Paw-some Dog Soap: Sales go through the ‘woof’

It began as a lockdown project for two young Waihi Beach brothers wanting to wash their dirty doggo and is now a fully- edged pocket-money making business.

“It’s a bit of a happy accident,” explains mum, Roxy Whiteman.

“We couldn’t go out to buy dog shampoo for our rottweiler Lily.

“John and Nathan watched endless YouTube videos to learn how to make soap.

“It’s been a real journey.” e boys embarked on a series of science lessons; learning about natural ingredients, pH levels and what was good for di erent dogs’ skins.

“And then the soap got tested on their baby sister,” jokes Roxy.

Now, their 100 per cent natural handmade dog soap is sold on their website as well as in several local stores. e main ingredients are coconut and olive oils, then the natural antiparasitic, neem, is added to kill eas, and other ingredients like sweet almond and geranium essential oils to soften the skin.

“We found out that some dogs’ skins are more sensitive so they can’t have tea tree oil as an antiseptic and so we made a puppy soap with lavender instead,” says eleven-year-old John Graham. “We had to research what is in soap that makes it clean things, like citric acid. We don’t handle the caustic soda. Mum helps us with that.” Graham Brothers Co has even made a new product: dad soap, that’s made with co ee grinds. e boys have learned about running a business and having enough supply at the right time.

“It takes about half an hour to mix up all the ingredients,” says nine-year-old Nathan Graham.

“But then the soap bars need to cure for about four weeks.”

Roxy says she’s proud of her sons’ e orts to raise their own pocket money. John recently took an order and drafted up an invoice on the way to school. He’s currently saving up for a new Playstation.

“John is remarkable, and he keeps his little brother enthused. “ ey work together well,” says Roxy. “ eir dog soap business has created a vessel for them to be independent. If they want something, they gure out how much soap they need to make to get it.”

Debbie Griffiths

Watch out for rat bait with your dogs

In recent months, we have seen a concerningly sharp rise in the number of dogs we are treating for rat bait toxicity.

e most common rodenticide in New Zealand contains the active ingredient brodifacoum which is an anticoagulant.

Clinical signs may not be noticed until several days after the bait is ingested. Bleeding is often internal. Sometimes the only signs you may notice are lethargy, pale gums, decreased appetite, and/or an increased respiratory rate.

An in-house blood test is used to con rm rodenticide toxicity. If diagnosed promptly, and treated aggressively, most dogs should survive from rodenticide toxicity. Treatment involves supplementation of Vitamin K, intravenous uids, strict con nement/ hospitalisation until bleeding is controlled. A blood transfusion is often needed if your dog has lost a considerable amount of blood.

On that note, we have a register of blood donor dogs, but we could always do with more dogs.

If you would like your dog added to the register, please contact our team. e criteria for a donor dog is over 25kg, good body condition (not obese), not currently on any medication, aged between 2-8 years old, and have a good temperament. Rodenticides have a high fatality rate if left untreated, so please seek immediate veterinary advice if you suspect your dog may have been exposed.