Stafford Ink where you can show off your SBT related tattoos.

Do it! Now. Now, before you take home a puppy.

We ask that all buyers purchase and watch Puppy Culture – you can live stream so its super convenient to watch anytime you have free time. You will want to follow along each week with your puppies PC experiences and by watching the videos it will make more sense to you and make it easy to continue when you bring home your new puppy. We ask buyers to go online and read past issues of The Stafford Knot online magazine to see photos and read about the history of this breed. The more you know now, the easier it will be later. I cannot repeat this advice strongly or often enough.

Never. Stop. Learning.

http://www.thestaffordknot.com

http://www.sbtmentor.com

https://issuu.com/thestaffordknot

 

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Singleton and Puppy Culture

If you follow this blog then you already know about a ‘litter’ we had eight months ago where two puppies were born and we lost one at 36 hours old. We were faced with the new challenges of raising a single male puppy using all the protocols – Avidog, ENS, Puppy Culture, etc.

Aside from all the struggles of the first two weeks keeping this precious baby boy alive we had to really stay on track with all the daily interactions required in order to raise a well socialized, confident and happy puppy who had no siblings to interact with. In past blogs we wrote about the details, such as enjoying interactions with friends litters of the same age, the struggles with scheduling simple actions such as when to sleep, nurse, train, etc. A singleton has no reason to eat when you want to feed – no competition for the teat or the food – loading a clicker was a real challenge – in fact this puppy has no sense of urgency whatsoever when it comes to food or meal time.

We survived all the challenges of the first 6-8 months at home and now ‘Smithy’ was ready for his new home on the opposite coast. We traveled with him in the RV up to Illinois where he had many firsts. The travel was new. The dog show was new.  (he even picked up a reserve winners dog to a 5 point major!) The entire experience was new. Since we were also traveling with our other dogs, one of whom is pregnant, it was all new for him. He no longer could simply run out the door to potty, but instead was leash walked. Thankfully we had attached a potty command and this was no problem. Riding in the RV was no problem. Walking into a show building, no problem. Seeing the dock pool, no problem. In fact, walking into a show ring was no problem for him either! He was a wiggly puppy at first and I allowed him to have fun in the ring. He stood like a champ by the last day.

We met his new owner towards the end of the ten day adventure. It was love at first sight for everyone. There may, or may not have been goosebumps and tears. This was the perfect match! I try to explain to people who contact us for a puppy to please find your BREEDER and then wait for your PUPPY. This was why. Kristin was like family from the moment we met. She and Smithy were meant for one another. There was no ‘transition’ time. There was no ‘take it slowly’ time. They met. He was her puppy. She was his owner. PERFECT! All the hard work, long hours, love and patience paid off.  According to Kristin Smithy was totally chill the entire adventure westward. Nothing phased him. He rode in hotel elevators, he saw new places, heard new sounds, smelled new smells, met new people – nothing at all was a problem for this young dog.

Below are photos of their very long drive home from Illinois to Oregon. We cannot wait to see them again in the Spring. Smithy truly IS This Charming Man!

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Got hot spots?

 

Homeopathic treatments for hot spots

A hot spot is a localized area of skin inflammation and infection due to bacteria. Hot spots can appear anywhere but are most commonly found on the neck, chest or flank. Although they can pop up at any time of year, they are more common in the summer months, especially for dogs who are swimming in ponds. Hot spots can grow at an incredibly fast rate – you may notice a small spot in the morning and return from work to a horrid, pus filled mess the size of your fist.

In healthy dogs, hot spots can respond very quickly to the right homeopathic remedy without the need for shaving it down or applying salves and creams. Acute prescribing can be quite easy for even the most novice of homeopaths as the remedy you choose will depend on the appearance of the hot spot and the behavior or your dog.

Below is a short list of some homeopathic remedies you might want to consider. This list is by no means complete, but for most dogs, one of these remedies will be a good fit.

Natural Remedies For Dogs Hot Spots

Apis

Because Apis is made from the honey bee, think of a bee sting.  Hot spots requiring Apis will be shiny and swollen with a red or white appearance.  It will also be quite sensitive to touch.

