Sometimes you want to avoid medicating your dog if possible especially when caring for elderly dogs. There are some easy home remedies you can safely use. If a solution you hear does not sound safe it is better to consult a vet first. The following can all be used safely on your dog.
Ticks or fleas Make a paste of orange rinds and apply it evenly on the fur of the dog. Let it remain there for five hours and then wash it gently. This is one easy and safe home remedy for helping your dogs get rid of ticks and fleas.
Dry, cracked paws Take Vaseline or petroleum jelly and apply it to the paws for four to five days. You will find the expected improvement and the paw will heal.
Odor problem Add a few drops of vinegar in the dog’s bath water. If you have trouble getting your dog in the bath, using baking soda as a dry shampoo will work. Sprinkle it on your dog’s coat and leave set for a few minutes and then brush out.
Insects and bites Insect stings and bites are another common problem with dogs. As soon as you notice this, put adequate solution of baking soda and water on the stung area. Apply ice for any swelling. If you notice any difficulty breathing after a sting, however, take your dog to the vet immediately as he may be allergic to the sting. A word of caution is in order here. Never give your dog anything involving onions or garlic, as these are toxic to a dog. If your dog is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea or seems to be in pain, do not try any home remedies. Call your vet immediately. It is better to be safe than to lose your beloved friend.
Top Dog Diseases
Following is a list of the top diseases experienced in dogs. Many are easily prevented with immunizations. Those that don’t have preventive shots can often be avoided with proper care. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all shots and make it a point to know the causes of these disorders in order to give him the best possible care.
Distemper:
Distemper is fatal in 80% of puppies and 50% of adults. All dogs are extremely vulnerable, and should be vaccinated, with subsequent boosters in keeping the recommendation of a Veterinarian.
Parvovirus in dogs (Parvo):
Parvo is extremely contagious, especially among puppies, and can lead to death within 48 to 72 hours after exposure. Symptoms include depression, loss of appetite, vomiting and severe diarrhea
Rabies:
Rabies is a virus and becomes fatal when symptoms appear. Because rabies can be fatal to humans and other mammals, state and local laws uniformly require rabies vaccination, many mandating booster shots yearly.
Kennel Cough:
This is a respiratory disease especially prevalent in kennels and shelters. Symptoms can include a dry hacking cough along with inflammation of the larynx, bronchial tubes and trachea. Vaccination, as often as every six months is recommended.
Leptospirosis:
Symptoms of Leptospirosis include lethargy, kidney inflammation, low-grade fever, vomiting, reddening of the mucous membranes and conjunctiva, and blood clotting abnormalities. Infectious canine hepatitis:
Lyme Disease:
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs will include lethargy, joint pain, lack of appetite, lymph node enlargement, and fever.
Coronavirus:
Diarrhea and vomiting are symptomatic of this dog disease so it can be confused with parvovirus. Other indications are loss of appetite, smelly diarrhea, lethargy and dehydration..
Heartworm:
Heartworms are parasites that grow and multiply, infesting the chambers in the heart, arteries in the lungs. Symptoms appear gradually, usually manifested in easy tiring, lethargy and a soft cough. If not treated, it eventually brings on death by congestive heart failure in a once active animal