Seven Home Remedies if Your Dog is Sick
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Dogs, like humans, get sick from time to time. They also get cuts, bruises, stings, you name it. But sometimes we don’t always have the option or time to get our dogs to the vet. So while we’re waiting on our appointments we don’t just have to sit around while our dogs are suffering. There are actions we can take to help alleviate pain, discomfort, and illnesses in our dogs. And in many cases we might even be able to avoid a trip to the vet altogether. Which is why we turned to PetMD for a fantastic list of seven home remedies that we’re going to share with you in the pages to follow. Best of luck!
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Try some Vitamin E for dry skin
Vitamin E is a solid product for preventing dry skin in your dog. You can give your dog a massage by applying vitamin E oil directly to the skin, a soaking bath with vitamin E added to the water, or you can give your dog the pill orally. If you give the vitamin orally, check with your vet on the recommended dosage for your specific dog breed.
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Keeping your Pup Hydrated During Sickness
Flavorless electrolyte-replacing liquids, such as sports waters or pediatric drinks, not only help athletes to replenish fluids, and babies to rehydrate after an illness, they can also supply your sick dog’s body with much needed fluids after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting. However always consult your vet as to how much you can give your dog.
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Give Your Dog Yogurt
Plain yogurt is a healthy treat for your dog. Just as with humans, the live acidophilus in the yogurt keeps the good bacteria in your dog’s intestines in balance, so that bad bacteria is swiftly knocked out. If your dog is on antibiotics, a little yogurt will also help keep yeast infections at bay (a common side-effect of antibiotic treatment). Puppies are especially prone to yeast infections, so a little plain yogurt as a snack (or even dessert) can help keep things in balance.
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For an Upset Stomach Try Tea
Chamomile tea uses the natural disinfecting effects of the chamomile plant to settle upset stomachs in dogs. It is recommended for colic, gas, and anxiety. It can also alleviate minor skin irritations. Just chill in the fridge and spray onto the affected area on the dog’s raw skin.
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When your dog is itchy
Finely ground oatmeal is a time-honored remedy for irritated skin. You can use baby oatmeal cereal or grind it yourself in a food processor. Stir the oatmeal into a bath of warm water and let your dog soak in the healing goodness. Dogs with skin allergies, infections, and other diseases which cause itchiness have been shown to gain immediate relief with this approach, too.
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When a wound swells
Dogs can be like kids at times, and as such they are bound to suffer from wounds and the occasional unexplained swelling. Try treating these ailments with Epsom salt soaks and heat packs next time. A bath consisting of Epsom salt and warm water can help reduce the swelling and the healing time, especially when combined with prescribed antibiotics and veterinary supervision. If soaking your dog in an Epsom salt bath twice a day for five minutes isn’t convenient or practical, a homemade heat pack using a clean towel drenched in the same warm-water solution can be applied to wounds for the same effect.
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If your dog has fleas
Does your dog have fleas? Never fear. Before turning to the big guns, try some borax powder. The standard stuff at the store will work wonders on fleas by poking holes in their crunchy insect exoskeletons. A good way to make sure those parasitic suckers get annihilated is to sprinkle the borax on your floor, and then sweep or vacuum up the excess.
The invisible borax crystals left behind will kill the fleas and you won’t even have to lift a finger. It’s inexpensive and practically non-toxic compared to an appointment with the exterminator. For the dog, try a simple solution of lemon water. Fleas are repelled by citrus, so this can work both as a flea preventive, and for making your dog smell clean and refreshing.
A useful solution can be made by pouring boiled water over lemons and allowing them to steep over night. This solution can then be applied all over your dog’s skin using a fresh spray bottle. And, the tried and true Brewer’s yeast method cannot be left out. Brewer’s yeast can be given as part of a regular diet in powdered form, sprinkled over the dog food, or in tablet form, perhaps wrapped in a small slice of bacon or cheese.
