Home Remedies

 (I am not a Veterinarian all health issues and treatment methods should be consulted with your Vet.)

 

Here are some methods that can help with common health issues in dogs. 

 

Ear Infections-

 

Topical Treatments:  Altering the pH of the ear is a primary step in dealing with  yeast and bacterial infections. A basic ear cleaner can be prepared at home, and work double duty to correct the pH and kill any contaminants residing there: Make up a solution with 1 cup of luke-warm water and 2 tablespoons of one or more of the following: hydrogen peroxide, apple cider (or white) vinegar or plantain tincture. This mixture can be used to wipe out excess debris from visible areas of the ear.

Topical treatments can be used routinely, or on an as-needed basis, to clean the ears - usually by applying the product onto a piece of cotton wool and very gently wiping out excess wax and buildup. It’s essential not to push anything into the ear canal beyond the visible outer folds of the ear, because doing so can cause extreme and very painful damage to the delicate internal workings of the ear. Never poke Q Tips or anything else right inside the ear canal and don’t squirt or pour large volumes of these topical applications into the ears; a small amount on a cotton ball is usually sufficient.

Calendula Lotion is nice product for topical use because it’s very healing and has wonderful healing properties, as does comfrey, which can also be applied to the ears.

 

Products containing Tea Tree Oil are helpful, as are those containing tea tree’s slightly less intense cousin, Niaouli. Gentian Violet, is a purple dye that’s used as a stain for microscopy - and medically as a bactericide, fungicide, and anthelmintic. Gentian is superb for cleaning the ears. Mullein Oil is an excellent ear product that’s recommended by some holistic veterinarians for basic ear infections. Colloidal Silver is also another option worth considering: a few drops can be applied into the ears daily for about seven to ten days, until some relief is seen.

 

Aloe Vera for Skin Allergies, Dermatitis, Burns, and Other Minor Skin Irritations
Aloe has been used topically for hundreds of years to treat skin allergies, dermatitis, burns, and other minor skin irritations. It is a very safe herb to use externally on your dog, just be sure to prevent your dog from licking the topical application—ingested it can result in strong laxative effects! You may need to put a t-shirt or cone on your dog to prevent your dog from licking the area.

The best, most reliable source of aloe is a plant that you buy and grow in your home. Aloe is hardy and manages well indoors in northern climates and outside in more temperate climates. To use aloe, first clean the affected skin with mild soap and lots of water. Dry the area well and apply a liberal spread of aloe over the affected area. For very furry dogs you may need to clip the hair around the wound/irritation. Continue with a twice-daily application of aloe until the area has healed. Discontinue use if the wound gets worse or swelling and/or redness occur. Tip: If you are buying aloe extracts make sure that it does not contain alcohol as it will traumatize the damaged skin and cause a fair amount of pain to your dog, instead use one with a water base.

 

Oatmeal for Dry, Itchy Skin
Colloidal oatmeal is often used to alleviate itchy dry skin. To use oatmeal in a bath, cook quick oats according to package directions (some packages call for adding butter while cooking—don’t add butter) then place cooked oatmeal in a sock, cheese cloth or nylon stocking. The gooey part of the oatmeal is actually the part that is the active ingredients so don’t discard any liquid left in the pot, just add it to the tub. Fill the tub with lukewarm water (should not be warm or hot as this will make your pet itchy) and place the oatmeal-filled sock in the tub. Soak your dog (or cat if you are brave) for 5-10 minutes, using the oatmeal sock as a sponge to work the oatmealwater into your dog’s coat. Rinse excess oatmeal out of the coat and then towel dry.

 

Ginger for Motion Sickness 
Most dogs love going for a car ride but for some it results in stress and an upset stomach. Ginger, in addition to being a delicious seasoning for many foods, is often used for its stomach soothing properties. If your dog has a mild case of motion sickness, ginger may be just the thing to help him enjoy car rides again. It can be made into a tea and given before a trip (just a tablespoon or so at a time) or, more easily, it can be baked into a dog treat. Try adding a tablespoon of ground ginger to your favourite dog treat recipe and giving a couple of treats before your next car ride. A couple of ginger snap cookies may also help, although the high level of sugar in these is not great for dogs. Using ginger while acclimating your dog to the car by taking them on very short trips (i.e. around the block) may also help him overcome his motion sickness.

 

Liver Support Milk Thistle,

which contains the active ingredient silymarin, is known for supporting a healthy liver. It has been demonstrated in human studies to protect against toxininduced liver damage, including that caused by chemotherapy treatments. Dogs that have liver problems or who are taking medications that can cause liver damage may benefit from taking a milk thistle supplement. An average dose is 200 mg of milk thistle extract per day for a medium-sized dog (30 – 40 pounds). Milk thistle is considered to be fairly safe and can be used with all dogs.