Belladonna

Hot spots that require Belladonna will appear and grow almost instantly and the skin will be bright red, hot and relatively dry.  The dog will appear restless and irritated and will move away from heat.

Graphites

Graphites is an excellent skin remedy and will be necessary if there is a sticky discharge that appears like honey.  These dogs can tend toward excess weight and the itch and discharge will be worse with warmth.  The surrounding skin and coat may feel greasy and the hot spot will have a cracked appearance.

Mercurius

These hot spots will also have a yellow or even greenish discharge with a yellow scab.  There may also be hair loss and bleeding around the lesion.  These dogs will also want to move away from heat.

Rhus tox

Like a rash from poison ivy, the hot spot that requires Rhus tox will be red and very itchy with a pimpled rash-like appearance. There will be swelling and the hot spot will be hardened.  These dogs will prefer warm and will feel better when out moving and walking.

Dosage: Most of these remedies will work well with the common 30C potency. Give once and evaluate the results in your dog. Remedies will work quickly with acute, fast moving issues, so you should see a change in the hot spot within an hour or a little more. If you see improvement, then wait – do not redose. Watch the hot spot and if it appears to worsen, then give your dog another dose. If you do not see changes, try another remedy.

You shouldn’t need a topical treatment if you choose the right remedy. If you want to use a topical treatment, clean the area and apply a calendula solution. Sprays will work better than creams as the hot spot will heal quicker if it is allowed to dry.

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The Wavemaker Family Grows

I don’t have a beautiful shiny floored announcement graphic made up, although being a graphic artist I certainly could make one. I don’t feel I really need to make them and really haven’t announced upcoming matings, planned breedings, confirmed pregnancies or puppy arrivals on FB or on this page. Our approved new owner wait list is so much longer than we could ever fulfill that we really never feel the need to advertise. The few times we posted an advert on the AKC Marketplace we ended up getting dozens of requests from tire kickers, brokers and other unsuitable people for our puppies.

We prefer to get to know people over a long period of time. We become friends, almost like family, with our buyers. We remain in regular touch – probably more than most actual family members do. We support one another, cheer each other on, cry on each others shoulders and vent to one another when needed. We share photos and videos almost daily with some of our puppy owners.

People come to us for a puppy for very specific reasons. Most of those people have been following our blog, have read our website in full multiple times, naturally rear already or plan to, and are seeking an honest breeder who can prove all health testing is done. They also appreciate our dedication to preserving the breed, appreciation for sharing the history of the breed (not sugar coating it) and our work with rescue. They are already involved with doing things with dogs or are prepared to with a new one. They already know about and follow The Stafford Knot, they chuckle and appreciate the #staffordnotstaffy movement and are excellent pet owners on top of all that. They know we do Puppy Culture because not only do they follow along themselves but also they have known us long enough that they have seen the results from past litters. You cant make this up. You cant really fake PC, although so many other breeders do.

We do not sell to ‘collectors’, title chasers, breeders or people who consider themselves to be ‘in the industry’. Our buyers are special people whom we respect and would enjoy spending time with. They visit when they can and we visit with them. I would have to say the same goes for stud dog owners we work with. This small Wavemaker family has grown slowly over the last 15 years and today is exactly the family we want to be a part of.

Our family will be growing shortly. Shea and Bay are expecting puppies around 2 July, 2018 and Smithy (Shea x Marina) leaves us soon for his new home. We could sell a dozen puppies easily to pre-approved homes so that always means heart break for some folks who have been waiting a long time. Mother Nature always has the last word on these matters. We do all we can to support our choices, but in the end it is out of our control. In some ways this is a comfort. Dogs are not puppy vending machines. We do not get to select how many puppies will be born, what sexes they will be or any issues with pregnancy, whelp, raising of healthy babies. We do all we can and accept the rest.

If you are one of the lucky ones waiting for a puppy – we are excited for you and with you. If you insist, I can make you a shiny floored advert…..

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Baltic Amber

This flea and tick season we decided to up our natural arsenal of defenses against fleas and ticks. After already finding 2-3 ticks on the dogs (one on myself) we knew this was going to be a difficult season. 

