First and foremost, when your dog is feeling under the weather or acting out of the ordinary, your vet should be the first person you call. Seemingly minor symptoms may be indicative of a serious underlying medical condition, in which case do-it-yourself remedies could be ineffective. But if your dog has a minor ailment, such as dry skin or a mild upset stomach, some home remedies can do the trick! Here are five simple, vet-approved home pet remedies that can provide relief for your canine companion.
Yogurt Can Be Great for Upset Stomachs
Plain yogurt can be a healthy treat for your pup! The probiotics in the organisms in the yogurt may also help keep the bacteria in your dog’s intestines in balance. Probiotic supplements for dogs are widely available through veterinarians and over-the-counter. Use remedies from reputable companies that have the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal on the label to make sure that you are purchasing a safe and effective product.
Oatmeal for Itchy Skin
An old remedy for itchy skin is oatmeal baths. This is because oatmeal contains compounds called avenanthramides and phenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Pets with skin allergies and superficial infections get immediate relief from oatmeal. To create your own remedy, you’ll want to grind the oatmeal to a fine powder and mix it with water to apply it to hot spots or inflamed areas. If your dog tolerates baths, you can add the oatmeal formula to warm water. Then let your dog soak for five to 10 minutes and time to dry!
Use Epsom Salts for Sore Muscles
You might use magnesium-rich Epsom salts to relieve sore muscles. They have anti-inflammatory properties and are also useful for soaking and cleaning wounds.
To create a bath for your dog, mix the Epsom salts with warm water and soak your dog for five to 10 minutes, three times a day.
Coconut for Flea Prevention
Coconut oil is not only for cooking, but it’s a great oil for flea prevention! You can either give it to your dog orally or apply it externally to his coat. Look for an oil that has a higher lauric acid content. Many inferior coconut oils have very low lauric acid content and won’t work as well. Keep in mind that while natural options like these may help repel fleas, they are unlikely to solve a full-blown infestation on their own.
Doggy Daycare for Loneliness
A dog’s happiness is as important as any other part of its health. They need social interaction to help them navigate the world and be healthy pups. At the ranch, we help cure loneliness by giving your dog a safe environment to interact with other dogs during the day.
