Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • 6 Garden Ideas That Will Boost the Value of Your Home

      6 Garden Ideas That Will Boost the Value of Your Home

      These simple outdoor upgrades can benefit your home's curb appeal and resale value. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    27 St. Patrick's Day Recipes That Will Help You Build the Perfect Menu

    27 St. Patrick's Day Recipes That Will Help You Build the Perfect Menu

    Deck yourself out in green and celebrate everything Irish with our absolute favorite St. Patrick's Day recipes for brunch and dinner. That might mean corned beef and cabbage, the standout dish stateside, or a lamb or beef stew—the entrées those in the Emerald Isle are most likely to eat on March 17. Perhaps you'd prefer bangers and mash or a Guinness pie packed with beef? Create your St. Patrick's Day menu from our selection of appetizers and main courses (we included a few drinks, too!). Whatever you do, be sure to bake a loaf of soda bread for the table—and end the meal on a sweet note with one of our dessert recipes just right for the holiday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    The Fastest-Growing Trees to Plant in Your Garden

    The Fastest-Growing Trees to Plant in Your Garden

    These five trees provide shade and foliage more quickly than other varieties.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    The Right Way to Clean Every Part of Your Oven, From the Racks to the Door Glass

    The Right Way to Clean Every Part of Your Oven, From the Racks to the Door Glass

    This workhorse kitchen appliance will look good as new if you follow these expert-approved steps.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    These Are the 10 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together, Experts Say

    These Are the 10 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together, Experts Say

    Take these easy steps to ensure the strength of your relationship.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    15 St. Patrick's Day Decoration Ideas—From Ornamental Cabbage to DIY Rainbows

    15 St. Patrick's Day Decoration Ideas—From Ornamental Cabbage to DIY Rainbows

    Feeling lucky? It could be the luck of the Irish. After all, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. On March 17, there's much to do—from cooking corned beef and cabbage and donning your finest green attire to raising a glass in honor of Irish pride. You can (and should!) also decorate as part of the festivities.  If you're looking for a golden idea, you're in luck. Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with our shamrock garlands, rainbow balloons, leprechaun traps, and more decoration ideas. 
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Causes of Hair Loss at the Crown—Plus, What to Do About It, According to Experts

    The Causes of Hair Loss at the Crown—Plus, What to Do About It, According to Experts

    From high ponytails to poor nutrition, here's what causes thinning and breakage on this part of the scalp.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Life
  3. Pets
  4. Pet Care
  5. The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for Your Pet

The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for Your Pet

Samantha Hunter
By Samantha Hunter May 29, 2012
Skip gallery slides
Pin
beagle asleep
Credit: Getty

Look no further than your kitchen pantry or medicine cabinet to take care of a pet emergency. Veterinarians tells us how to use products commonly found at home to help your pet recover quickly.

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
beagle asleep
Credit: Getty
How to Keep Your Pet Healthy All Year Long

If you are the caretaker of a canine companion, you know that sometimes, things just happen. Perhaps your pooch has gotten into a whole chocolate cake or been stung in the backyard by a bothersome bee, ravaged a garbage can full of human goodies that are not so good for their sensitive digestive systems, is upset by an unexpected rainstorm and lightning, can't go (constipation) or is going to much (diarrhea), or a plethora of other scenarios have come up and require you to come to the rescue. Sometimes, a situation warrants immediate medical attention and a visit to the vet, but there could be situations where you have to act fast and cannot get to your trusted vet immediately, or other times the situation could possibly be managed with an at-home remedy.

"Sometimes, you just can't get to a doctor right away, or you can avoid it altogether for minor situations," says Dr. Gerald Buchoff, DVM, BVScAH, owner of Holistic Pet Care in Little Falls, New Jersey. "Think of home remedies as a 'first aid kit'—but for your dog, or things that you can reach for until you can see a vet, or try before you reach a vet to see if they work," offers Dr. Buchoff. "I like people to be empowered and know how to take care of their pets as much as they can," he adds. 

