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The majority of pet owners have not planned sufficiently for their pet's medical expenses.
While they may budget for yearly vet visits and vaccinations, they do not typically set money aside to cover unexpected health issues.
Thankfully, there are many home remedies for dogs that can save you hundreds on unnecessary trips to the veterinarian.
Home remedies will not only save you money, but they are also safer for your pet than over-the-counter or prescription treatments.
The home remedies for dogs that I am sharing today are all-natural, unlike commercial treatments that are made with chemicals and artificial ingredients.
Keep in mind that home remedies are not effective for every dog. They also take longer to begin working than most prescription or over-the-counter treatments.
It may take a few days longer to see full results, but you can treat your pet without chemicals or side effects.
10 Essential Home Remedies for Dogs to Have at Home
1. Brewer's Yeast
Brewer's yeast can be used to prevent fleas from infesting your dog. However, it will not kill fleas if your dog is already infested. To repel fleas, add 1 tsp. of brewer's yeast to your dog's meals every day.
You can also create an all-natural flea spray by mixing 1/4 cup of brewer's yeast with 1 quart of water in an empty spray bottle. Use this topical spray every 2-3 days to repel fleas.
2. Rose Geranium Oil
Another of the best home remedies for dogs to repel fleas naturally is rose geranium oil. You can purchase this oil at any natural living store, and many big box stores and pet stores are beginning to carry essential oils for dogs.
Apply about 5 drops of rose geranium oil to your dog's collar. Spread the drops around the entire collar. You'll need to re-apply the oil every 3-5 days. You'll notice the scent fading when it's time to re-apply. This remedy is also used only to repel fleas, not to rid your dog of an infestation.
3. Chamomile Tea
The benefits of chamomile tea are numerous. One of the best uses for dogs is to help alleviate itchy skin. Steep 2 chamomile tea bags in about 20 ounces of water. Allow the tea to cool and pour it into an empty spray bottle. Use the spray on your pet as needed to relieve itchiness.
You can also use chamomile tea to treat eye irritation or infection. After steeping the tea, remove the bag from the water and allow it to cool completely. Hold the tea bag on your dog's affected eye for 5-10 minutes. Do this every 4-6 hours for 3-5 days to treat the infection.
4. Vitamin E Oil
You can purchase Vitamin E oil at most pharmacies or natural living stores. Applying the oil to sores on your pet's skin will help them heal faster. You can also apply the oil to dry patches of skin, especially to help moisturize and heal the area.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to defend against free radicals in the skin. It is also good for your dog's immune system, heart and liver health, and overall skin and coat health.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the home remedies for dogs that EVERY pet parent should have on hand at all times. Coconut oil greatly improves the condition of your dog’s skin and coat, and if he suffers from allergies, eczema, flea allergies, itchy skin, or contact dermatitis, then coconut oil is a must for your dog.
Coconut oil will help to make your dog’s coat shine with health, so if he has a dull coat, give coconut oil a try. It really does make a dry coat become sleek and glossy. Your dog's coat health is directly related to the health of the skin. They go hand-in-hand.
One of the many health benefits of coconut oil for dogs is that it nourishes and moisturizes the skin, which will have positive effects on the appearance of your dog's coat. You can feed your dog 1 tsp.-1 tbsp. (depending on his size) of coconut oil every other day. You can also use the oil as a topical treatment for skin conditions.
6. Plain Greek Yogurt
Adding 1 tbsp. PLAIN greek yogurt in your dog's meals can have a positive effect on his health. Make sure the yogurt is not flavored and is completely sugar-free. Also, make sure the yogurt is not made with artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol.
The natural probiotics found in this yogurt will aid in digestion and healthy stools and aid in your pup's overall health and well-being. These probiotics also help to cure yeast infections, which are the most common type of skin infections in dogs.
7. Cranberry Supplements
Cranberry supplements have been proven to be effective in relieving the symptoms of urinary tract infections. You can find over-the-counter cranberry supplements in virtually any grocery, big box or pharmaceutical store.
You should always check with your veterinarian about the proper dosage for your dog. Even though this is a natural remedy, too much cranberry extract can still be dangerous for your dog.
8. Pumpkin
Pumpkin for dogs makes a good and healthy snack, it adds nutritional value to their diet, can help alleviate some health concerns, and has virtually no side effects. Pumpkins are actually incredibly nutritious with a relatively few calories and a huge amount of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals.
Because of its high levels of fiber, feeding dogs pumpkin can help older canines who are suffering from constipation. Increased fiber levels create more solid stool which in turn encourages your dog’s colon wall to contract the muscles that move the waste out of the dog’s digestive tract.
Pumpkin for dogs can also help alleviate diarrhea because of the soluble fiber in its flesh. It slows down a dog’s digestion and stops diarrhea by absorbing water.
The fiber in pumpkin also acts as a prebiotic, meaning it stimulates the activity and growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. It also works to eliminate the growth of harmful bacteria by lowering the pH levels in the gut and providing the nutrients that good bacteria needs.
9. Peroxide
Yep, one of the best home remedies for dogs to have at home is a bottle of peroxide. I've created a video guide to teach pet owners how to use peroxide to help a dog throw up. You can use this remedy to help a dog that has ingested something that he shouldn't have.
10. Lavender and Calendula Oil
Anxiety is a very common problem in dogs. If your pup suffers from any type of anxiety or stress-related health problem, try diffusing lavender and calendula oils in the area where he spends most of his time. These oils can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, calm your dog, and help him rest.
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