What are some natural remedies for common dog ailments?
If you’re a dog owner, you know how important it is to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. But sometimes, even with the best care possible, dogs can suffer from common ailments like itching, ear infections, and upset stomachs.
Fortunately, there are natural remedies that can help alleviate these issues without resorting to expensive vet visits or prescription medication. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most effective natural remedies for common dog ailments so you can keep your pup feeling their best!
Introduction
![German shepherd standing on mountain](https://doggearblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/tby61cbbjg8-1024x682.jpg)
There are many natural remedies for common dog ailments, and your veterinarian will be able to recommend the most appropriate ones.
Here are four popular options:
1] Homemade remedies: Many pet owners swear by homemade remedies for their dogs. Make a bouillon or broth from boiled chicken or beef bones, add fresh vegetables, and let it cool before giving it to your pet. You can also brew up a pot of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice remedies to help treat things like fleas and ear infections.
2] Herbal remedies: For problems like allergies and respiratory issues, give your dog supplements of herbs like chamomile and echinacea. Speak with your veterinarian beforehand though; some herbal remedies can have dangerous side effects if not used correctly.
3] Homeopathic treatments: These treatments use very small amounts of somewhat poisonous substances to cure illnesses in animals. Homeopaths believe that the substances help restore balance in the body, leading to improved health. Speak with your veterinarian about which homeopathic remedy might be best for your pet’s ailment.
4] Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medicine believes that energy (chi) flows through various pathways in the body, causing illness when these pathways become blocked or out of balance. Acupuncture uses tiny needles to stimulate specific points on the body in an effort to unblock chi and restore health harmony.
How to Treat Common Dog Ailments with Natural Remedies
If you are like most pet owners, you have probably tried a variety of home remedies to treat your dog’s ailments. From treating ear infection with a vinegar and water solution to curing a cold with activated charcoal and chicken soup, there are many effective natural remedies for common dog ailments.
Here are some of the most popular natural remedies for common dog ailments:
Ear Infections: Dogs get ear infections from bacteria that gets into their ears through the external auditory canal (ETC). To treat an infected dog’s ETC, fill a small bowl with warm water and add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or vitamin C powder. Soak a cloth in the solution and place it over the dog’s ETC several times per day. If your dog is experiencing severe ear pain or discharge, see your veterinarian for antibiotics or other treatment.
Fleas: Fleas can be annoying but they can also be dangerous if not treated correctly. Use organic detective spray when investigating flea infestations, such as pyrethrum compounds (e.g., 1 part pyrethrum to 9 parts water), diatomaceous earth (1 part diatomaceous earth to 10 parts water), hot pepper gel (Dylox), or DEET formulations registered for use on dogs (such as Avon SC-10+25% DEET, Cropland EC-10+40%, Frontline Plus economic Cedarwood 40%/60%). Apply these products to all areas of the infested pet, including the undercarriage, sleeping areas, and playing areas. If your dog becomes sick after being infested, see your veterinarian for treatment.
Canine Cough: One of the most common dog ailments is a cough. Coughing is usually a sign of a more serious condition, so if your dog is coughing up blood or has difficulty breathing, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. To treat a cough in dogs, give them liquids (water or broth) and sugar-free syrups (e.g., Pedialyte), take ibuprofen or recommend over-the-counter cough products such as Relafen© RXD with Dextrose and Pseudoephedrine Syrup (62/38), Halls Cough & Cold Tablets (for dogs 6 months of age and older), or Dry Max© Tablets (both for dogs 6 months of age and older).
Ear Infections in Dogs: If persisted for two weeks without proper treatment or if accompanied by fever, discharge from the ear, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and headache, consult a veterinarian. Radiographs may be required to rule out foreign objects that obstruct the ETC.
Causes of Common Dog Ailments
Common dog ailments can be caused by a variety of things, including environmental factors and genetic disposition.
Some common causes of dog illnesses include:
- Fleas • Worms • Ear infections • Respiratory problems, such as excessive coughing or sneezing • Gastrointestinal upsets, such as diarrhea or vomiting • Systemic diseases, such as bronchitis or meningitis
Depending on the cause, treatment for a particular dog ailment may vary. For example, flea and tick treatments often involve applying topical solutions to the dog’s skin, while medications for gastrointestinal problems may require ingestion.
Natural Remedies for Common Dog Ailments
![shallow focus photography of adult fawn pug](https://doggearblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/xpeiaprxoxm-1024x685.jpg)
There are many natural remedies for common dog ailments, but it’s important to consult with your vet first to be sure that the remedy is safe and effective for your pet.