In some instances, a little at-home treatment is all it takes to get your four-legged friend feeling their best once again, but that does not mean proceed without caution, points out Randy Klein, Holistic Advisor and Owner of Whiskers Holistic Pet Care (located in New York City and Astoria, Queens). Whereas Klein agrees that, "There are many ailments or events that happen quickly in our homes to our domesticated dogs which don't always have the luxury of time—time to make an appointment, time to get him or her to the vet, or time to wait for call backs," he says. "The best advise I give to people who call us or come in during one of these events is always the same—if you feel your pet is in dire or severe danger, consult your veterinarian. If you have the luxury of time, and when nothing special is happening, this is the best time to do your homework and investigate what will work best for your individual pet. If you do this when everything is calm and peaceful, you can test which home remedies work best and which ones might actually be more harmful than the ailment you are trying to fix."

With at-home pet remedies, Klein says it's best to start slowly and with small amounts without overdoing any one treatment no matter how simple or small the remedy may appear. Note that you should always consult your vet first regarding your pet's situation and then he or she can suggest a home remedy for you to try. Depending on your pet's weight, your vet will determine what dosage you should give, then consult back with him or her in a couple days if the situation worsens or doesn't improve.

1 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Poison Control

0106_msl_organizer05.jpg
Credit: David Prince
Know the Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Dr. Lawrence Putter, MVD, Medical Director at Lenox Hill Veterinarians in New York City, advises contacting your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately for a consult to determine degree of toxicity (call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435). Consider using hydrogen peroxide (one teaspoon per five pounds of body weight), to induce vomiting. Dr. Putter advises using hydrogen peroxide (which is a gastric irritant) under consultation with animal poison control. In some situations, such as a case of a dog ingesting lye or Drano, you do not want to induce vomiting since vomiting can increase damage to the esophagus. For mild cases of toxic ingestion, Milk of Magnesia may also be helpful to induce a bowel movement.

2 of 11

3 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Minor Cuts or Skin Sores

lavender-oil-026-d111166-0614.jpg
Credit: Gabriela Herman
Learn More Reasons to Love Lavender

Lavender oil is one of the most used essential oils all over the world today, and its benefits are plentiful. For minor cuts and skin sores, Dr. Buchoff suggests using lavender oil, which is known for its powerful antimicrobial, pain relieving, and healing properties, on your precious pooch. The oil is gentle enough to be applied directly to the skin; Dr. Buchoff suggests applying a thin film (less than a drop, whatever sticks to your finger) directly to the skin adhesion or sore. Sugar may also be applied to a skin sore (be sure not to moisten the sugar, apply it dry directly to the wound) and then covered with a bandage to protect against infection and assist skin sores that are not healing well, says Buchoff, particularly if you simply can't get to your vet right away for some reason. To clean a wound, Buchoff prefers witch hazel to other cleaning agents (like alcohol or peroxide) because it is effective and very gentle on the skin. Dr. Putter is a fan of mild soap and water, and keeping the wound dry. Bite wounds might warrant antibiotics or even surgery.

3 of 11

Advertisement

4 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lightning Storms

scared dog
Credit: Getty

If your pet suffers anxiety during a thunderstorm, it likely isn't because of the flashes of light or the sound. Rather, it's a buildup of static electricity in his coat. Rub a dryer sheet (fragrance-free) on your dog's coat on the morning of an anticipated thunderstorm, which typically increases in occurrence during the summertime. Klein adds that fear and anxiety resulting from instances like a case of loud lightning can be helped with Rescue Remedy (a flower essence) or CBD oil. As always, buyer beware, and consult with your veterinarian regarding dosing.

4 of 11

5 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Upset Stomach

dog treats
Could Your Dog Benefit from Taking a Probiotic?

One too many treats? Use Pepto Bismol to help with an upset stomach and vomiting, but Dr. Putter warns that this will darken your dog's stool to a blackish hue so be advised. Use this only for dogs, though; it contains an aspirin-like substance, which is bad for cats. The dose for a dog (either liquid or tablets) is a child's dose for every 40 pounds of body weight every six hours. Dr. Putter regularly prescribes probiotics to his patients at his practice and says that for dogs, adding a little yogurt to the food at dinnertime can help with stomach upset. A dog with an upset stomach that is vomiting should not be given water, or anything else by mouth. Dr. Putter suggests allowing the stomach to settle down first. Persistent vomiting warrants a call or visit to the vet.  