We already utilize Wondercide cedar peppermint spray, a variety of Young Living Essential oils sprayed on ourselves and the dogs and their bedding daily but also now we have the dogs wearing Baltic Amber collars.

The collars are 100% natural and chemical free.

Amber is a natural tree resin fossilized over millions of years. It is found on the shores of the Baltic sea and also is mined from underground galleries. Amber has been appreciated for its color, natural beauty and healing properties in folk medicine since New Stone age.

When unpolished amber rubs against your pets fur it works in two ways. It releases aromatic terpines which naturally repel fleas and ticks. Also the friction with the amber creates static electricity which prevents parasites from clinging onto your pets fur.

It can take up to three weeks of wearing the collar to reach maximum repellant effectiveness but it serves as an accessory from the moment you place the beautiful collar onto your pet.  We spray the dogs daily along with the wearing of the collars.

You should allow a finger or two to be able to easily slip between collar and fur. Wash the collar in cold water and soap weekly. They recommend changing the collar for a new one when you see the stones begin to appear polished or shiny. Amber is not a harsh material, therefore it is not recommended that your pets wear them while engaging in rough play or if running through brush or rough conditions. Do not use these collars as a substitute for their walking collar and they are not to be used for restraint. Remove collars for swimming.

We are testing two different companies both of which offered certificates of authenticity. We will report later in the season as to how they worked.

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Fighting ticks and fleas naturally

Baltic Raw Amber

This season we are attempting to fight the terrible tick issues here in the south by using every natural method we know of. We always add DE to their food, spray with various essential oil blends (see other posts) and use peppermint Wondercide – but this season we are also going to try using baltic raw amber collars!

Amber is a natural tree resin, which formed over a 30-50 million years period of time. One unique feature of this natural resin is that it has electrostatic properties. These properties were even known and documented by ancient Greeks who even referred to Amber as an Electron.

This electrostatic feature of Amber is extremely useful when fighting ticks and fleas. When your pets wear a collar made of Baltic Amber beads it will be naturally rubbed against its fur. This action will help the amber to generate electricity, which makes it almost impossible for fleas or ticks to stick on your dog’s or cat’s fur.

The other beneficial feature of this natural resin is that it has a specific smell which seems to be not very appealing to ticks and fleas. When Amber beads warmed by your pets fur and body they will start to release its natural odor. So the longer dog or cat wears this type of collar the more effective it can be for fighting various parasites. It usually takes around 3 weeks of wear to have maximum repelling properties.

I will report back how they do!

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Using Young Living Essential Oils when breeding

 Essential Oils Meant to Boost Fertility (for humans and dogs alike)

There are several essential oils that may have fertility boosting qualities:

  • Geranium: This oil is fantastic for balancing hormones and regulating a bitch’s cycle. It also has the soothing effect of calming emotions and eliminate stress.
  • Calendula: Great for topical application blended with a carrier oil such as almond oil, Calendula is an anti-inflammatory oil that may help to regulate a bitch’s cycle. This is also a fantastic sensitive-skin oil.
  • German Chamomile: With anti-inflammatory properties, this oil may help reduce pain, while also improving chances of conception.
  • Yarrow: A detoxifying oil, Yarrow helps to relieve pelvic congestion and prevent inflammation. It is also beneficial for the digestive and urinary tracts.
  • Clary Sage: Influencing estrogen levels, Clary Sage helps the body to regulate its hormones naturally. This oil may also help with your stud’s fertility, treating hormone imbalances.
  • Ginger: This oil has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It also aids in the digestive system and supports healthy circulation.
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Post Whelp – a list of helpful info

There have been many articles on information good breeders suggest for post whelp health for the newborns and dam. Do a search for breeding on The Stafford Knot website in the Library section and you will find several interesting articles submitted by breeders from around the world. I wont go into too many details but I will offer a little informational list of must haves based upon our experiences.

