Homeopathic Remedies for Dogs
Sometimes, the natural way is the best way! When your pet experiences minor bodily disturbances, a natural, at-home solution can be the easiest and most effective remedy. Here are Pet Shield‘s top natural remedies for dogs:
Poison Control
It’s very important to contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately to help determine the level of toxicity affecting your pet. Poisonous substances are 100% no joke, and can cause death or other serious health issues. You may consider using hydrogen peroxide, a gastric irritant, to induce vomiting, but first make sure to ask about doing so during your consultation. There are some situations where inducing vomiting can make things worse by increasing damage to your pet’s esophagus. For mild cases of toxicity, Milk of Magnesia can help induce bowel movements.
Stomach Issues
Canned pumpkin with no added spices can help with your pet’s constipation. You can also add a bit of extra fiber (like Metamucil), broccoli, or diced prunes. For more severe cases, add a tablespoon of Milk of Magnesia to pet food. For muscle spasms and cramps, try Chamomile, which helps soothe the stomach. Chamomile tea can be added to dog food or your dog’s water bowl, or given by mouth with a syringe.
Minor Wounds
We at Pet Shield suggest using lavender oil for minor cuts or sores. It’s one of the most popular essential oils around the world, has a long list of benefits, and is gentle enough to be applied directly to the skin. Make sure to clean the wound first with mild soap and water, then keep it dry before applying the oil. More severe wounds, like bite wounds, will likely require a trip to the vet, antibiotics, or even surgery.
Cracked Paws
Shea butter and beeswax are great solutions for soothing and smoothing cracked skin, and locking in moisture. Rubbing wither of these into your pet’s cracked paws should provide some relief. Another option is Vitamin E cream for paws, or, if your pet doesn’t mind baths, try adding Vitamin E oil to the bath. Just make sure that your pet doesn’t drink the water.
Anxiety/Stress
Many of us can recognize the unpleasantness anxiety brings to our physical and mental well-being. Lightning storms are a common fear for pets, but helping to lessen that fear can make the situation much easier on your furry friend. Some dogs suffer extreme thunderstorm anxiety. If this is the case for your dog, contact your vet to discuss their options. Safe, natural supplements like Zylkene can be very effective during thunderstorms, and can be given whenever you think a storm is coming.
Rough, Dry Coat
You can add some Omega-3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet to restore their coat’s natural oils. Look for liquid Omega-3 products that are free of mercury and other possible toxins. We at Pet Shield recommend checking with your vet for best type and dosage for your dog. Applying a dab of Vitamin E oil can also help soothe your pet’s dry skin. For a more persistent itch that doesn’t seem to be caused by fleas or ticks, try using a chamomile tea spritz. Prepare the tea as usual and allow it to cool before transferring to a BPA-free spray bottle and refrigerating for 3-5 days.
Bee Stings
You can treat bee stings by removing the stinger, then applying a baking soda paste consisting of one teaspoon of baking soda, cold water, and vinegar, to the affected area. Leave the paste on for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. If you have difficulty initially removing the stinger, try running a card or against the area to uproot it. If your dog has an allergic reaction to the sting, consult your vet, then you may administer one dosage of Benadryl every six hours.
Bad Breath
This one is short and sweet (literally)! After ruling out any serious dental issues like gingivitis or a broken tooth, you can add a couple drops of peppermint or spearmint oil into your dog’s water bowl to freshen their breath.
