14 Home Remedies for Pets

Just like humans, our pets face all sorts of minor ailments and irritations. Often the problem might not warrant a visit to the vet, but a home remedy might help. In other cases, home remedies can supplement prescription treatments and veterinary care. In most cases the items that you need are found right in your kitchen. The 14 items covered here are often repeated and trusted home remedies for pets covering common ailments.  Of course, as is the case with many home remedies there are disagreements about the effectiveness of any of them. Further, as with any medical concern, always check with your vet before using a home remedy.

I regularly use several of these items with my own dogs. For example, I often give my dogs a spoonful of plain greek yogurt on their food to promote healthy digestion and to avoid problems with their sensitive stomachs. I have used pumpkin and sweet potato for digestion, and carrots are regular treats in our household. The dogs adore them! My corgi Ty gets fish oil and Vitamin E to help with his chronic bursitis and it also promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat, which helps when he gets allergies that make him itch.

Read below for 14 home for pets remedies, along with links for further information on each.

Salmon contains omega 3 acids and promotes healthy skin and a healthy, shiny coat. the omega 3s in salmon also act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. You can feed your pet cooked salmon 2 times per week to gain these benefits, you can use pet food formulated with salmon, or you can administer fish oil supplements. I give my dogs a supplement of salmon oil and vitamin E to keep their skin and coats healthy. I also use it to help prevent inflammation with my corgi Ty who has chronic bursitis in his shoulder. Be sure that any supplement that you give is formulated for pets. For example, dogs need Vitamin E with fish oil to prevent a nutritional imbalance. Hence, giving a form for people is not always recommended. Consult with your veterinarian first before using supplements.

Information Source; Modern Dog, Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Apple cider vinegar is popular as a pet home remedy for many different uses. The most common, and best accepted use of apple vinegar, is to use it to treat and prevent ear infections in both cats and dogs. To do so, dilute the vinegar with water, using half of each, and rub it on the inside of the ears with a cotton ball or soft tissue. Do not use Q-tips or other pointy objects in your pet’s ear, as that can be dangerous, and do not wipe where you cannot see.

Apple cider vinegar is also often used as a natural antibiotic to treat skin infections and it has been said to repel fleas. Some pet owners give apple cider vinegar internally for digestion and urinary issues, but doing so is not without controversy, and I do not recommend that use of it unless directed to do so by your vet.

Information Source: The Whole Dog Journal, Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Chamomile tea has long been popular as a home remedy for both people and pets. Chamomile tea soothes the stomach and can ease minor stomach upset. Cooled chamomile tea also acts as an antimicrobial agent when used as a skin rinse for itchy skin. When cooled tea is mixed with saline solution, it can be used to treat weepy eyes. The tea is also reported to be beneficial for expelling worms. Chamomile is considered to be one of the safest herbs for your pet. However, allergies to it are possible, so check for sensitivity using a small dose on the skin first.

Information Sources: The Whole Dog Journal and Pet MD, Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Fleas (and other insects as well) dislike citrus. Rub a bit of fresh orange or lemon juice on your pet’s coat to help repel them. Citrus is safe for your pet and freshens the coat as well. Bathing is another way to tackle fleas, and adding some juice to the tub can help with the process. However, keep in mind that it might not be sufficient to completely get rid of a nasty infestation. It works better as a preventative.

Information Source: PetMD, Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Finely ground oatmeal, such as baby oatmeal, can help relieve itchy skin and is a longstanding home remedy for pets. Simply add it to your pet’s bath. You can also grind regular oatmeal in a food processor or blender. Oatmeal also absorbs odors rather well. Pictured are my corgis Ty and Eve in the tub. Ty absolutely hates baths, so I don’t why he is looking so happy here. Maybe it was the treat I was using to bribe them into posing nicely for the photo!

Information Source: Pet MD.

