As devoted pet parents, we’re always prepared for the unexpected, even if it strikes at the most inconvenient times. While your veterinarian is always the best resource for advice and appointments, some mild health issues in dogs can be safely managed at home with nonprescription therapies and home remedies before or while awaiting veterinary consultation. This guide explores common conditions that may benefit from at-home care and highlights critical situations that necessitate immediate professional veterinary attention. Always remember, consulting your veterinarian before starting any new treatment is paramount, especially if your dog’s symptoms persist or worsen.
8 Conditions That May Benefit From Home Remedies for Dogs
1. Mild Diarrhea/Mucus in Stool
For short bouts of mild diarrhea, where your dog is otherwise eating well and acting normally, a temporary bland diet can allow their digestive system to rest and heal. This typically involves a combination of boiled chicken, turkey, or beef with rice, following a 2:1 ratio of rice to meat. Avoid frying the meat, as its fat can lead to pancreatitis. This bland diet should generally not exceed a week for adult dogs and two to three days for growing puppies. Incorporating probiotics and fiber supplements like canned pumpkin puree can further support digestive health. If diarrhea doesn’t improve, or if your dog shows signs like blood in their stool, decreased appetite, or vomiting, veterinary evaluation is crucial.
2. Hot Spots
Hot spots are localized, inflamed skin areas that cause discomfort and often worsen due to persistent licking or scratching. While they can occur in any breed, dogs with thick coats are more susceptible. The primary goal in treating hot spots is preventing further irritation. Recovery cones are highly effective for this. If comfortable, carefully shaving the fur around the lesion with electric clippers can increase air exposure. Medicated wipes or mousses containing ingredients like chlorhexidine can help reduce bacteria and yeast. Severe hot spots that don’t improve within 24-48 hours may require veterinary intervention, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Never bandage a hot spot, as this can trap moisture and infection.
3. Itchy, Irritated, Dry Skin
Over-the-counter shampoos formulated with oatmeal and free of fragrances can be beneficial for dogs with dry, itchy skin. For more severe cases, your veterinarian might suggest an antiseptic shampoo or mousse containing ingredients like chlorhexidine.
4. Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies, manifesting as sneezing, mild clear eye discharge, and itching. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and cetirizine can be safe for dogs, provided they do not contain decongestants. However, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian for appropriate dosing, as it differs significantly from human dosages. If you notice yellow or green discharge from the eyes or nose, squinting, or changes in appetite or demeanor, seek veterinary care promptly, as antihistamines alone may not suffice.
5. Licking Paws
While some paw licking is normal, excessive licking leading to irritation or discoloration warrants attention. This behavior is often linked to allergies or irritants. Soaking the paws in Epsom salt for 5-10 minutes daily can help wash away allergens and soothe the skin. Medicated wipes can also aid in cleaning and relieving itching. For severe inflammation, a recovery cone might be necessary to prevent licking while the skin heals.
6. Ear Debris
Minor ear wax buildup, without significant itching or head shaking, can sometimes be managed with careful home ear cleaning using a veterinarian-approved ear wash or wipes. Avoid cleaning the ears for 48 hours before a vet appointment to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Never use household items like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or coconut oil in your dog’s ears, as they can cause further inflammation. Cotton swabs should also be avoided, as they can damage the delicate ear canal.
7. Fleas
With the availability of numerous safe and effective flea control products, at-home flea treatment is often unnecessary. For puppies too young or small for standard treatments, Dawn dish soap baths can kill adult fleas, but a follow-up medication is still required. Veterinarians can recommend flea products approved for puppies as young as six weeks old and weighing as little as two pounds.
8. Gas/Flatulence
While gas can sometimes indicate absorption issues or intestinal upset, it’s more commonly linked to lifestyle and diet. Dogs that eat quickly often swallow excess air, leading to flatulence. Short-nosed breeds are also prone to this. Using slow-feeding bowls or offering small, frequent meals can help reduce air intake. The quality of your dog’s diet is also crucial. If dietary changes and feeding habit adjustments don’t resolve the issue, consult your veterinarian. Probiotic supplements may also aid digestive health.
13 Dog Health Issues That You Should Never Try Home Remedies For
It’s crucial to recognize when a health issue requires professional veterinary care. Attempting to manage these conditions at home can delay essential treatment and potentially complicate recovery.
1. Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath, even with good oral hygiene, often indicates periodontal disease requiring professional dental treatment under anesthesia.
2. Black or Bloody Stool
While minor amounts of bright red blood can be due to inflammation, black or bloody stool necessitates veterinary testing to rule out clotting issues, severe gastroenteritis, or other serious causes.
3. Bleeding Anus
Bleeding from the rectal area requires veterinary assessment to pinpoint the cause, which could range from anal gland infections needing antibiotics to more serious surgical issues.
4. Bloated Stomach
A bloated stomach, especially if it twists (GDV), is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention, including X-rays to determine the necessary treatment.
5. Blood in Urine/Bladder Infection
Blood in the urine can signify infections or bladder stones. A urinalysis and potentially X-rays are needed for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
6. Coughing/Wheezing
A persistent cough lasting over a week, or one that disrupts sleep and appetite, requires X-rays to differentiate between conditions like pneumonia and heart failure, which have vastly different treatments.
7. Dermatitis/Mange/Ringworm
These skin conditions often involve secondary infections and require diagnostic testing to identify the exact cause (bacterial, yeast, mites, or ringworm) and appropriate treatment.
8. Ear Mites
While mites are uncommon in dogs, ear issues can involve yeast or bacterial infections. Veterinary examination is necessary to ensure the ear canals are healthy and to prescribe the correct medication.
9. Eye Discharge, Red Eye, Pink Eye, or Cloudy Eye
Eye issues can stem from allergies but may also indicate serious conditions like ulcers, glaucoma, or uveitis, all of which can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
10. Hair Loss
Non-itchy hair loss can be a sign of underlying endocrine issues like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, or hormonal imbalances related to reproductive status, requiring medical evaluation.
11. Not Eating, Vomiting, or Upset Stomach
While mild upset stomach can be managed with diet, persistent vomiting or loss of appetite can lead to dehydration and signal more severe problems like an intestinal blockage, necessitating veterinary care.
12. Pain
True pain, including arthritis, often requires anti-inflammatory treatment or even surgery. Never administer human medications to your dog without consulting your veterinarian.
13. Worms
While over-the-counter dewormers exist, a fecal sample analyzed by your veterinarian is crucial to identify the specific parasite and ensure the correct treatment and schedule are followed for effective elimination. If worms are present with other symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, veterinary attention is more urgent.
Written by Jamie Lovejoy, DVM
