If you own a dog, you know what it feels like to have warm and wet welcome when you get back home from a long day at work. They don’t have to speak; they can make you forget your stress with their licks and barks.
Unfortunately, there’s a time when all dog owners wished their pets could talk – when they are hurting, either physically or emotionally.
If you get worked up about your dog’s minor bruises, infections, or stomach problems, you should know that minor ailments can be treated at home. Let’s examine a few home remedies that will help your fur buddy.
8 Home Remedies For Minor Dog Emergencies
1. Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin can ease symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, and other minor digestive problems that your dog may have. Pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber and can ease minor tummy upsets.
How to use: You can give a teaspoon of 100 percent canned pumpkin for every 10 pounds of body weight. This can be given one to two times in a day, either mixed with food or as treats.
2. Povidone Iodine (Betadine)
Povidone Iodine, commonly sold under the brand name Betadine, is a gentle disinfectant and keeps staph, yeast, and almost any common bacteria away from your pet’s body. It is useful for treating minor skin abrasions, cuts, infections, or hot spots. It does not sting or irritate the skin and is safe even if your pet licks it.
How to use: Dilute the povidone iodine until the color changes, similar to iced tea. Soak a clean cloth in it and gently wipe the cloth on the affected areas of your dog’s skin. Rinse the cloth and wipe it over the skin, and then pat dry.
3. Povidone Iodine In Footbaths
If your dog has itchy, irritated paws, you can use povidone iodine in water and give your dog a footbath. Also, if your dog licks and chews on his paw, the irritation can be eased because it removes the allergens and other irritants on the paws.
How to use: Dilute povidone iodine in water till the color is similar to iced tea. For big dogs, you can use a bucket and soak each paw at a time in this solution. If you have a smaller breed, you can let them stand in a kitchen or bathroom sink. Leave your dog’s paw in the solution for two to five minutes. If your dog is uncomfortable in water, talk in soothing tones and offer him a treat for that “good boy” behavior.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar does not kill the fleas on your dog’s body; however, it can prevent them from entering your pet’s body. It is recommended that you use raw, organic apple cider vinegar.
How to use: Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. You can pour this solution into a spray bottle and spray the contents on your pet’s body before heading outdoors.
You can also add apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food. Use a teaspoon of the vinegar for every 20 pounds of body weight.
You can also use this vinegar during your pet’s bath time as a flea-preventive rinse. Add one cup of vinegar to a gallon of water and pour this on your dog’s body.
5. Ginger
Ginger is a good remedy if your dog has motion sickness. It is best to mix fresh ground ginger in their food or with other treats that your pet likes.
How to use: Use 1/8 of a teaspoon for dogs under 10 pounds, ¼ teaspoon for medium-sized dogs, ½ teaspoon for large dogs, and ¾ to 1 teaspoon for giant breeds.
For minor tummy troubles like constipation, you can give the ginger treats one to three times a day. For motion sickness, make sure you give the ginger treat at least an hour before travel.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a good home remedy for crusty patches of skin and nails. This particularly good for older dogs. Applying coconut oil can reduce flaking and resist pathogens like yeast and bacteria, making the skin healthier.
How to use: After bathing your dog, apply the oil to the skin all over his body. Pay special attention to dry areas. Leave it on the skin for about five minutes so that the skin absorbs the oil. Bathe your dog again (not too much lather) and follow it up with a light rinse.
You can also apply coconut oil directly on rashes, hot spots, and eruptions after disinfecting them.
7. Skunk Rinse (Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dishwashing liquid)
If your dog comes home with a skunk stink, you can use an easy homemade solution to reduce it.
How to use: Mix 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid. These quantities are for a medium-size dog (30 to 50 pounds). So, make sure you use less or more depending on your pet’s size.
Apply this mixture to your dog’s dry coat, massaging it thoroughly into the coat and skin. Leave it on for about five minutes, till the smell begins to disappear. Make sure you don’t let this come in contact with the eyes. You can use a sponge to apply the solution to the chin, cheeks, forehead, and ears.
Rinse thoroughly once the smell starts to decrease. When you rinse the head area, tilt your dog’s chin upward so the solution does not run into the eyes. You may need to repeat this process three times and make sure the solution is completely rinsed off.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide
If your dog has eaten anything that is toxic to his body, hydrogen peroxide can be given to induce vomiting.
How to use: Use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and give 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of dog weight. You can mix this with a small amount of vanilla ice cream or honey to encourage your dog to get it down. Walking your dog will help the hydrogen peroxide to do its work faster, which takes about 15 minutes. If your dog does not vomit within 15 minutes, you can try giving another dose or call your veterinarian.
Do not induce vomiting if your dog is throwing up already, is unconscious, or is too weak to stand. Toxin ingestion may be a serious problem and may need professional help. So, if you find no improvement in a span of a few minutes, you should take your pet to the hospital immediately.
You can try these home remedies if they are not serious injuries or ailments. Home remedies do take time; however, if your pet is in severe pain it is always best to rush him to the veterinary hospital.
