Common Dog Health Issues And Natural Remedies To Resolve Them
Your veterinarian should be your first point of contact when your dog seems to be feeling unwell. However, some pet owners are uncomfortable with the frequent taking of medications, while others find the regular purchasing of medicine relatively expensive. Fortunately, there are several ways you can treat common health issues in your dog effectively using natural remedies. So, if you are among the 67% of American households with a pet, specifically a dog, here are some common dog health issues and natural remedies to resolve them.
Dry skin
Like humans, some dogs have dry, itchy skin. This can be treated by giving your dog fewer baths to keep their skin hydrated and avoid stripping away vital natural oils. You must also ensure you use shampoos rich in aloe vera or oatmeal. A hypoallergenic and gentle shampoo would also suffice. Itchy, dry skin can also be caused due to a dog’s aging skin. Using vitamin E antioxidants can be soothing and stop the dryness. However, if the itchiness continues, it is vital to visit the vet as this may be due to environmental or food allergies.
Upset stomach
Sometimes, your dog may have difficulty freeing its bowels or be dealing with diarrhea- both are common health issues in dogs and may be caused due to a slight tummy bug. For a natural remedy, you can feed your pumpkins. Pumpkins are rich in fiber and vitamins like A, C, and E. This helps the dog’s intestinal health and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. However, if your dog experiences other conditions such as vomiting or increased urination, it is advisable to visit the vet. This may be due to more complex issues requiring varying remedies, such as elevated liver enzymes in dogs.
Flea bites
Fleas are parasites that live on dogs and can be harmful to their health. Usually, the presence of fleas on a dog’s coat may cause them to itch, and the bites may cause bleeding. If you are hesitant to use traditional flea prevention products, you may consider the more natural options. An example is essential oils, but be sure to dilute them to avoid causing any harm to the dog. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid and is more effective for applying orally or on your dog’s coat.
Ear gunk
Over a period, your dog’s ears may develop some gunk, which is quite unpleasant for you and your dog. Usually, healthy ears would not produce a smell, whereas ears with gunk would. Your dog also shows discomfort by regularly shaking its head or in an attempt to clean its ear. You can ease this discomfort by using dog ear cleaners. You can also use a warm, damp cloth as a natural remedy for cleaning your dog’s ears. Others have recommended using alcohol or vinegar, but this can cause some pain to the dog, especially when the ears are inflamed.
It is important to note that choosing to use natural remedies doesn’t eliminate the need to regularly take your dog to the vet. Your vet can still offer effective natural remedies to treat your dog.
