Dogs sometimes become sick like their owners. That is the time to visit a vet. But for some common dog ailment, you can go for natural remedies to cure your pet. These remedies are derived from herbs, oils, and simple ingredients found in your kitchen.
Natural remedies can provide relief. In this guide, we explore some of the most popular natural remedies for common dog ailments, offering alternative solutions that are gentle on your pet’s body.
Get Relief from Diarrhea or Upset Stomach
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is high in soluble fiber. Fiber help regulate your dog’s digestion. It absorbs excess water and binds stool. This is useful with diarrhea, and it can alleviate constipation by adding moisture to the stool.
Dr. Julie Buzby supports canned pumpkins. Canned pumpkin has a high-water content that can help with hydration and digestion.
Feed plain canned pumpkin (not the spiced pie filling) or fresh, pureed pumpkin. Small dogs need 1–2 teaspoons, while larger dogs can have up to 1–2 tablespoons mixed in with their regular food. You can continue for 1–2 days until stools return to normal.
Caution: If diarrhea persists for more than a day or two, or if your dog shows other signs of illness, see a vet.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-nausea properties. It helps soothe the stomach lining, making it ideal for preventing vomiting or treating mild stomach discomfort.
April Saylor and Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP support ginger. They explain that if your dog is experiencing digestive issues or is prone to motion sickness, a small amount of ginger is helpful to ease nausea and promote better digestion.
They consider ginger a gentle remedy for many dogs who experience upset stomachs, vomiting, or discomfort after travel.
Fresh ginger can be grated or powdered and added to your dog’s food. A small amount of grated ginger (1/4 tsp for small dogs, up to 1 tsp for large dogs) can be mixed with food twice a day. You can also brew ginger tea, let it cool, and offer it to your dog (about 1–2 tablespoons).
Caution: Avoid overusing ginger for long periods as it can interact with blood thinners.
Itchy Skin, Hot Spots, Rashes
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is naturally soothing, cooling, and anti-inflammatory. It is useful for treating hot spots, rashes, or minor burns.
Experts in Knutsford Veterinary Surgery Support aloe vera as a natural remedy for skin allergy. Aloe vera (without alcohol) is an excellent natural remedy for soothing irritated skin and reducing redness. It helps dogs to fight itching or dealing with skin discomfort. Aloe vera contains natural anti-inflammatory properties and cooling agents that help draw heat away from the skin.
If your pet has hot spots, rashes, or has been scratching excessively, gently apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel directly to the affected areas. This can calm the skin, promote healing, and alleviate discomfort.
Apply pure aloe vera gel to the affected area of your dog’s skin. Gently rub it in to soothe the irritation, but ensure the dog doesn’t lick it off. You can use it 2–3 times a day.
Caution: Use only pure aloe vera gel without additives like alcohol, which can irritate the skin further. If the skin is broken or severely inflamed, consult a vet.
Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal is excellent for soothing itchy, dry, or inflamed skin. It forms a protective barrier over the skin and helps maintain moisture.
Laci Schaible from PetMD explains oatmeal is a natural skin protectant with anti-inflammatory properties. It is a fantastic remedy for soothing itchy, irritated, or inflamed skin in pets. Its gentle, soothing effect helps create a barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and alleviating dryness. For pets experiencing discomfort from conditions like eczema or dry patches, oatmeal baths can provide immediate relief.
Use colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oats designed for bathing) or grind regular oats into a fine powder. Add to lukewarm bathwater, allowing your dog to soak for 10–15 minutes. After the bath, gently pat your dog dry with a soft towel. You can repeat this up to 2–3 times a week.
Caution: Avoid hot water, as it can further irritate the skin. Monitor for signs of allergies or worsening conditions.
Natural Remedy for Ear Infections
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has mild antifungal and antibacterial properties.It helps balance the pH in the ear canal. It is useful with minor ear infections.
Becki Baumgartner, PhD, at Natchez Trace Veterinary Services suggest apple cider vinegar kills bacteria, viruses and fungi. Vinegar helps restore ear canal’s proper pH balance.
Dilute apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and apply to a cotton ball. Gently wipe the outer ear and ear flap to clean. Do not put vinegar inside the ear canal if the ear is sore or inflamed, as it may cause discomfort. Use up to 2–3 times per week.
Caution: If you notice discharge, a foul smell, or if your dog’s ears are extremely irritated, consult a vet for a proper diagnosis.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It helps prevent infections in the ear.
Warm a small amount of coconut oil to a liquid form and gently apply to the outer ear. You can also massage it into the ear flap for 5–10 seconds to ensure it gets absorbed. Repeat up to twice a week.
Caution: Only use coconut oil if your dog has no known allergies to coconut products.
How to Naturally Heal Joint Pain and Inflammation (Arthritis)
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps alleviate pain and inflammation in the joints.
Mix 1/4 tsp of turmeric for small dogs and 1/2 tsp for larger dogs with food once a day. For better absorption, combine it with coconut oil (1/4 tsp for small dogs, 1/2 tsp for large dogs). Turmeric can be given daily for several weeks, but monitor for any digestive upset.
Caution: If your dog is on medication, especially blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, consult a vet before adding turmeric to their diet.
Fish Oil
Fish oil, particularly from cold-water fish like salmon, contains omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil help reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility.