Make sure you have calcium citrate on hand. Its fine to use the convenient tubes but after whelping get yourself a bottle of the higher quality capsules 1000. Also, a B-Complex and DLPA 750. I would also suggest buying a homeopathic kit made for birthing and one for emergency care. Read the books that come with each ahead of time so you are partially familiar with the contents.

Go to the suggested reading list on this page and pick up several good books on whelping/breeding – especially Book of the Bitch and one on newborn care. Sign yourself up for Puppy Culture and pre-watch at least the 1st few videos if not the entire course. Keep pedialyte, lactated ringers solution with both adult and newborn set-ups, colloidal silver 500, tube feeding sets, oxygen, fresh frozen plasma, liver water, whole milk yogurt, fresh raw goat milk, fresh eggs (yolks), a big green cabbage and local raw honey. Do not use cottage cheese thinking you are feeding calcium – go read the package and you will be surprised. Yogurt is a much better choice plus its full of probiotics. Get full fat grass fed sourced.

Get two working thermometers, new batteries for flashlights, thermometer, scales and anything else which requires batteries. Buy a USB laptop red LED light – comes in handy for overnight checks in whelping box. We have USB outlets in our wall outlets and there is one right behind our whelping box where I keep one of these plugged in.

Set up a warming box or drawer. I have both – the box for when/if I have to leave the house to go to the vet – the drawer is the top drawer in a dresser I use for weighing and keeping my charts updated.

Get your essential oils and diffuser, Thieves wash/wipes/cleaner/sanitizer/soaps, etc….put all your vets on speed dial and visit an emergency clinic to pre-fill out forms in case you need to rush there in the middle of the night……on a Saturday/Sunday night…..when your bitch has a temperature of 103.6 and mastitis is setting in – get your Thundershirt out as its perfect for holding that cold cabbage on her teats for a couple hours alternating with warm compresses (a sock filled with rice works well for this heated in microwave or a hot water bottle is also perfect )- you want moist heat to expel milk once her teat is soft – alternating back and forth…..checking for both color and smell to make sure her milk is safe for the babies to nurse from.

Learn how to use lactated ringers to administer fluids. This is very important. Dehydration in both newborn puppies or in the dam can be serious and life threatening. Keep them hydrated!

Buy whatever laundry soap you plan to use in bulk – we use Young Living Thieves and white vinegar for softening. Wash and change whelping box bedding often! Clean the box several times a day with your Thieves spray and a clean cloth like a diaper. Its very important to keep everything clean.

We check temperatures, weights, poop and pee daily – these are simple ways to make sure the health is spot on for your bitch and her whelps. rotate the teats your pups suckle from in smaller litters. Watch for any redness, dark spots, swelling or hardness – watch for this several times per day – mastitis can come on very quickly and its best caught very early. Remember broad spectrum antibiotics can still pass onto puppies through the milk and also can cause nausea. If you can use homeopathics instead and get success try them first.

I’m certain this is not all encompassing information but its just a sleep deprived stream of thought blog entry which I hope has offered someone a little information they didn’t already have in their arsenal. I am not a veterinarian nor am I attempting to replace their advice – I am just offering up info based upon our own experiences  – take it or leave it but always seek the advise of medically trained professionals if in doubt.

Below is a list of homeopathic remedies for treating Mastitis

Apis Mellifica… This is a great remedy for painful and swollen glands. This is particularly common after whelping.

Bryonia Alba 30c… is highly beneficial for glands that have become hard. Other symptoms may include the legs being stiff and signs of constipation.

Belladonna 30c… may be prescribed by homeopathic vets for treating hot and swollen glands. The affected dog may also be restless and excited.

Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum 30c… can be used to treat glands that have become painful. There may also be a pussy discharge too.

Phytolacca 6c… may be beneficial for treating painful and hard lumps in the dog’s breast glands. The affected dog may appear listless and the glands may appear blue in color.

Urtica Urens 1 m… can be prescribed by homeopathic vets to help restore milk production as the infection starts to subside.

 

 

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Using Young Living Essential Oils when whelping

Therapeutic grade essential oils are an excellent natural support system for both new puppies and your bitch. Here are a few oils we have used.

