5 Natural Home Remedies for Common Pet Problems

Heal your pet's minor issues the natural way!

Just like children, pets have their fair share of issues that crop up unexpectedly. But thanks to work, tight budgets, and life in general, it’s not always practical to shuttle your dog or cat to the vet every time he seems a little under the weather. Thankfully, many pet problems and solutions can be found in your own home, with all natural ingredients. Here are five natural home remedies for some of the most common pet predicaments.

Fleas

Even pet owners with the cleanest homes struggle to keep pesky fleas at bay. Cedar oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves, wood and roots of the cedar tree, and it’s a natural flea repellent! Mix up a solution of about five drops of oil with a few teaspoons of water, and dip your dog’s cloth collar or a bandana into it before tying around your dog’s neck. While the oil itself doesn’t kill fleas, they can’t stand its smell and are less likely to make a home on your pet.

One Step Further

While essential oils are useful for repelling fleas, a natural product that kills fleas can be found right in your laundry room. 20 Mule Team Borax is a common household cleaning product in the form of a powder, made with a naturally occurring mineral called borax. It’s safe for humans and domestic animals but toxic to fleas. Sprinkle the powder in carpets, on tile or hardwood floors, and on furniture. Then let it sit for several hours or overnight before vacuuming it up.

Itchy Skin

Is your dog constantly scratching, perhaps recovering from a case of fleas? Soothe irritated skin with a homemade oatmeal bath. Mix one cup of plain oatmeal into a bathtub of warm water. If you have a blender or food processor, running the oats through it beforehand will help them dissolve faster. Then scoop the water over your dog’s skin. You can do this several times a week for softer, soothe skin.

Bad Breath

Dogs are notorious for having less-than-appealing breath, and one of its main causes is bacteria in the mouth. Clean up bacteria by adding herbs like margosa and coriander to your dog’s diet. You can mix them in with the canine toothpaste you already use, or boil a sprinkling of herbs in water for a few minutes and then let it cool before giving to your dog. If he won’t drink it directly, you can pour it in a spray bottle and spritz it in his mouth as a mouthwash.

Upset Stomach

Pooch feeling under the weather with an upset stomach? Add a little yogurt to his dinner. The live cultures will help regulate his digestive system and replenish the good kind of bacteria lost to diarrhea or vomiting. Just make sure to use plain yogurt, as flavored yogurt sometimes contains artificial sweeteners that can be harmful to dogs.

By leveraging the healing properties of some of the ingredients already found in your cabinets and pantry, your pet will be feeling good as new in no time.

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6 Comments

    1. Debbie, This was written specifically for dogs. Please check with your vet to make sure they will work for cats too. 🙂

    1. Hi Craig, I’ve tried these two methods with my own dogs and they’ve helped tremendously with ear infections. Coconut oil is a proven anti-bacterial and also anti-fungal home remedy. 2-3 drops, warmed to room temperature, can be placed in the affected ear(s) 2-3 times a day. Make sure it isn’t too warm for your dog’s ears. You can also use equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water (make sure it’s distilled). Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply to the infected ear. Do not use cotton swabs in your dog’s ears. There are other effective home remedies that can be found online, but these are the simplest and you may already have them on hand. I hope this helps and your fur baby feels better soon! Remember to always consult with your vet with questions or concerns.

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