Studies have shown that EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), both omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. Both of them have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds reduce joint inflammation, swelling, and pain. This is particularly beneficial for dogs suffering from conditions like arthritis or other joint-related issues.
Omega-3s work by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, thus easing discomfort and promoting overall joint health.
Fish oil supplements can be added to your dog’s food. A typical dose is about 1,000 mg per 10 lbs of body weight, but dosages may vary, so always check with a vet for the best dosage.
Caution: Too much fish oil can lead to diarrhea, and it’s important to balance omega-3 with omega-6 fatty acids in your dog’s diet.
Flea and Tick Control
Lemon Spray
Lemons contain natural acids and oils that are effective at repelling fleas and ticks.
Slice one lemon and boil it in water. Let it steep overnight and then strain it. Pour the cooled liquid into a spray bottle and spritz it on your dog’s coat. Do not spray directly on their face or inside their ears. Use once a week to help repel pests.
Caution: Some dogs may be sensitive to citrus oils, so perform a patch test first.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps create an environment on your dog’s skin that is inhospitable to fleas and ticks.
Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 1 part water and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on your dog’s coat and comb through. You can also add some to their drinking water (1 teaspoon for small dogs, 1 tablespoon for larger dogs).
Caution: Avoid spraying near your dog’s face, and never use it if your dog has open wounds or irritated skin.
Anxiety or Stress Relief Naturally
Lavender
Lavender has natural calming effects on both humans and animals. It can help soothe anxiety, restlessness, and stress.
Migiwa Komiya at United Graduate School of Veterinary Science explains that lavender oil is one of the best natural, dog-safe remedies for managing anxiety in pets. The calming properties of lavender are well-documented in both humans and animals. It can help soothe anxiety, reduce restlessness, and promote relaxation. This is beneficial for dogs who may be fearful of loud noises, new environments, or separation from their owners.
You can use a few drops of lavender essential oil in a diffuser or add a drop to your dog’s collar. Alternatively, you can dilute the oil with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) and rub it on your dog’s paws or behind their ears. Avoid applying undiluted oil directly to your dog’s skin.
Caution: Always dilute essential oils and monitor for any signs of irritation. Avoid using essential oils around puppies, as they are more sensitive.
Chamomile
Chamomile has mild sedative properties and can help reduce anxiety or stress in dogs.
Brew chamomile tea, let it cool, and offer small amounts (1–2 teaspoons for small dogs, up to 1 tablespoon for larger dogs). You can also spray chamomile tea on bedding or in the air to create a calming environment.
Caution: Do not use chamomile if your dog has allergies to ragweed, as chamomile is a member of the ragweed family.
Get Your Dog Rid of Bad Breath
Parsley
Parsley is known for its freshening properties, and it can help neutralize odors in your dog’s mouth.
Fresh parsley can be chopped finely and sprinkled on your dog’s food. You can also make a parsley-based dog-friendly treat by adding it to homemade dog biscuits or mixing with yogurt.
Caution: Use parsley in moderation. While it’s safe, too much can cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs.
Carrot or Apple Slices
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, like carrots and apples, help scrape plaque and tartar off your dog’s teeth, which can help with bad breath.
Give your dog carrot sticks or apple slices (without seeds, as they contain cyanide) as treats. They can also serve as natural chews to help clean teeth.
Caution: Always supervise your dog when chewing, especially with larger items, to prevent choking.
Naturally Heal Dog Wound
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey has antibacterial and healing properties, making it useful for minor cuts, scrapes, or abrasions.
The Veterinary Nurse explains the usage and history of manuka honey in detail. Manuka honey has strong antibacterial effects due to its unique compound methylglyoxal (MGO). This helps prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the wound. It creates a protective barrier that helps keep the wound clean, reducing the risk of further complications.
Apply a thin layer of manuka honey to the wound and cover with a bandage or allow the dog to lick it off. You can reapply it once or twice daily.
Caution: If your dog is likely to lick off the honey continuously, it’s best to cover the area with a protective bandage or sock to prevent excessive licking, which can delay healing.
Natural remedies can serve as a beneficial supplement to your dog’s healthcare routine. It provides relief from a variety of common ailments in a safe and holistic manner.
With the right combination of natural treatments and professional care, you can help ensure your furry friend stays healthy, happy, and comfortable for years to come.
Important Notes
Consult your vet: Always check with your veterinarian before using any natural remedies, especially if your dog has existing medical conditions or is on medication.
Dosage matters: Always use the correct amount based on your dog’s size and weight. Too much of even a natural remedy can cause harm.
Monitor your dog: Introduce new remedies slowly and observe for any signs of allergies or negative reactions.
Reference:
- Canned Pumpkin For Dogs: A Veterinarian’s Guide. Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips for Dogs
- Can Dogs Eat Ginger? PetMD
- How to Reduce Itching in Pets with Skin Allergies. Knutsford Veterinary Surgery.
- How to Make an Oatmeal Bath for Dogs With Itchy Skin. PetMD
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Home Remedy for Dog Ear Infection. Natchez Trace Veterinary Services
- Omega-3 Supplementation and Its Effects on Osteoarthritis. PubMed Central.
- Evaluation of the effect of topical application of lavender oil on autonomic nerve activity in dogs. PubMed. National Library of Medicine.
- Why use manuka honey? The Veterinary Nurse.
