In our last article, we talked about how bad the mosquitos have been this summer.

OK, we have come to the conclusion that we cannot get away from them.  Having mosquito bites are something that we will have to live with for now.  So what to do about these bites when they do occur?  We thought that we would look at some home remedies for mosquito bites.

First, what is a mosquito “bite.”  Actually, it is not really a bite.  Mosquitoes inject a proboscis, a tiny straw looking thing, to suck up tiny amounts of your blood and release anti-clotting agents. The immune system reacts by releasing histamine.  It is the histamine that creates a small, itchy bump.  So the simple answer is an antihistamine.  Best would be a cream or lotion applied directly on the bite.  But what if you don’t have any available?

  • Hold a refrigerated, dampened green tea bag on the bite.
  • Try a dab of honey because it has an antiseptic ingredient.
  • Putting Scotch tape (or a bandage) on the site will help remind you not to scratch, especially at night.
  • Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, so this could help the itch. For even more relief, stash your aloe vera gel in the fridge, since the cold will also help with the itchiness.”
  • Preparation H takes care of swelling and itching.
  • Rubbing alcohol (also witch hazel and tea tree oil).  If it burns, it just means that it is working!
  • Rub a basil leaf on a mosquito bite will help stop the itching.
  • Try using regular Listerine for itchy bug bites.
  • Soaking in a soothing oatmeal bath.
  • Eat raw garlic — however, studies claim that a topical blend using garlic and beeswax may be even more effective.
  • A very hot bath in a tub filled with water and 2 1/2 cups of vinegar.

How do we protect the pugs

As any responsible dog (and even cat owner) should do, all of our dogs receive a monthly oral heartworm preventative.  They get this on the first of the month.  We chose the first of the month so it is easy to remember.  Turn the page on your calendar, the dogs get their heartworm preventative.  As for fleas, tick, mosquitos and other insects, we use a combination of ‘natural’ products.

We are making every effort to keep harsh chemicals off of our dogs and out of their food.  After researching alternatives to the commercial flea and tick preventatives we have come up with a two prong approach.  Everyone gets a few drops, depending on weight of Earth Animal Flea & Tick Program Herbal Drops in their food daily.

First, everyone gets a few drops, depending on weight of Earth Animal Flea & Tick Program Herbal Drops in their food daily.  We have found this to be very effective.  The grumble started with the Earth Animal Flea & Tick Program Herbal Powder**.  This worked well for many months until one of the dogs could not tolerate it.  She would puke after eating.  We have been using the drops for over a year now with no side effects.

The second prong is the Earth Animal Flea & Tick Program Spray.  All of the dogs get sprayed either before we leave for Home d’Pug RV or shortly after we arrive.  If it seems “extra buggy” they may get a second spray over the weekend.  The pugs may also get a spray at home.

Our two prong approach seems to work for our grumble.

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