One half of a half teaspoon of butter per day can help ease things when your cat is having trouble with hairballs. When I was growing up, my mother would use butter that way all the time. Also try a diet with extra fiber and be sure to do lots of grooming! If the fats in butter concern you, look for treats that include slippery elm instead.

Learn More at Pet MD, Photo Credit: Lenor.

Carrots are often thought of as a beneficial nutritional supplement for your pet because they are high in antioxidants and beneficial vitamins. I certainly like them for that, but a reputed added bonus is that they also help clean your pet’s teeth and are safer than many dog chews. Keep in mind though that they won’t be a substitute for brushing. Carrots are also low calorie, making them a great alternative to higher calorie treats. I give my corgis baby carrots as treats all the time.

Read More at Pet MD, Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Parsley acts as a natural breath freshener. You can make a tea by steeping a few springs in a cup of water for use as a breath spray, or try sprinkling a few leaves on your pet’s food. However, do not give your pet large amounts of parsley, as it can cause gastrointestinal distress when ingested in larger quantities. For further breath freshening, try brushing your pet’s teeth and feed tooth cleaning snacks (remember those carrots I just mentioned).

One thing you should never give your dog is commercial breath fresheners meant for people. Those often contain the sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, and I wouldn’t trust it in cats either.

Pictured here is Molly, my sweetheart of a black lab who lived with me for 12 wonderful years. She also was often in need of carrots and parsley for her breath!

Read More at Pedigree.

Bee stings are so painful because the bee injects poison into your pet’s system. you can treat a bee sting by gently scraping the area with a credit card or piece of cardboard to remove the stinger. Do not use tweezers, as that might force venom out of the stinger and into your pet. To relieve pain, apply a mix of baking soda and water to the area.

Multiple bee stings are dangerous. So if your pet is stung more than once, call your vet. Also watch your pet for signs of distress or allergic reaction and get your pet to the vet immediately if you see weakness, difficulty breathing or excessive swelling.

Learn More at Hills Pet ,Photo Credit: Matthew Straubmuller

Using yogurt for digestion is one of the more popular home remedies for pets. Plain Greek yogurt is loaded with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, a friendly bacteria that helps keep your pet’s digestive system healthy and happy. It can act as a natural treatment for diarrhea and can also help prevent yeast infections. I often give my corgis a spoonful of low-fat Greek yogurt with their dinner. Yogurt It also fine for cats, although cats can tend to be lactose intolerant, so monitor carefully to determine whether yogurt is tolerated well by your cat.

Read More at Pet MD.

Rice and rice water are among the most longstanding home remedies for pets because they are easy to digest, soothing foods that help your pet’s system recover after a bout of diarrhea. To make rice water, boil one cup of white rice (not the quick cooking kind) in 4 cups of water, chill, and then serve to your pet. Once your pet’s system has calmed, give rice mixed with bland chicken breasts. I find that rice really helps when my dogs have diarrhea.

Read More at The Bark and Animal Discovery, Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Cranberry juice can assist pets who suffer from urinary tract problems. Cats in particular can be prone to urinary issues, and cranberry helps prevent blockages and infections. Give a small amount of 100% juice, such as teaspoon or so, on food.

Learn More at Pet MD, Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Ginger can help ease an upset tummy caused by motion sickness. While it is not ideal to give grain and sugar items like ginger snaps to pets often, they area commonly cited home remedy and have worked quite well for me when needed. To prevent motion sickness, give ginger snaps 30 minutes before traveling. If you wish to avoid the grains and sugar, try fresh ginger instead, which is also effective.

Read More at Pet MD, Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Canned or pureed fresh pumpkin is a great source of healthy fiber to help keep your pet’s system regular. Use it to treat mild constipation in both cats and dogs and to promote general digestive health. I have also read that if your dog eats poop, pumpkin will alter the taste of things and help prevent that.

Read More at Pet MD, Photo Credit: Shutterstock

So, there are 14 home remedies for pets. Do you have any favorite home remedies?

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