https://www.barkandwhiskers.com/p/82c51820-6558-4640-ae15-c195d4d067b7/
https://www.barkandwhiskers.com/2016-10-26-nl-minor-dog-emergencies-home-remedies/
By Dr. Becker
Many pet parents first look in their cabinets to treat minor health issues in their pet.
There are a number of household items that many people have on hand that can double as health remedies. Good things to have in your cupboard at all times include 100 percent canned pumpkin, povidone-iodine, and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.
8 Home Remedies for Minor Emergencies in Dogs
1. Problem: Constipation, diarrhea and other minor digestive problems
Solution: Canned pumpkin. It’s a good idea to keep a can of 100% pumpkin in your kitchen cabinet in case of occasional mild stomach aches.
Feed one teaspoon of pumpkin per 10 pounds of body weight, once or twice daily, either in food or as a treat. Pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber which can relieve both diarrhea and constipation.
2. Problem: Minor skin abrasions, cuts, infections or hot spots
Solution: Povidone-iodine. Povidone-iodine (Betadine) is a mild disinfectant that can treat staph, yeast, and almost all common bacteria. It doesn’t sting or irritate the skin, and it’s safe if your pet licks it.
Dilute povidone-iodine until it is the color of iced tea, dip a clean cloth in it, and gently wipe the soaked cloth over the infected areas of your pet’s skin. Rinse the cloth and wipe it on the skin, then pat it dry.
I recommend performing this disinfection process twice a day if your dog has a minor skin infection or other problem.
3. Problem: Itchy, irritated paws
Solution: foot baths. Did you know that approximately 50% of your dog’s paw licking and chewing can be reduced by mechanically removing allergens and other irritants accumulated on a dog’s paws? “Mechanically remove” simply means rinse them.
For larger dogs, you can use a bucket and soak one foot at a time. Small dogs can stand in a kitchen or bathroom sink. Dilute povidone-iodine with water until it is the color of iced tea and add it to the foot bath. Rotate it while your dog stays there for two to five minutes.
If your dog is nervous about being in the water, talk to him in a calming tone and of course, offer him treats. Also try soaking one paw at a time in a container of solution rather than putting it in the tub.
4. Problem: fleas
Solution: apple cider vinegar. apple cider vinegar (ACV) does not kill fleas, but it can help keep them away from your dog. One of the simplest approaches is to make a solution of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
I recommend using raw, organic apple cider vinegar. Add the mixture to a spray bottle and spray it on your pet before he goes outside. You can also spray their bedding. Also consider adding apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food, at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of dog. And during baths, you can pour diluted apple cider vinegar on your dog as a preventative flea rinse at a rate of 1 cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of water.
Pour it over your freshly bathed dog (avoid his head), massage his coat and dry him with a towel. Do not rinse. Alternatively, you can add about two cups of apple cider vinegar to his bath water.
5. Problem: stomach aches
Solution: Ginger. Mix fresh ground ginger or dried herbs into a delicious meatball or other delicious treat. Use 1/8th 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.
Feed ginger-infused snacks one to three times daily, depending on your needs. And if your dog’s problem is motion sickness, be sure to give it to him at least an hour before the trip. Alternatively, you can add ¼ cup of ginger tea per 20 pounds to food daily, as needed.
6. Problem: Crusty skin and nails
Solution: coconut oil. Coconut oil (I recommend 100% organic, cold-pressed, human-grade skin treatments) can be very beneficial, especially for older adults with crusty patches of skin and funky nails. Treatments help reduce flaking and improve skin integrity.
They also support the lipid barrier, which makes skin healthier and more resistant to pathogens like yeast and opportunistic bacteria.
First, give your dog a bath, then rub the oil into the skin all over his body, paying special attention to dry areas. Let it absorb into the skin for about five minutes. Follow with another bath (not too foamy) and a very light rinse. You can also dab it directly on hot spots, rashes, and rashes after disinfection.
7. Problem: encounter with a skunk
Solution: skunk rinse. Tomato juice is not as effective as this recipe and it is easy to follow. In a bucket, mix 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (the drugstore variety), ¼ cup of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid. If you have a large breed dog, you may need to double, triple, or even quadruple the mix.
Apply the mixture to your dog’s dry coat, taking care to avoid the eyes. Massage the mixture into the coat and skin for about five minutes or until the skunk odor begins to dissipate. Use a sponge to apply the solution to the chin, cheeks, forehead and ears, if necessary, being very careful not to get near the eyes.
Rinse thoroughly as soon as the odor begins to diminish. When rinsing the head, tilt your dog’s chin up so the solution doesn’t get into the eyes. You may need to repeat the lather and rinse process up to three times. Be sure to rinse the solution off your dog completely.
8. Problem: ingestion of toxins
Solution: Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and give 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters or tsp) per 10 pounds of dog weight. You can mix it with a little vanilla ice cream to encourage your dog to swallow it, or try using a little honey, or simply squirt it down their throat if necessary.
Walk your dog for a few minutes to get him moving, which will help the hydrogen peroxide do its job, which usually happens in about 15 minutes. If your dog does not vomit within 15 hours, give him a second dose. If after 15 minutes she still hasn’t vomited, call your veterinarian.
Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog is already vomiting; has lost consciousness or cannot stand; it has been more than two hours since she ingested the toxin or swallowed bleach, drain cleaner, or petroleum distillate. These chemicals can cause burns when swallowed, as well as additional secondary burns when they reappear. See a veterinarian immediately.
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