Being a pet parent means being prepared for the unexpected. While reaching out to your veterinarian for advice or an appointment is always recommended, there are some nonprescription therapies and home remedies for dogs that are usually safe to try at home before you call or while you wait for an appointment. Many mild health issues in dogs can be managed with safe, vet-approved home remedies. However, some health issues, such as bloating, bloody stool, or ear mites, require immediate veterinary attention. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any treatment, especially if symptoms persist or worsen in your pup.
8 Conditions That May Benefit From Home Remedies for Dogs
1. Mild Diarrhea/Mucus in Stool
A short course of mild diarrhea doesn’t always mean a trip to the vet. Dogs with soft stool that are otherwise eating well and acting normally can be temporarily given a bland, easily digestible diet to allow the intestines some time to rest and heal from the inflammation causing the diarrhea. A bland diet at home is usually a combination of boiled chicken, turkey, or beef and rice, with a recommended 2:1 ratio (two parts rice, one part chicken). Avoid roasting or frying the meat, as the fat can cause pancreatitis. This diet should not be fed for more than a week in adult dogs and two to three days in growing puppies. Adding probiotics and a fiber supplement like Propectalin or canned pumpkin puree can also help support the digestive system and bulk up the stool.
If your dog’s diarrhea is not decreasing during that time, a call to the vet is warranted to see if a prescription diet or probiotics may be needed. Dogs that have blood in the stool, decreased appetite, or vomiting should also be promptly evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure there isn’t a more serious cause.
2. Hot Spots
Hot spots are localized areas of inflammation in the skin that erupt suddenly, causing discomfort and frequent licking or scratching, which exacerbates the lesion. Hot spots can occur in any breed but are most common in dogs with thick coats like Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. The most crucial aspect of treating a hot spot is preventing your dog from licking or scratching it. Recovery cones are highly effective at protecting these lesions as they heal. Shaving the fur around the lesion with electric clippers (never scissors!) can provide more air exposure and aid healing. Using a medicated wipe or mousse can also help decrease the bacteria and yeast on the skin that worsen a hot spot.
Severe hot spots that don’t improve in 24–48 hours may require oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories from your vet. Never bandage a hot spot, as this will delay healing and can lead to further complications by trapping moisture and infection.
3. Itchy, Irritated, Dry Skin
Numerous over-the-counter shampoos are available for dogs with dry, itchy skin. Opt for products that are oatmeal-based and fragrance-free for the best results. If your dog’s itchy skin is more severe, your vet may recommend an antiseptic shampoo or mousse product containing chlorhexidine.
4. Allergies
Our canine companions are just as prone to allergies as humans. Common symptoms in dogs include sneezing, mild and clear eye discharge, and itching. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine and Cetirizine are safe for dogs provided they do not contain any decongestants, but they should always be recommended and dosed by your veterinarian. Dosages for pets are not the same as for humans, so your vet can guide you on the appropriate use of these products. If yellow or green discharge is noted from your pet’s eyes or nose, if squinting occurs, or if there are any changes in your dog’s appetite or demeanor, antihistamines alone are unlikely to resolve the issue, and you should call your vet for an appointment.
5. Licking Paws
While licking paws can be normal behavior for most dogs, excessive licking that leads to irritation and fur-color change should be managed. Typically, excessive foot licking is related to allergies or other contact-related irritants. Epsom salt soaks for the feet, lasting about 5–10 minutes at least once a day, can help wash off environmental allergens and contaminants, while also soothing the skin and aiding the healing process. Medicated wipes can also be used to clean the paws and relieve some itching. Dogs with more severe inflammation may need to wear a recovery cone for a few days to prevent licking while the skin heals. You can explore how to heal a dog’s ripped pad for related issues.
6. Ear Debris
Excess waxy debris in the ear that is not associated with severe itching or head shaking can often be managed at home with ear cleaning, but it must be done very carefully. Using an ear wash or ear wipes can help alleviate some symptoms before you see your vet. It is crucial to avoid cleaning or applying anything to the ears for 48 hours before your vet appointment, as this can interfere with an accurate diagnosis. Always use a product specifically designed for use in the ear canal. Household items such as vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and coconut oil should never be put in the ears, as these can cause more inflammation.
When cleaning your dog’s ears, appropriate products can be poured directly into the canal or applied using a soaked cotton ball. Gently massage the ear canal from the outside and mop up excess cleaner with your finger and a cotton ball before your dog shakes their head. Never use cotton swabs in your dog’s ears, as this can lead to internal ear damage.
