Do It Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products (56 page)

HOW TO

1.
Turn your mat over, so the wrong side is facing up. With tailor’s chalk, mark out an oval shape. Cut it out.

2.
Fold over the top third of the oval and cut out a circle 4 inches in diameter from the top edge.

3.
Cut from the top edge of the circle, halfway to the upper edge of the oval.

4.
Turn over ¼ inch and then another ¼ inch all around the oval. Pin and sew a hem. Repeat for the inside of the circle and the circle opening.

5.
Measure your dog from the middle of his/her back to the middle of the belly to see how long the belt needs to be.

6.
Fold your fabric in half, right sides together, and cut out a strip 5 inches wide and the length you measured (plus 2 inches for seams and a hem). For my dog, that’s 20 inches total. Pin together.

7.
Sew around both lengths and one end of the strips, then turn right side out, press, and sew up the open end.

8.
Sew a square of Velcro to either end of the belt and to either side of the neck opening.

9.
Stitch the belt onto the coat and sew a button on top of your stitches.

Natural Flea Treatment Program for Dogs

Fleas are a nightmare, but even worse are most of the flea sprays, collars, and treatments available today. Some of them cause allergies at best and are carcinogenic at worst. I choose to stay away from them altogether and do my own thing. I have found that the following program works really well.

1. Weekly bath: One of the most effective ways of killing fleas is dish soap! Once a week, fill your bathtub or sink (depending on the size of your dog) with warm water. You need a spray attachment, if possible. Use 1 teaspoon of peppermint liquid castile soap for a small dog (up to 12 pounds) and 2 teaspoons for a larger dog. Wet your dog all over and then lather up the soap, obviously taking care to keep it away from the dog’s eyes and mouth. The key is to let the soap stay on for a full 5 minutes before rinsing off. That will be long enough to suffocate the fleas and destroy their eggs.
   
2. After the bath: I recommend spraying your dog with the Flea Spray on the following page.
   

Flea Spray