10 Effective Natural Home Remedies For Dogs
We always want our dogs to be as happy and healthy as possible, but what when our best buddies are feeling a little bit under weather, it’s best to give them the best possible care asap. While visiting your vet is your go-to person in times like these, you can also rely on natural home remedies for dogs.
As long as what your dog is experiencing are minor ailments like dry and itchy skin or ticks and fleas, you can rely on alternative solutions approved by vets. These are often readily available in many homes, are safe and can provide relief minus the expensive bill.
We all know that pet treatments can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Why spend that much money if you can easily address minor issues with products that are natural, cheap and safe.
We have collected the best and approved natural home remedies and tips on how to use them effectively. Check them out below!
Vitamin E Oil for dry skin
Vitamin E Oil is excellent in moisturizing your dog’s dry skin. You can also use this as an added protection against the harmful UV radiation. Dogs who love spending lots of time outdoors can benefit from Vitamin E.
Apple Cider and Vinegar Mix for fleas, mites and fungi
If your dog has fleas and mites, you can use unfiltered apple cider and vinegar mix. Simply mix equal parts of the two and mix with water. Put the mix on a spray bottle and apply two times a day until your dog stops itching.
The solution may sting especially if the mix comes in contact with wounds or broken skin. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks – around the same time you can see results.
Coconut Oil for itchy, dry and flaky coat, skin and paw pads
Coconut oil has fatty acids that help repair and moisturize damaged skin. Apply coconut oil on the itchy, dry and flaky skin, coat and your dog’s paw pads if they are cracked and dry.
Coconut oil can also be taken orally. Dosage depends on your dog’s age and size, so it will be best to ask your trusted vet for advice.
Dishwashing Liquid, Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda for skunky smell
Some dogs find themselves in unfortunate encounters with skunks. While the symptoms can include sneezing, swelling and redness to name a few, one of the undeniable evidence would be that horrible smell.
To remove the offensive smell that got stuck on your dog’s fur, mix a small squirt of1/3 cup of baking soda, four cups of hydrogen peroxide. Apply liberally on your dog your dog’s coat and everything that came in contact with the skunk. Leave on for about five minutes before rinsing well. Repeat for as long as necessary.
Epsom Salts for sores, sprains and strains
If your dog has a wound, soaking the affected area in water with Epsom salt promote cleaning and healing. If there is an abscess, the soak will open it and drain the abscess. This will aid in relieving the pressure in your dog’s wound and allows it to heal.
Simply mix Epsom Salts and warm water to create a soak. Let your dog relax on the soak for about 10 minutes. Do this three times daily.
If your dog just got home after a rigorous play or dog training, you can give him some Tender Loving Care. Let your canine buddy soak on a warm bath with 1/2 cup Epsom Salt for five minutes and do this twice a day. Not a fan of bath soaks? Dip a clean washcloth on the solution and apply directly on the local area.
Chamomile Tea for minor rashes, irritations and upset stomach
If you love chamomile tea, then you’d probably have this stocked up in your home. The good news is your favorite drink can help soothe your dog’s upset stomach and treat minor rashes and irritations.
There are many ways to get your dog to ingest chamomile tea. For dogs with an upset stomach, you can always add it to your dog’s food and drinks. If your furry friend doesn’t like the taste, you can always use a syringe to squirt the chamomile tea into his mouth. To soother skin irritation and rashes, brew a strong chamomile tea, refrigerate and transfer to a spray bottle. Spray liberally on affected areas once cooled.
Neem, Cinnamon and Peppermint Oil for bad breath
If your dog’s breath smells pretty bad and he has no serious dental issues, you can try many items to get rid of the problem. To freshen up his breath, you can use Neem, Cinnamon and Peppermint Oil.
For peppermint oil add a drop or two on your dog’s water bowl. To use neem, add the little black capsule on your dog’s food bowl two times a week. As for cinnamon, add a sprinkle of this on your dog’s meals in every feeding.
Aloe Vera for Hot Spots
Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial properties that can help soothe itchy hot spots. However, it would be best to ask your vet’s advice for the best aloe vera cream for your dog.
These are just some of the effective natural home remedies you can use for your favorite dog. Now, you know which items you can use on some of the most common minor ailment your dog can have. While these are considered to be safe for dogs, it is always advisable to let your vet know any home treatments you give to your canine buddy.
References:
Pet MD, Dogster, Pet Well-being, Vets All Natural, Wide Open Pets