Dogs are the most loyal animals you can keep as pet therefore most pet owners tend to spend a lot to keep their dogs in good health. Medical and sometimes surgical treatments for dogs are usually pricey. Besides, it is an undeniable fact that most dog owners always want the best for their pet. Meanwhile, you can save lots of money by learning certain helpful home remedies that can come in handy over time.
Every dog experiences health issues irrespective of its age. You can easily find information on holistapet.com on some general health issues that affect dogs. In addition to taking your dog to the vet for checkup at least once a year, check out these beneficial tips for treating common dog diseases at home:
Natural Home Remedies for Dogs
Although, some health issues are specific to certain breeds; the following are natural home remedies that can be helpful in treating health issues that your dog may face:
Grooming
There are certain symptoms that may suggest that your dog has developed a skin problem; they include rashes, dry skin, skin sores and constant scratching. Some causes of dry skin are:
- Lack of proper grooming
- Poor nutrition
- Reactions to food or shampoos
- Parasites like ticks, mites and fleas
The best way to prevent dry skin is grooming, either daily or weekly. Proper distribution of the natural skin oils around your dog can only be achieved through grooming.
Avoid giving your dog extra baths on a regular basis if you want a healthy and clean skin for it. In some cases however, itchy skin may require extra baths for your dog. If the skin problem persists, take your dog to the vet for adequate diagnosis and treatment.
Cleaning The Dog’s Ears
Ear infection is a common issue that dogs suffer from. It is usually found in breeds with floppy ears or long-eared breeds. Pains, irritation, itchiness, swelling, redness, and crusting may occur in your dog’s ears. If you want to find out more about ear diseases, check here: https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/.
Most times, infection in the ears may cause discharge or odor. The best remedy to this is cleaning your dogs’ ears daily to avoid them constantly shaking their heads as a result of irritation.
Proper Diet
Hair loss in dogs is very common and there are various causes. Sometimes, it may be a symptom of a severe illness. Most times, hair loss occurs as result of food allergies. Ensure that you avoid food that causes allergic reaction in your dog. Your dog needs nutrients like vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids to keep their skin moisturized. Some oils like fish oil or coconut oil should be added to their food for a shiny skin. Â Apart from feeding your dog hypoallergenic food, ensure to bathe your dog regularly and if the problem persists, visit the vet for the checkup.
High-Fiber Diet and Wet Food
Just as human beings suffer upset stomach and constipation, dogs do too. It is usually an uncomfortable sight when your dog throws up. It may be a symptom of serious health problem, improper digestion or lack of fluids. Diarrhea is usually accompanied by vomiting. Recurring diarrhea may be a sign of dehydration or bacterial infection. It is advisable to feed your dog foods that are high in fiber so it can soften the feces and make it easier for your dog to stool. Foods that can boost your dog’s fiber levels include ginger, pumpkin, chicken or beef broth and grains.
On the other hand, wet dog food and healthy oils like coconut oil may help reduce constipation.
Home Made Lemon Spray
Fleas are one of the prevalent issues that affect dogs, regardless of age. If you have a dog that is not an indoor dog or always active, they may come in contact with an already infected animal or fellow dog. Fleas can cause itching, scratching and inflammation all over a dog’s body. The most assured way to keep your dog from fleas is to keep your dog groomed and bathed. Homemade citrus spray is recommended as a natural remedy. Citrus scents are inimical to fleas; therefore lemon mix can be made and put inside a spray bottle to kill them.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The acidity of apple cider vinegar is great for preventing fleas on or around your dog. Add a little quantity of apple cider vinegar in water and apply the mixture on your dog.
Flea Combs
Flea combs are readily available tools that are used to brush out fleas from dogs. Never forget to use a flea comb whenever you observe symptoms of fleas on your dog. The teeth of the comb can eliminate the fleas and their eggs from the skin of your dog. Remember to rinse off the comb after use.
Oatmeal Bath
Among all natural home remedies, the oatmeal bath is renowned for treating skin problems. Whenever you suspect your dog has skin issues, prepare a bath for it, blend up some oatmeal and add to the bathwater, and let it soak in the bath for 15 minutes. Oatmeal contains antioxidants that removes dandruff flakes and allow the balance of natural skin oils on your dog.
Exercise and Limitation Of Table Scraps
Most dogs suffer from obesity. It may be due to age, lack of exercise, overfeeding, genetic predisposition and so on. A good home remedy for an overweight dog is exercise to help it stay healthy. Exercise options include playing with toys or a dog walk. Also limit giving your dog extra food/ treats – in order to keep their weight in check.
You can also find other health conditions your dog may face here.
Conclusion
Bear in mind that home remedies are not meant to substitute vet care or checkups but they are easy ways to aid your dog’s comfort and reduce the cost of going to the vet. We have discussed some home remedies for common health issues that dogs face. These remedies would go a long way to help you cut cost on vet visits/medical bills.