Home Remedies for Pets

by Sharon Hopkins


Common household pets such as cats and dogs are often prone to various health problems. Some of these conditions may be not be very serious, but can cause your pet to experience a lot of pain and discomfort. Having a pet that is sick could be a major cause for concern to just about any loving and caring pet owner. A trip to the vet for treating an ill pet could also burn a huge hole in your pocket, thereby adding to your distress. Moreover, getting a vet’s appointment immediately is not always easy. While there is no substitute for the care provided by a professional veterinarian, there are several home remedies for pets that you can use at home in order to alleviate the problem.

For Dogs

As a responsible pet owner, you need to be very familiar with your dog’s health. It is important that you know when to use a home remedy and when to seek emergency medical attention. If you are sure that in a certain situation, natural remedies will cure your dog and save you some money, you could try to alleviate your pet’s pain and discomfort at home. Given below are a few home remedies that can be used for various ailments in dogs:

Apple Cider Vinegar: The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties present in apple cider vinegar make it an excellent home remedy for dogs. Every pet owner should keep a stock of apple cider vinegar at home, as it can help treat a wide variety of canine problems, some of which include:

  • Allergies
  • Arthritis pain
  • Calluses on hock joints and elbows
  • Clear and watery discharge from the eyes
  • Constipation
  • Cough
  • Cramps
  • Ear infections
  • Fleas, ticks and other external parasites
  • Lack of appetite
  • Muscle weakness
  • pH imbalance
  • Runny nose
  • Skin itchiness or eruptions
  • Sore joints

In case of problems or infections that are related to the skin, pour some plain, undiluted apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle, part the hair and spray it on. In case the skin is broken or wounded, dilute the apple cider vinegar in an equal amount of water.

You could also add some apple cider vinegar to your pet’s food or give him a teaspoon twice a day, to cure internal ailments, like an upset stomach.

Blackstrap Molasses: Most people think of molasses as a healthier alternative to sugar. However, this remedy is full of minerals and nutrients that can combat many acute and chronic ailments affecting canines. The use of blackstrap molasses is encouraged for:

  • Arthritis
  • Bereavement symptoms
  • Tumor

The amount of molasses you can give your dog each day depends entirely on the weight and size of your pet. A quarter of a teaspoon is enough for a dog that weighs 5 pounds, but the dosage could go up to 2 tablespoons for a dog that weighs 150 pounds.

Chamomile Tea: In case your pet is suffering from an eye infection you can clean his eyes with some cool chamomile tea. This remedy soothes the burning and irritation and also speeds up the healing process. Prepare some chamomile tea as per the instructions and let it cool for a while. Dip a piece of cotton into the cool tea and wipe your pet’s eyes with it.

Honey: Acid Reflux is a very common problem especially in smaller dogs and pups. This condition causes the dog to choke or throw up immediately after eating. Some dogs also eat less and lose weight because of this problem. In case your pet suffers from acid reflux, apply a small amount of honey to a piece of bread and feed it to your dog around two to three times each day.

For Cats

Felines are quite good at hiding their illness, which is why even the most experienced pet owner may not realize that the cat is sick. However, certain warning signs will let you know that your pet is unwell and it is important for you to recognize them. It is also essential for you to understand when you can use natural remedies and when you need to seek medical attention. Given below are some of the common home remedies for cats Apple Cider Vinegar: Many cat owners swear by this home remedy, when it comes to treating skin ailments, digestive complaints, infections, infestations and general problems. This remedy is useful in the treatment of:

  • Cystitis
  • Ear infections
  • Fleas
  • Ringworm
  • Ticks
  • Upper respiratory infections

Add a small dose of apple cider vinegar to your cat’s food or water for relief from these common ailments.

Butter: Cats are known for dropping hairballs everywhere they go. Some cats swallow these hairballs, which causes them to be violently sick. When your cat swallows a hairball, you may need to give him something to pass it smoothly. Allow your cat to lick a small amount of butter in case he has swallowed a hairball.

Tea Tree Oil: It is not uncommon for cats to suffer from ear and skin infections. In such instances, it is essential to clean the infected area every day, for at least a week. You could use over-the-counter medication or creams to clean the infection. However, many of these medicines contain alcohol and other toxic substances. Diluted tea tree oil helps get rid of the infection causing bacteria and speeds up the recovery process.

While most of the home remedies for pets mentioned above are quite safe if used correctly, it is important to check with a veterinarian before trying any of them.

References:

  1. http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/petcols_article_page.php?OLDPETCOLID=21
  2. http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Info/Pets/Pet-Care/Heartworm.aspx

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
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