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| Paul braving the rain to fetch kindling |
There is a reason why this part of south west France is green and verdant, I think it’s probably something to do with the rain. Yes, it’s raining again today and quite cold. Rick cannot understand why he is not allowed to go outside and play. After breakfast I wallowed (images of a hippopotamus come to mind) in a hot and very bubbly bath for half an hour while Paul busied himself in the kitchen making tomato and lentil soup. Afterwards I baked. I like baking when it's cold and wet outside, enjoying the warmth of the kitchen and the smell of cinnamon from the buns.
Paul has been grooming the dog. Rick absolutely adores being groomed, his eyes glaze over and he goes all sleepy and stupid. We have to groom him nearly every day because of his long coat. At this time of year the sheep and deer ticks are a nightmare and we have to try and avoid the long grass. He has treatment that kills the ticks as soon as they attach themselves to him but they can still cause irritation.
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| Rick enjoying his grooming |
The countryside may look like a paradise for dogs but there are hidden dangers. Earlier in spring the processionary caterpillars that come from the pine trees are extremely toxic to dogs. The long trails of caterpillars crawling along the road are eye catching and attract playful or curious dogs.
Grass seeds are another menace. Shaped like tiny arrows they can enter their ear canal or get trapped between their toes; Rick suffered from an infected paw last summer due to a grass seed. It’s dangerous (and wet) out there!
Rather than the monthly spot on anti tic & flea stuff Ted takes a tablet -huge- every three months. This is our first Spring with the new meds and I'm not too sure that it works yet.
ReplyDeleteMy eyes used to glaze over when groomed. Doesn't happen too often these days.
Mm, me too!
DeleteI bought a big bag of Charcoal this morning. The checkout girl laughed, and called me an optimist!
ReplyDeleteIt's going to get better after tomorrow. Isn't it? Please.
DeleteWe're due some rain too and we need it. I don't let my cat outside because of the prevalence of fleas and ticks. We treat her for them, but I prefer she not get them.
ReplyDeleteWe could do with a good downpour here in the Uk. Very warm and sunny today and the soil is so dry.
ReplyDeleteVery soggy underfoot here now. Hoping for some sunshine at the end of the week.
DeleteSunny, but a cold wind here at the moment, almost gale force at times, but when it drops it's warm, probably about 25º.
ReplyDeleteAll our dogs have worn Scalibor collars, which prevent tick and flea bites. It's effective for six months and I make sure Inca wears one all year round. They cost about 25 euros here for the largest 65 cm. size. She also has an anti-leishmaniosis injection every year, and a Bravecto tablet every 90 days. Probably a bit belt and braces, but better safe than sorry. So far we haven't had problems with the Labs. over the 18 years we've been living here. The only trouble we had was when Duke, our little Spaniel X, was stung by a processionary caterpillar when he was a puppy. Fortunately he suffered no lasting effects. The vet told us then, that young dogs are often stung because they are inquisitive. This year I haven't seen any caterpillars at all, which is most unusual, as the nests have been hanging from the pine trees in the garden below.
Rick has the Bravecto tablet too, it's easier and less messy than the liquid stuff. I think we missed the caterpillars this year by coming out later.
DeleteI think our rain is done for the year, other than a potential rogue Mexican storm or two...
ReplyDeleteSpring here is always a mixture of rain and sunshine. At the moment there seems to be more rain than sunshine.
DeleteIt is lovely here. Very windy, sunny and dry. Beautiful. Washed all the bedding this afternoon when I got back and all back in and dry in an hour.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll come back to England, it's still raining here.
DeleteAnother glorious sunny morning here today! Your area sounds horrendous for the dog. Glad we don't have to put up with all those hazards. I wish mine would "lie back and think of England" and let me get a brush within 2 feet of him! I only have to pick up the comb and he is off. I should have persevered more when he was little I guess. He is a mini schnauzer and only really needs his face and legs combing.
ReplyDeleteOnce the meadows have been cut it will be a lot nicer for dog walking here. There are miles of trails through the woodland here so it's pretty good really. Do you get your dog cut regularly?
Deleteps I have seen your comments for years on various blogs.....Cro, Rachel, John et al, but for some reason never come to read you until now....so Hello....I am also Sue actually!
ReplyDeleteHello Sue, lovely to have you here.
DeleteYes, he has a " hair cut" about every 7 weeks. Due next week. He disappeared into the woods yesterday for ages and came back with what smelt and looked like dog poo all over his face and neck and collar ! Eeuw ! A thorough shower when we got back was the order of the day!
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