  • Stress Away : This was invaluable to calm any anxiety, both for mama and breeder.  Stress Away is a blend of Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Ocatea, Lavender and Vanilla, which is not an essential oil but an essence.  Just a swipe to the back of the neck and inside the wrists did the trick for humans and a drop or so in diffuser for the bitch.
  • Joy: This was diffused throughout pregnancy and beyond, as well as a drop over the heart.  A wonderful blend that not only promotes bonding, but love and an open heart as well.  Contained in this blend is Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Rosewood, Lemon, Mandarin, Jasmine, Roman Chamomile, Palmarosa, and Rose.
  • Helichrysum: This single oil was invaluable on the cesarean section incision to heal tissue trauma and stop minor bleeding.  A few drops directly on the incision from day one not only expedited healing but also relieved pain. You can continue with this for a week if needed.
  • Frankincense: I placed a drop in the palm of my hand and rubbed this on my newborn puppies feet within hours of birth as an immunity booster.  This oil affects emotional balance, the immune system, the nervous system and the skin.  This oil can also be used on the incision if cesarean is needed for healing.
  • Lavender: Well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, again can be used on incision if cesarean is needed.
  • Peppermint: If the bitch is vomiting a drop or two of this in diffuser can alleviate the nausea.
  • Cistus: Helps to contract and strengthen the uterus.  This works well regardless of method of delivery.  Apply 1 to 2 drops on the lower abdomen once per day for 5-10 days after delivery.
  • Myrrh: This can be applied directly on the puppies umbilical cords, just a drop, for about 3-4 days to promote healing.
  • Deep Relief: Often during a C-section the body reacts to the anesthesia by shaking uncontrollably, which can be a common side effect.  Anyone that has experienced this knows the toll that it can take on your muscles.  Deep Relief is a roll on blend containing Peppermint, Lemon, Idaho Balsam Fir, Clove, Copaiba, Wintergreen, Helichrysum, Vetiver, and Palo Santo.  Just a little of this rolled in your hands then massaged on your bitchs’ back will ease her muscles.
  • Fennel: This is to increase milk production. You can use it two different ways, directly to the teat (well avoiding the nipple area) or two drops under the tongue. Can put the drops in a teaspoon of honey and allow your bitch to lick.  I have noticed an increase in milk supply within hours of application.  Word of caution, you should never use Fennel for more than 5 consecutive days.
  • Melrose: If you experience milk duct clogs/mastitis in your bitch you can put a drop or two where you feel the clog and then apply a warm compress to drive the oil in.  You can repeat as often as needed.  Melrose is a blend containing Rosemary, Melaleuca, Clove, and Niaouli.
  • Geranium: Occasionally you may find once the umbilical cord falls off, there may be minor bleeding in the area.  A drop of Geranium will safely stop any bleeding.

Our Favorite Five EO’s to use for Mastitis Care:

1. Tea Tree 

Also known as melaleuca, tea tree oil is one of the best-known antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-fungal oils that exist in the world. It helps to fight the disease-causing bacteria causing the mastitis. It should be applied topically on the infected area, undiluted, or diluted with a cooling oil like coconut oil if you wish.

2. Lavender 

Calming, relaxing and soothing in nature, lavender oil is also highly antibacterial and has cleansing properties that will help get rid of the infection quickly. It can be used in the same way as tea tree oil.

3. Oregano 

Highly antibacterial, oregano oil has been researched and found to be more potent than many popular antibiotics prescribed by doctors today. Dilute one drop of oregano oil  in 1 tsp of raw honey and allow the dam to lick it off your finger or a spoon, or feed to her in a vegetable capsule 1 – 2 times a day.

4. Basil

Another cooling essential oil that can help draw out the heat and infection. I applied 2 – 3 drops of basil oil diluted in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and massaged it firmly into the infected lump.

5. Frankincense

A highly spiritual and grounding essential oil, frankincense can help de-stress and relieve tension in dams who are undergoing anxiety, mental strain or general stress. Frankincense can be applied to the infected teat.

*Please note: Be sure to wash off the areas where you have used the oils prior to allowing puppies to nurse!