As more people switch to organic, healthy living, pet owners are buying better-quality food. However, too few people know that there are also natural remedies for common dog health problems.
Instead of loading up your pet with chemicals, toxins and prescription drugs with harmful side effects, try one of the treatments in this article — none of which have side effects.
Fleas
Flea remedies like Advantage or Frontline contain chemicals. Instead, try one of these natural remedies:
- NaturVet Herbal Flea Spray: Formulated with rosemary and cedar oil.
- Sentry Natural Defense Natural Flea & Tick Spray: Formulated with eugenol and peppermint, cinnamon, lemon grass and thyme oils.
- Durvet Natural Chemistry DeFlea Pet Bed Spray: Formulated with a laxative for treatment of fleas.
- Natural Chemistry 11003 Natural Flea & Tick Spray: Formulated with vanillin and cinnamon, cedar wood and clove oils.
Use an herbal shampoo that contains a combination of any of pine cedar, bergamot, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, juniper or geranium.
Another natural remedy is cinnamon, which repels fleas. Sprinkle about a teaspoon along your dog’s back and brush it in thoroughly. You’ll get the added bonus of your pup smelling like Christmas.
Diarrhea & Constipation
The best natural remedy for problems in the pooper is canned pumpkin. A rich source of fiber with high water content, pumpkin will regulate your dog’s system. If he’s constipated, the water will soften his stool.
You can add from 2 tablespoons to 1 cup to his kibble, depending on his size. He may turn up his nose at it initially, but most dogs find pumpkin very tasty and gobble it down. Lest you feel like getting fancy and roasting fresh pumpkin for him, don’t. Fresh pumpkin doesn’t work.
Conjunctivitis
Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis can be cured with a simple homemade eye wash.
This remedy is good at fighting other eye infections, too, and will soothe irritation from foreign particles and air pollution. This works not only for dogs but also for humans and cats with conjunctivitis.
All you’ll need is medicinal boric acid powder, which you can find at most drugstores. Boric acid creates an inhospitable environment for germs and bacteria; at the same time, it cleanses and soothes the eyes. It can be a little tricky to find boric acid, so check with your pharmacist. The extra effort is worth it, though, especially when you consider the money you’ll save at the vet’s office.
Supplies
- 2 teaspoons medicinal boric acid powder
- 2 cups boiling water
- Cotton balls
Instructions
- Add 2 level teaspoons of boric acid powder to 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until dissolved. Let cool to a lukewarm temperature.
- Pour ¼ cup of the cooled solution into a small, clean bowl.
- Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply to the affected area, cleaning away discharge from the eye.
- Repeat twice a day, using new cotton balls, until all the solution in the bowl is used up. Try to flood the eye with the solution. Wipe the dog’s face with a clean towel.
Even if only one eye seems affected, prevent the infection from spreading by applying the solution to both eyes. Store the unused portions of eyewash in an airtight container.
Eye infections usually take two or three days to resolve themselves using this treatment. If you don’t see improvement, or if your pet’s symptoms change or worsen, take him to the vet immediately.
Courtesy of Dena Delgado, founder and director of Southern California Dachshund Relief.
Arthritis
Prescription medications for canine arthritis, such as Deramaxx, Rimydal and Metacam, are expensive and can have a number of unpleasant side effects, like intestinal problems and kidney damage.
Inflapotion is an herbal anti-inflammatory that alleviates pain without any harmful side effects. Glucosamine with condroitin, another daily supplement, promotes healthy joints.
Swimming is another effective treatment for arthritis, pain, swelling and stiffness, as well as displaysia, sprains, breaks and spinal injuries. If you don’t have a pool, look for a dog hydrotherapy facility in your area.
Do you know of any other natural remedies for dog health problems? Share them in the comments section!
Photo: Capture the Uncapturable/Flickr