7. Fleas
With the many safe and effective flea-control products now available, at-home flea treatment is rarely necessary. If you have a puppy that is too young or too small for approved products, Dawn dish soap baths can be given to kill adult fleas immediately, but a medication will still be needed to eliminate the problem. Flea products are approved for puppies as young as 6 weeks and as small as 2 pounds, so consult your veterinarian to determine the best medication.
8. Gas/Flatulence
While some dogs may become gassy due to absorption issues and intestinal upset, gas in dogs is more frequently associated with lifestyle and diet. Dogs that gobble their food often swallow excess air, which then passes through the digestive tract. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs are also more prone to swallowing air due to their respiratory tract shape. These dogs may benefit from small, frequent meals or a slow-feeding bowl to reduce flatulence.
Diet plays a significant role in a dog’s gas levels. Ensure you are feeding your pet a high-quality diet. Some dogs may benefit from low-residue or easily digestible diets. If changing diet and feeding habits does not improve your dog’s flatulence, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian. Probiotic supplements can aid digestive health and may help some dogs with simple dietary flatulence.
13 Dog Health Issues That You Should Never Try Home Remedies For
Unfortunately, home remedies are not suitable for all dog health issues. If you notice any of the following problems in your dog, it is best to seek veterinary supervision. Attempting to manage these conditions on your own can delay necessary care and sometimes complicate treatment.
1. Bad Breath
If good oral hygiene does not resolve persistent bad breath, it likely warrants an anesthetic dental procedure to properly diagnose and treat periodontal disease.
2. Black or Bloody Stool
Although small amounts of bright-red blood in the stool can be due to inflammation, your vet can perform blood tests to rule out clotting issues or severe gastroenteritis that might require hospitalization.
3. Bleeding Anus
Your veterinarian is best equipped to assess the source of bleeding from the rectal area. A common cause is an anal gland infection, which requires antibiotic therapy. In rare cases, surgical issues like a mass or trauma may be present.
4. Bloated Stomach
If a bloated stomach twists, leading to GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus), it is a life-threatening emergency. Your vet can perform X-rays to determine the severity of the bloat and ascertain if medical or surgical intervention is needed.
5. Blood in Urine/Bladder Infection
Infections are not the sole cause of blood in the urine. Your vet can use a urinalysis to determine if antibiotics are necessary. X-rays may also be indicated to check for bladder stones, which can present with similar clinical signs.
6. Coughing/Wheezing
A cough that persists for more than a week or disrupts your dog’s sleep or eating habits requires X-rays to identify the cause. The treatments for pneumonia and heart failure differ significantly, yet the coughs characteristic of each condition can sound very similar.
7. Dermatitis/Mange/Ringworm
Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that is typically more uncomfortable than simple dry skin. Your vet will likely want to test for bacterial or yeast infections and treat them appropriately. This testing can also help rule out mites or mange, which may require a combination of topical and oral therapies. Ringworm may appear similar and necessitates a separate test. Treatment for ringworm in dogs is distinct from human treatment.
8. Ear Mites
Mites are very uncommon in dogs and can often be treated with topical flea therapies. Most dogs presenting with ear mites actually have a yeast or bacterial otitis (ear infection). Your vet can ensure your dog’s ear canals are normal and prescribe appropriate antibiotics.
9. Eye Discharge, Red Eye, Pink Eye, or Cloudy Eye
Eye discharge could stem from allergies, but it may also indicate an ulcer, glaucoma, or uveitis (internal eye inflammation). These conditions can all lead to vision loss, making prompt diagnosis and treatment essential.
10. Hair Loss
Hair loss without itching can be linked to thyroid or adrenal gland issues and requires evaluation. Health conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and even unspayed or unneutered status can all cause non-itchy hair loss necessitating medical treatment.
11. Not Eating, Vomiting, or Upset Stomach
While mild cases of upset stomach can be managed with dietary changes, persistent vomiting or lack of appetite can lead to dehydration and may signal a more serious issue. Your vet can perform bloodwork and take X-rays to rule out an intestinal blockage or other serious conditions.
12. Pain
While over-the-counter joint supplements like glucosamine can support joint health, true pain, especially arthritis pain or pain causing limping, typically requires anti-inflammatory treatment. Some conditions may even necessitate surgery to alleviate your dog’s discomfort. Never administer human medications or over-the-counter drugs to your dog without consulting your veterinarian first.
13. Worms
Numerous over-the-counter dewormers are available, but identifying the specific parasite through a fecal sample analyzed by your vet is crucial for an effective treatment plan and schedule. Some dewormers do not target all types of worms or only affect certain life stages. Your vet can help navigate the appropriate therapy for faster resolution. If you discover worms in your dog’s stool, contact your vet for a check-up and stool analysis. If your dog has worms accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in behavior and/or appetite, seeking veterinary attention becomes more urgent.