Some of the most popular remedies include:
1] homeopathy: Many homeopaths believe in using remedies that contain a small amount of the actual substance that is causing the dog’s illness in an effort to stimulate the body’s own healing process. This can take time, so always consult with your veterinarian before starting any homeopathic treatment.
2] herbalism: Herbalism is another popular option for treating common dog ailments. Many herbs have been used to treat animals and humans for centuries, and there is no evidence to suggest that any of them are harmful when taken in moderation. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any herbal remedy, as some may not be safe for dogs.
3] hydrogen peroxide: One of the simplest and most common remedies for common dog ailments is hydrogen peroxide. This household cleaner can be applied topically or taken orally as a dietary supplement to fight infection and inflammation. Make sure to dilute hydrogen peroxide before using it on your pet, as too much could be harmful .
4] petroleum jelly: Another common remedy for common dog ailments is petroleum jelly. This slippery substance can be applied topically to fight infection and provide relief from dryness and itching. Always consult with your veterinarian before applying petroleum jelly to a pet’s skin, as it may not be safe for them.
How to Treat Urinary Tract
There are many natural remedies for common dog ailments, and fortunately, most of them are easy to find and inexpensive. You can treat most common problems with a combination of foods, supplements, and topical applications.
Foods: Give your dog a high-quality diet that includes plenty of proteins, fiber, and vitamins. Make sure to feed your dog fresh food as much as possible to avoid illness. Avoid feeding your dog processed or artificial foods, which can contain harmful chemicals.
Supplements: Supplement your dog’s diet with joint supplements (for example glucosamine), probiotics (for gut health), and omega-3 fatty acids (for brain development). Probiotics help improve the overall gut flora while omega-3 fatty acids help protect against heart disease and other chronic diseases.
Topical Applications: Apply topical applications to the skin where infections occur (for example Neosporin for cuts and wounds). Applying topical antibiotics every day will help prevent infection from spreading throughout the body.
Infections in Dogs
There are many infections in dogs and treating them with natural remedies is often successful. One common infection is Kennel Cough, which is caused by a virus. Many natural remedies for Kennel Cough are available online or in the store. These include items such as eucalyptus oil, garlic, herbs, and over-the-counter medications.
Some other common infections in dogs include Lyme disease, which is caused by a bacteria, Factitial Pneumonia, Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract, Ehrlichiosis muridarum canine malarial infection contracted from infected ticks , and Canine Viral Encephalitis, which is caused by a virus. There are many treatments available for these infections, including prescription medications, over-the-counter antibiotics, and natural remedies.
How to Treat Stomachaches in Dogs
If your dog is suffering from a stomachache, there are a few natural remedies you can try. First, make sure they have enough fluids. Give them a drink of water or broth, and offer them food if they seem hungry. This will help to restore their water and electrolyte balance, which can relieve their stomachache.
If the stomachache is due to dietary causes such as eating too much rawhide or bones, try changing their diet to one made mostly of fresh foods. You can also give them omeprazole (Prilosec), an over-the-counter medication used to treat heartburn in people, in small doses if needed. If the stomachache is due to a non-dietary cause such as an infection or irritation, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe antibiotics or other treatments.
How to Treat Cough in Dogs
Coughing in dogs can be a real problem. It can be especially troublesome when it keeps recurring, or when it’s particularly severe. In general, there are three main approaches that you can use to try to alleviate a dog’s cough: over the counter treatments, medication, and home remedies.
Over the Counter Treatments:
There are many over the counter treatments for dogs with coughs, but the most common are ibuprofen and codeine. These medications help to reduce inflammation and pain, which is why they are often so effective at relieving coughing. If your dog is taking medication for their cough, be sure to give them enough water so that they don’t become dehydrated as well.
Home Remedies:
There are a number of home remedies that have been proven to be helpful for dogs with coughs. Some of these include giving your dog honey and lemon juice, administering steam inhalations (by boiling water in a pot and putting it near your dog), using humidifiers to add moisture to the air your dog breathes, and giving your dog lots of cool water to drink. Just be sure to check with your veterinarian before using any home remedies if your dog is currently taking any medications for their cough.
Conclusion
When it comes to dog health, there are plenty of natural remedies out there that can help to curing common ailments like fleas and ticks. If you’re looking for a quick fix or something more long-term, these remedies should be able to suit your needs!