By Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS

We all love our pets and just like us, they can experience health problems, injuries, allergies and much more. If your dog is feeling ill, take a look at our list of safe, natural home remedies. You might just find a solution to your problem, with no harmful medications and no vet bills.

Editor’s note: All Natural Pet Care recommends that you see a veterinarian before using any natural treatment on your dog, for diagnosis and to avoid drug interactions, etc.

Fleas, Ticks and Itchy Skin

It’s that time of year again and the itching and scratching has begun. If your poor dog can’t stop scratching and it’s driving you both crazy, we have some remedies that will help. Give them a try before resorting to dousing your furry friend in the potent pesticides found in flea repellent medications, or attempting to slather him up in lotion.

To ward off fleas:

Lemon Water – Fleas hate citrus. To repel fleas try a solution of lemon water. It also doubles as an all natural deodorizer for your dog. Simply cut a few lemons in half, place them in a large bowl and pour boiled water over them. Allow the lemons to steep in the water overnight. In the morning remove the lemons, pour the water into a clean spray bottle and apply the solution to your pet.

Brewer’s Yeast – Brewer’s yeast is very effective when fed as an additive to a regular diet and helps fight fleas from the inside out. It can be fed orally in powdered form, sprinkled over dog food, or in tablet form wrapped in a small treat like cheese.

Water – Yes, plain old water can be a flea’s worst enemy. They aren’t very good at holding onto a wet dog and they can’t swim. They can, however, hold their breath long enough to survive bath time without drowning, so be sure to clean up and dispose of any that don’t end up down the drain. A gentle shampoo can help convince the fleas to abandon your dog.

To deter ticks:

Geranium Oil (Pelargonium gaveolens) – This essential oil is great for deterring ticks, they can’t stand the stuff. Make your dog an all natural tick collar by adding a few drops to his collar before he goes outside in the morning.

For dry itchy skin:

Vitamin E Oil – Vitamin E oil is great at hydrating itchy skin, even on dogs. You can apply vitamin E oil directly to your dog, by rubbing it into his fur and skin. You can also add the oil to a room temperature bath and allow your dog to soak in the mixture.

Oatmeal – Oatmeal has skin soothing properties for us and our dogs. You can use finely ground, or baby oatmeal mixed into a bath to create a soothing soak for your dog. The oatmeal will stop the itching and promote healing; your dog will thank you for the relief.

Upset Stomachs and Dehydrated Doggies

Just like us, when dogs feel ill and have a bout of vomiting or diarrhea, they can refuse food and water.

If your dog is under the weather and showing signs of dehydration, don’t panic. Try this method for encouraging your pet to drink.  Clear, Flavorless Sports drinks, or Infant’s Pedialyte – Sports drinks and other drinks like Pedialyte contain electrolytes. If your pooch is dehydrated he’s lost electrolytes and replacing these is just as important as getting him re-hydrated. Contact your vet to find out how much you should give to your dog, before offering the drink.

Editors note: Not all sports drinks are recommended for dogs. All electrolyte drinks intended for humans should be diluted for dogs and administered under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Canned Prunes and Pumpkin – Sometimes upset stomachs stem from digestive problems.  If your dog seems uncomfortable, isn’t interested in food, or strains to have bowel movements, he may be constipated. Offer your dog some canned prunes or canned pumpkin to get his digestive system moving again.

Chamomile – Chamomile is good for relieving upset stomachs. It is recommended for gas, bloating and anxiety too. Offer your dog some chilled chamomile tea to ease stomach ailments.

Yeast Infections

Yeast infections are common in puppies and can also affect dogs after a round of antibiotics. Yeast infections happen when your dogs naturally occurring, yeast killing bacteria are killed off. The yeast gets out of control and creates a yeast infection. If you suspect your dog is suffering from a yeast infection, a little yogurt could rectify the infection. Use plain yogurt with active live culture probiotics to get the natural, good bacteria in his system thriving again and his body should take care of the yeast infection.

How Do You Know If The Remedy is Working?

Whether using a prescribed, conventional, or natural remedy, healing takes time. The more severe a problem is, the longer it will take to rectify itself. Recovery time will also depend heavily on your dog’s age, breed and if he is fighting to heal other conditions at the same time. Acute illnesses and minor injuries should improve within minutes, but it can take up to a few days to see actual results. For chronic disorders, progressed problems and more serious injuries, it can take months to see good healing results. In some cases of progressed diseases the symptoms may improve, but never fully disappear.

Guest Author Bio:
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS, is a veterinarian with over two decades of experience treating cats and dogs. She is also a research contributor to Pet Insurance U.

✔ You may also be interested in reading:
Natural, Organic Flea Treatment and Control (With Herbal Rinse Recipe)
Natural Tick Treatments for Dogs (With Anti-Lyme’s Bite Recipe)
Dangerous Natural Tick Remedies (Infographic)
Natural Treatment of Allergic (Atopic) Dermatitis in Dogs With Shampoo Recipe

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