 

Natural Eye Wash for Eye Problems Goldenseal

has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as an eyewash for dogs with mild conjunctivitis. Combining the soothing properties of chamomile with goldenseal increases the benefits. Make a chamomile tea (see inset), let it cool then strain it through a coffee filter or layered cheesecloth. Mix the chamomile tea with plain saline solution (three parts saline to one part tea) and then add three to four drops of goldenseal tincture. Use this mixture to rinse inflamed eyes. Note: Goldenseal is considered an at-risk plant due to overharvesting and destruction of its natural wild habitat. If you are going to use it, you should look for an organically cultivated source.

Calming For nervous or stressed out dogs, valerian, chamomile, and California poppy are all good options. All three of these herbs are known for their calming properties and many of the commercially available calming supplements contain one or more of these herbs. Typically valerian works as a sedative and anxiolytic. The recommended dose of valerian is 100 mg – 500 mg depending on the size of your dog. Chamomile can be given as a tea or tincture and has also been used as aromatherapy for promoting calmness. When used as a tea, brew it strongly, let it cool and then give about a tablespoon every couple of hours. If purchased as a tincture, a small amount (1/4 teaspoon per 30 pounds of body weight) is plenty. California poppy extract is also known for calming, reducing anxiety, and acting as a mild sedative. Use 5 - 10 drops of the extract.

 

Brewer’s Yeast, Essential Oils, and Vinegar for Flea and Tick Treatments 

Unfortunately, most flea and tick home remedies have been proven either ineffective or unsafe. Recent research found the application of brewer’s yeast to dogs did not reduce the number of fleas. Likewise, vinegar taken either internally or sprayed on the coat will have no effect on the number of fleas found on your dog. The use of essential oils, however, has proven promising. One study has shown that Neem oil is more effective in reducing the number of fleas on dogs than lemon oil, traditionally used to combat fleas, with Neem oil actually inhibiting the growth of fleas so they don’t reach adulthood. Both Neem and lemon oil have been found to be toxic to cats causing tremors or seizures so if you have cats in your house it is best not to use essential oils on your dog—and definitely not on your cat. In addition, Neem oil is moderately toxic to fish and aquatic wildlife so it should not be used on dogs that swim in natural bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. The most effective way of preventing fleas and ticks is the pharmaceutical options available from your vet. Alternatively, the old-fashioned flea combs are also very effective in removing fleas—it’s time consuming but it works and is non-toxic to all life.

 

Vitamin E

is good for preventing those pesky age lines on your face, and it's also great for your dog's dry skin. You can give your pup a doggy massage by applying vitamin E oil directly to the skin, a soaking bath with vitamin E added to the water, or you can go all "Hollywood" and pop your dog a pill (of vitamin E, that is). If you give the vitamin orally, check with your vet on the recommended dosage for your specific dog breed. 

 

Flavorless electrolyte-replacing liquids,

such as sports waters or pediatric drinks, not only help athletes to replenish fluids, and babies to rehydrate after an illness, they can also supply your sick pooch's body with much needed fluids after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting.  Consult your veterinarian as to the appropriate dosage amounts when giving these types of liquids to your dog. 

 

Deliciously plain yogurt

is a healthy treat for your dog. Just as with humans, the live acidophilus in the yogurt keeps the good bacteria in your dog's intestines in balance, so that bad bacteria is swiftly knocked out. If your dog is on antibiotics, a little yogurt will also help keep yeast infections at bay (a common side-effect of antibiotic treatment). You can also give your dog acidophilus pills -- wrapping the pills in bacon is strictly optional.  Puppies are especially prone to yeast infections, so a little plain yogurt as a snack (or even dessert) can help keep things in balance; especially useful while the intestinal system is building immunities. 

 

Chamomile tea

uses the natural disinfecting effects of the chamomile plant to settle upset doggy tummies. It is recommended for colic, gas, and anxiety. It can also alleviate minor skin irritations. Just chill in the fridge and spray onto the affected area on the dog's raw skin. Your dog should feel an immediate soothing effect as the chilled tea kills the yeast and/or bacteria on the skin. A warm (not hot) tea bag can also be used for soothing infected or irritated eyes.

 

Epson Salt

Dogs can be like kids at times, and as such they are bound to suffer from wounds and the occasional unexplained swelling. Try treating these ailments with Epsom salt soaks and heat packs next time. A bath consisting of Epsom salt and warm water can help reduce the swelling and the healing time, especially when combined with prescribed antibiotics and veterinary supervision. If soaking your dog in an Epsom salt bath twice a day for five minutes isn't convenient or practical, a homemade heat pack using a clean towel drenched in the same warm-water solution can be applied to wounds for the same effect. 

 

Sources

 http://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/home-remedies-common-ailments/52829#sthash.L48LFlmf.dpuf

http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/articles/caring-for-your-dog-s-ears-naturally/

http://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_home_remedies