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I am a big believer in taking care of my furry babies when they are sick. However, I have also come to understand that being green means that I can find at-home remedies for them as well as for myself. Common sense is key and understanding a variety of dog-related sicknesses will help us all to determine whether we can take care of it or if it’s time to make that trip to the REAL vet! I just know that my “pups” do not like the vet. It stresses them and stresses me as well. I have come to realize they experience pretty much the same anxiety I experience when I know I have to make that dreaded trip….
Here are a few remedies and precautions you may want to try at home for a number of common ailments.:
Hot spots – Tea tree oil / Apple Cider vinegar
Sore paws – soap and water-make sure to dry feet thoroughly.
Fleas – apple cider vinegar (Add a bit of apple cider vinegar to your pet’s drinking water-fleas don’t like it!) Boiled lemon tea ( this is helpful but not a cure) Tea Tree Oil
Ear infection/ Ear Mites – (A few drops of apple cider vinegar) / vinegar applied to the outer cartilage of the ear
Upset stomach – cooked plain white rice/ plain yogurt
Parasites – garlic (A few bits of fresh garlic or 1/4 teaspoon processed garlic mixed with food)
Vomiting/gas – plain yogurt mixed with their food
Coughing – Honey on a piece of bread ( lessens throat irritation)
Itchy paws – Soak in Epsom salts and water
Insect bites – apply water and baking soda
Constipation/ Diarrhea – Canned Pumpkin / Mineral Oil / Bran
Dog Odor – a tbsp of vinegar in the bath water/ brush with some baking soda
Bleeding from the nail – stick it in some flour
Arthritis – Glucosamine and Condroitin
Bad breath – a few drops of peppermint oil
Dandruff – Coconut oil/ apple cider vinegar
And now for my favorite…Aloe Vera. I use Aloe Vera ( otherwise know as the medicine or burn plant) for myself and the doggies. It’s soothing effect is great for hot spots, bites, burns and other skin irritations. It’s non-toxic and no worries if licked or ingested! The beauty in Aloe Vera is that it has a bitter taste so licking normally does not seem so fun after all:)
I am not a vet, but I am a great believer in not running to the vet for everything! I take precautions, watch their moods and behaviours carefully, do not let symptoms persist too long, and take a look at their eating, pooping, drinking, playing behaviours….I basically judge my trip to the vet as I would my own trip to the doctor.
PS: You can also use many of these remedies on yourself as well:)
