Being a pet parent means being prepared for the unexpected, and sometimes health issues arise at the most inconvenient times. While reaching out to your veterinarian for advice or an appointment is always the best course of action, there are several non-prescription therapies and home remedies for dogs that are generally safe to try at home. These can be particularly helpful while waiting for a veterinary appointment or for managing very mild symptoms. However, it is crucial to remember that these remedies are for minor issues, and some conditions require immediate professional veterinary attention. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatment, especially if your dog’s symptoms persist or worsen.
Conditions That May Benefit From Home Remedies for Dogs
1. Mild Diarrhea or Mucus in Stool
For short episodes of mild diarrhea where your dog is otherwise eating well and acting normally, a temporary bland diet can allow the intestines to rest and heal. This diet typically consists of a 2:1 ratio of boiled chicken, turkey, or beef to rice. Avoid frying the meat, as the fat can lead to pancreatitis. A bland diet should not be fed for more than a week for adult dogs and two to three days for growing puppies. Incorporating probiotics and fiber supplements like Propectalin or canned pumpkin puree can further support the digestive system and improve stool consistency. If diarrhea doesn’t improve within the recommended timeframe, contact your vet. Dogs exhibiting blood in their stool, decreased appetite, or vomiting require prompt veterinary evaluation.
2. Hot Spots
Hot spots are localized, inflamed skin lesions that cause discomfort and lead to incessant licking and scratching, worsening the condition. While any breed can develop hot spots, they are more common in dogs with thick coats. The primary goal in treating hot spots is to prevent the dog from licking or scratching the area. Recovery cones are highly effective for this purpose. If comfortable, shaving the fur around the lesion with electric clippers (never scissors) can improve air exposure and aid healing. Medicated wipes or mousses containing ingredients like chlorhexidine can help reduce bacteria and yeast that exacerbate hot spots. For severe cases that don’t improve within 24–48 hours, veterinary intervention with oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories may be necessary. Never bandage a hot spot, as this traps moisture and infection.
3. Itchy, Irritated, Dry Skin
Numerous over-the-counter shampoos designed for dogs with dry, itchy skin are available. Opt for oatmeal-based and fragrance-free options for the best results. For more severe itching, your veterinarian might suggest an antiseptic shampoo or mousse containing ingredients like chlorhexidine.
4. Allergies
Dogs are susceptible to allergies, which can manifest as sneezing, mild clear eye discharge, and itching. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and Cetirizine can be safe for dogs if they do not contain decongestants, but always consult your veterinarian for appropriate dosing, as pet dosages differ from human ones. If your dog presents with yellow or green nasal or eye discharge, squinting, or changes in appetite or demeanor, antihistamines alone are unlikely to suffice, and a veterinary appointment is recommended.
5. Licking Paws
While occasional paw licking is normal, excessive licking leading to irritation or changes in fur color warrants attention. This behavior is often linked to allergies or contact irritants. Soaking the paws in Epsom salt for 5–10 minutes daily can help cleanse environmental allergens and soothe the skin. Medicated wipes can also clean the paws and alleviate itching. For severe inflammation, a recovery cone may be needed to prevent licking during healing.
6. Ear Debris
Mild ear wax buildup without significant itching or head shaking can sometimes be managed at home with careful ear cleaning using a product specifically designed for canine ear canals. Avoid using household items like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or coconut oil, as these can cause further inflammation. Massage the ear canal gently from the outside and use a cotton ball or your finger to clean excess solution before your dog shakes their head. Never use cotton swabs, as they can cause internal ear damage. It’s important to avoid cleaning the ears for 48 hours prior to a vet appointment to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
7. Fleas
With the wide availability of safe and effective flea-control products, at-home flea treatment is usually unnecessary. For puppies too young or small for approved products, Dawn dish soap baths can kill adult fleas, but a medication is still required to eliminate the infestation. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best medication for young or small puppies, as products are approved for as young as 6 weeks old and as little as 2 pounds.
8. Gas/Flatulence
While intestinal upset can cause gas, it’s frequently linked to lifestyle and diet. Dogs that eat quickly often swallow excess air, leading to flatulence. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are also more prone to swallowing air. These dogs may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals or a slow-feeding bowl. Feeding a high-quality diet is essential, and some dogs may need easily digestible options. If dietary and feeding habit changes don’t resolve the issue, consult your veterinarian. Probiotic supplements can support digestive health and may help with simple dietary flatulence.
13 Dog Health Issues That Require Veterinary Attention
While home remedies can address minor issues, some conditions necessitate prompt veterinary care to prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.
1. Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath, even with good oral hygiene, often indicates periodontal disease requiring a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia.
2. Black or Bloody Stool
Although small amounts of bright-red blood can be due to inflammation, black or bloody stool warrants a veterinary visit to rule out clotting disorders or severe gastroenteritis.
3. Bleeding Anus
A veterinarian can determine the source of bleeding, which may be an anal gland infection requiring antibiotics or, rarely, a surgical issue.
4. Bloated Stomach
A distended stomach that twists (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention. X-rays can assess the severity and determine the need for medical or surgical treatment.
5. Blood in Urine/Bladder Infection
Blood in the urine can stem from infections or bladder stones, both requiring veterinary diagnosis via urinalysis and potentially X-rays.
6. Coughing/Wheezing
A persistent cough lasting over a week, or one that disrupts sleep or appetite, requires X-rays to diagnose underlying causes like pneumonia or heart failure, which have vastly different treatments.
7. Dermatitis/Mange/Ringworm
Dermatitis, mange, and ringworm present with skin irritation and require specific diagnostic testing and targeted treatments from a veterinarian. Home remedies are insufficient for these conditions.
8. Ear Mites
While uncommon in dogs, ear mites and associated infections require veterinary diagnosis and appropriate treatment, often topical flea therapies or antibiotics.
9. Eye Discharge, Red Eye, Pink Eye, or Cloudy Eye
Eye issues can range from allergies to serious conditions like ulcers, glaucoma, or uveitis, all of which risk vision loss and demand prompt veterinary care.
10. Hair Loss
Non-itchy hair loss can signal underlying endocrine issues like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, or hormonal imbalances related to reproductive status, requiring veterinary evaluation.
11. Not Eating, Vomiting, or Upset Stomach
While mild upset stomachs might respond to diet changes, persistent vomiting or lack of appetite can lead to dehydration and indicate serious problems such as an intestinal blockage, necessitating veterinary diagnostics like bloodwork and X-rays.
12. Pain
While joint supplements can offer support, significant pain, particularly from arthritis pain, requires veterinary-prescribed anti-inflammatory treatment or even surgery. Never administer human medications to your dog without veterinary consultation.
13. Worms
While over-the-counter dewormers exist, a fecal sample analyzed by your veterinarian is crucial for identifying the specific parasite and ensuring the correct treatment protocol is followed. Worms, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, warrant immediate veterinary attention.
