6 Home Remedies For Dogs: Fleas, Dry Skin, Cuts & More
Dogs can suffer from some of the same simple ailments as people, and not all health problems require the attention of a vet.
If your dog is having a minor health problem, simple and affordable remedies may be as close as your medicine cabinet or pantry.
We’ve compiled these homemade remedies for six common ailments that are sure to get your dog healthy and happy again.
1. Dry Itchy Skin:
Vitamin E is great for your dog's dry skin. You can apply Vitamin E directly to the skin and massage it in, or you can add it to his bath water and give him a vitamin infused soak.
An alternative to Vitamin E is coconut oil. Coconut oil is easily absorbed so it won’t leave your dog greasy and is healthy for his immune system. Simply massage into the skin or dry patches. It is also great for dry cracked paws and nose.
Seeped and chilled chamomile tea sprayed onto your dog’s skin can be very calming as well as soothing to an uncomfortable dog.
Oatmeal baths work as well on dogs as people. Grind oatmeal into a fine powder in your blender, or use baby food oatmeal, and pour into a warm bath to sooth dry, itchy, or irritated skin.
2. Diarrhea or Vomiting:
Ginger cookies can calm an upset tummy and are safe for dogs. These work well for dogs that suffer from travel sickness. Ginger is full of vitamins and minerals too.
Unflavored electrolyte-replacing liquids, such as pediatric drinks can help settle your dog’s stomach and replenish the body with much needed fluids. Your vet can guide you in the appropriate dosage for your dog.
Probiotic supplements or yogurt help keep the good bacteria in your dog’s intestines in balance while removing the bad.
Plain canned pumpkin can help remedy diarrhea from common stomach upset.
Bland meals of boiled chicken and steamed rice can also calm an upset stomach.
3. Minor Cuts and Swelling:
For the occasional minor cut or swelling, Epsom salt soaks are great. Soak the affected area in a warm Epsom salt bath twice a day. Small cuts should also be treated with antibacterial products, such as Neosporin. Deep cuts or cuts that continue to bleed should be seen by a vet.
4. Rough Sore Paws:
Sooth, rough irritated paws by massaging coconut oil into the pads. Naturally antimicrobial, the treatment will help heal scratches and abrasions.
5. Fleas Repellent:
To kill fleas in your home, sprinkle common Borax powder, then vacuum. Invisible borax crystals will be left behind and kill the fleas that hatch.
Lemon water and apple cider vinegar are also natural flea repellents. Simply add a few drops of lemon essential oil to a spray bottle with water and mist on dog bedding and areas where your pets play.
6. Induce Vomiting:
If you must induce vomiting, first be 100% sure it is the proper first aid protocol. Inducing vomiting after ingesting certain products or poisons may cause harm to the esophagus. But, if you need to induce vomiting, hydrogen peroxide can be safely used. Feed 1 teaspoon for every 5 pounds of body weight. May be repeated once and would be a good idea to contact your vet.
