There’s no doubt that veterinary care is crucial for any pet. However, many minor issues can be handled at home with your vet’s approval. In fact, there are many simple, holistic health remedies that work wonders. Let’s jump in with all four feet.
Holistic health treatments for puppy teething
Just like humans, puppies experience incredible discomfort while teething and that means chewing on everything under the sun in an attempt to ease the pain. Luckily, cold works wonders, so your freezer is your pup’s best friend while those new teeth are breaking through.
It’s very easy to treat your puppy’s teething pain: Simply soak durable old washcloths in water, twist them into fun shapes, and keep them in the freezer. Give them to your puppy and let the chewing (and pain relief!) begin. Take them away once they’ve thawed – you don’t want your pup to ingest any fabric. Other frozen treats such as green beans and ice cubes can help, too.
Find out more: How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Dealing with an upset stomach
Dogs are prone to dietary indiscretion that’s quickly followed by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. So long as you’re certain that your pup isn’t in real trouble, you can treat them to a bowl of cooled chamomile tea and follow up with a bland diet consisting of one part boiled chicken and three parts cooked, cooled white rice to help get the digestive tract back to normal.
If your dog is drooling or retching but not vomiting, or if their stomach has a swollen, distended appearance, the issue could be a life-threatening case of bloat. Get to the vet immediately if you suspect this or anything other than a mild, temporary case of nausea.
Related: Tip tail check
Holistic health treatments for kennel cough
A Bordetella vaccine is the best preventative measure you can take to protect your pet from this common ailment, but the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria isn’t the only cause. Canine herpes, adenovirus, distemper, and parainfluenza virus can contribute to kennel cough so ensure that you get an appropriate diagnosis from your vet.
While you’re waiting for your dog’s appointment (or if your vet has already confirmed that the cough is nothing serious), you can use natural remedies to make your pet more comfortable. As kennel cough involves bronchial irritation that’s similar to the chest colds we humans experience, the measures you’ll be taking are similar.
- Make sure indoor air is warm and not too dry – running a humidifier can help.
- Give your dog drinks of warm chicken soup to help soothe the throat. A tablespoon of coconut oil can help, and so can small amounts of honey.
- Keep your dog warm and comfortable. If you’re not totally against medications, you can ask your vet if it’s OK give your dog an over-the-counter cough syrup without pain medication, i.e. Robitussin DM. This isn’t completely natural but it can really help.
Banishing fleas
Don’t want to use chemical flea treatments? You can get rid of fleas naturally. Know that you’ll have to take a multi-pronged approach and understand that natural flea treatments require consistent efforts on your part.
Start by boiling two quarts of water and steeping the peels from eight lemons in it overnight. If you have a few rosemary sprigs, you can add them to the blend. Strain the cooled rinse into a spray bottle.
The next day, start waging war on those fleas by massaging your pet with coconut oil, getting all the way down to the skin. Use a flea comb to get the pests out of your dog’s fur (the coconut oil will stick to them and slow them down) and make sure they’re washed down the drain.
Next, wash your pup with a natural flea shampoo and get any stragglers with the flea comb. Rinse and repeat if needed, and then give your dog a thorough spritzing with the natural flea spray you made the night before.
The next step is to treat your home and any outdoor areas where your dog spends time. Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth everywhere and allow it to sit for a few hours before sweeping and vacuuming. It kills fleas but is harmless to dogs and plants. Be sure to sprinkle your pet’s bed and the entire yard with the diatomaceous earth.
Repeat the steps above frequently – at least once per week – as new fleas will continue to hatch. The process is more labor-intensive than using commercial flea treatments but there are no potentially toxic chemicals involved.
Holistic health treatments for anxiety
Fireworks, thunder, and separation from you are some things that can lead to canine anxiety and stress. There are several good homeopathic remedies that include passionflower, skullcap, jasmine, and other calming herbs. A quick search will lead you to several options. Reading reviews will help you find out how well each brand has worked for others with dogs who suffer from similar issues.
Helping your dog with itchy skin
A dab of coconut oil can work wonders for itchy skin, and if you can add a drop of vitamin E oil to the coconut, you’ll help soothe irritation just a bit faster. If itching persists or you notice swelling, redness, or broken skin, get your dog to the vet to rule out a more serious underlying condition.
Natural remedies are always worth a try, so long as they’re OK’d by your vet! Other treatments including physical therapy, aromatherapy, and acupuncture can help with everything from arthritis to stress. Now, holistic health vets and other professionals are available in many areas. As such, it’s easier than ever to treat your pet to the best in care, naturally.
