6 Home Remedies for Dogs that Every Owner Should Know About
Every owner wishes they could have superpowers when they see their best friend struggling. Imagine being able to open the kitchen cupboard or go into your garden and find a cure-all that instantly relieves your dog’s discomfort, whether it’s itchy skin, fleas or an upset stomach. It turns out there are a few tricks that might make this scenario possible. We’ve put together a handy list of home remedies for dogs to help whenever your pooch feels a bit under the weather. But before we dive in, we have a word of caution regarding the use of DIY solutions to fix dog health problems.
Home remedies for dogs should never replace a visit to the vet
If your dog is poorly, you should call your vet straight away. Even mild symptoms can hide big problems, so it’s better to rule out any serious concerns as soon as possible. Many teas, oils and tinctures have built a reputation over the years as being beneficial to our furry friends, but it’s always best to check with the vet before using them.
They could prove to be the solution you’ve been looking for or they could do more harm than good. Your vet will be able to point you in the right direction.
Home remedies for dog skin allergies and itching
Oatmeal baths might be the best kept secret when it comes to relieving your pet’s itchy skin. Dog skin allergies are as uncomfortable for your pup as they sound. Whatever extra help you can give them besides the vet-approved medication, surely, they’ll appreciate it. All you have to do is grind oats into a fine powder using a blender and then pour them into your dog’s bath water. If your pet is not a fan of bath time, you can use the fine oat powder as a topical ointment. Just mix them with a bit of water and apply to red skin areas.
Dog diarrhoea home remedy
Don’t let an upset stomach ruin you or your dog’s day. Fortunately, there are a few cupboard cures or at least temporary solutions for diarrhoea that you can try until you can book an appointment at the vet. Offering them rice water (the water drained off of plain boiled rice), pumpkin seeds or a dollop of yoghurt may help alleviate diarrhoea in dogs. But monitor your dog closely if you decide to go the home-remedy route, especially when it comes to yoghurt. It’s also best to check with your vet before administering these home remedies.
Home remedies for fleas on dogs
Home remedies are not as effective for fleas as proper flea treatments, so don’t skip that first. But you can try some additional remedies to make doubly sure! Rub a little bit of lemon juice on your pet’s fur and these annoying little insects might have a change of heart and go find another host to bother. Another good home remedy for dog fleas is apple cider vinegar. Mix it with water and apply it to your dog’s fur. Whether you choose lemon or vinegar, make sure it doesn’t get into your dog’s eyes and keep it away from any scratches or wounds.
Home remedies for cleaning dogs’ ears
Apple cider vinegar has another impressive use as an ear cleaner for your dog, provided you mix it with water first. For owners with canines that boast long, floppy ears this is an especially helpful trick. Just make sure you ask your vet first and check out our helpful guide for more tips on how to take care of your dog’s ears.
Home remedies for wounds on dogs
If your dog has ended the day’s adventures with a new wound that needs nursing, Epsom salts might be the cupboard cure that does the trick. This popular home remedy for dogs works as a gentle cleanser for fresh wounds. Mix the Epsom salts with warm water and apply the solution to the affected area. However, keep in mind that this solution can only be used for minor wounds. Don’t hesitate to ask your vet for help as wounds can quickly get infected and pose a danger to your dog’s health.
Home remedies for dogs suffering from sunburn
Summertime comes with lots of fun dog walks and plenty of sun, which means sunburns can easily affect your pet. If that’s the case, the best thing to do is to try to soothe the skin with cold water compresses. Aloe vera is another potent remedy when applied directly to the affected areas. But remember, prevention is better and easier when it comes to dog sunburn. So, make sure you apply dog sunscreen, avoid long walks in the sun—especially in the middle of the day, and aim to take your adventures to areas that offer plenty of shade.
These are some of the most popular home remedies for dogs suffering from mild medical inconveniences such as fleas or a minor wound. It’s always best to leave bigger health issues for the vet to fix. Remember to always keep your dog under close observation whenever you try a new solution. If it works, you’ve earned extra brownie points for being an awesome owner. But if the home remedy doesn’t work or your pet has a strange reaction to it, you should stop straight away and call your vet for help instead.
We hope you find these tips helpful. Make sure to always consult your vet before trying a natural remedy for your dog.
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