An alternative approach to conventional veterinary medicine, homeopathy for dogs involves giving your dog medicine that comes from vegetable, mineral, or animal sources. A homeopathic remedy may come in the form of something simple that you have around your home, such as petroleum jelly. Visiting the veterinarian is always best. Until you are able to make the trip, here are a few homeopathic remedies from the American Kennel Club that can help out in the meantime.
Try Hydrogen Peroxide to Induce Vomiting
Perhaps you suspect that your dog may have eaten a poisonous substance. After speaking with your vet, they may suggest that you try and induce vomiting. If so, he or she will direct you to use the 3% pharmaceutical type.
You should not induce vomiting if it has been over 2 hours since the poison has been ingested, as it is no longer inside of the stomach cavity. To avoid secondary burns, do not induce vomiting if you believe your dog has ingested bleach, drain cleaner or petroleum distillate.
One teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight should be given. The dog should begin vomiting soon after.
Use Baking Soda When You Trim to Close to the Quick
If you cut your dog’s nails, you may find that from time to time you may trim too close to the quick, and a drop of blood appears. All you need to do is pat a little baking soda on the area to make it clot and then all of the bleeding will stop.
Feed Ginger to Your Dog That Has an Upset Tummy
Does your dog get carsick? Even if he doesn’t, all dogs get a stomachache at times. You can try feeding your dog a few ginger capsules, or during the holidays, they can munch on a gingerbread cookie or two. It is a good idea to give the ginger to your dog 30 minutes before it is time to get in the car and go.
Soak Your Sore Pup in Warm Water With Epsom Salt
If you have a senior dog or your dog has arthritis, an Epsom salt bath can be particularly beneficial to them. It will help to ease their muscle pain. Add ½ cup of Epsom salt to a warm bath, and let your dog soak in this pain-relieving water twice a day.
Use Witch Hazel to Disinfect Wounds
Regularly check your dog’s fur for hot spots and little wounds that should be tended to. Simply dab some witch hazel on with a cotton ball and the cut is now treated with a mild disinfectant.
Apply Coconut Oil to Relieve Dry Skin
All you need is a little bit of coconut oil to soothe your dog’s dry skin and add shine to his coat. Simply rub a small amount into your hands and massage it into your dog’s coat. As a bonus, coconut oil naturally helps to repel fleas and ticks.
Use Petroleum Jelly to Protect Paw Pads
Between the cold weather, the ice, and the road salt, winter can wreak havoc on a dog’s paws. It just makes sense to provide your pup with some protection when it is time to venture outside. Applying petroleum jelly beforehand helps to protect your dog’s paw pads and helps to stop ice from forming on them.