5 of 11

6 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bee Stings

bees-ms-column-0509-mld106618.jpg
Credit: Paul Costello
How to Get Rid of Bees

Treat a bothersome bee sting by first removing the stinger (to do so, run the edge of a credit card against the area to uproot the stinger) then apply a poultice made out of baking soda paste (one teaspoon of baking soda, cold water, and vinegar) to the affected area. Allow it to sit on the skin for 10 minutes, then rinse off. If your dog will allow it, you can try soaking a cloth in warm water, wringing out the excess to create a warm compress, and apply this on top of the baking soda poultice. For an allergic reaction, administer a dosage of Benadryl (one milligram per pound of your dog's weight) every six hours. "Benadryl is very safe, and we use if for all sorts of allergic reactions in animals," says Dr. Putter. Be advised that this antihistamine could make your dog drowsy. For swelling, hives or any other severe allergic reaction caused by bee stings, apply Benadryl and seek immediate emergency care, Dr. Putter advises. 

6 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Constipation

three pumpkin dog bone biscuits
Credit: Peter Ardito
Learn How Pumpkin is Good For Dogs

Canned pumpkin (without spices) can help with constipation. Should you try pumpkin to treat this condition, be sure to use the without added spices to it, as that can upset the stomach. Klein also suggests adding a little extra fiber such as Metamucil or even some vegetables like broccoli and are helpful. Diced prunes (with pits removed) can do the trick to get things flowing smoothly and regularly once again. For more severe cases, try adding a tablespoon of Milk of Magnesia to pet food.

7 of 11

8 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Diarrhea

1086_recipe_ginger.jpg

This issue can be extremely common in dogs, particularly if they've eaten something that doesn't agree with them. To remedy your dog's diarrhea, Dr. Putter suggests trying a bland diet, skipping a meal, or trying a plain yogurt (not ones with artificial sugars or Xylitol, which are toxic for dogs). He says that hopefully most upset stomach issues (including diarrhea) would resolve with a little bit of time, so the best bet is to monitor your dog for any worsening signs or symptoms. Bloody stool or excessive vomiting is a sign that something more severe is going on. Loss of appetite can occur due to stomach cramps and temporary discomfort, so if it persists along with diarrhea, Dr. Putter suggests seeking veterinary care. Ginger root is great for all kinds of digestive tract issues, offers Dr. Buchoff, who says vomiting, belching, or burping can be alleviated by adding a sliver of ginger to some honey and giving it to your ailing dog by hand. Ginger is a powerful anti-nausea, or antiemetic, treatment used for cancer patients.

8 of 11

9 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Itchy, Dry Skin

pet deodorizer in clear bottle
Credit: Chloe Mackintosh
Get the Pet Deodorizer How-To

To soothe a persistent skin itch, try using a chamomile tea spritz. Prepare the tea as usual (adjust the amount of water to tea bag to lessen or increase potency) and allow it to cool before transferring to a BPA-free spray bottle and refrigerating (3-5 days). Oatmeal paste (made with a little water and finely ground oatmeal) applied to skin for 10 minutes, then rinsed off with warm water, can help to alleviate itch, but Dr. Putter warns that your dog may not allow you to get that close to the irritated area. Also to consider with itching is the possibility of fleas or allergies. Applying a dab of Vitamin E oil can help soothe dry skin.

9 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Yeast

puppy scratching himself
Credit: Getty

If your dog's ears have a distinctly foul odor, it could be a yeast infection in the ear. The ear should look pink inside and have a light wax build-up. This is often caused by water or debris trapped in the ear canal, as well as common allergens such as dust, mold, cigarette smoke, pollen, feathers, and household cleaning products. To clean and kill yeast in the ear, Dr. Buchoff suggests using white vinegar (half and half water or vinegar) once or twice a day into the ear (try using a syringe or dropper to apply the solution). To combat yeast infection of the skin, Dr. Buchoff advises using cinnamon (be sure to use Ceylon cinnamon, not Chinese cinnamon, which contains curcumin, a natural blood thinner that can inhibit blood clotting). Mix 1/8 of a teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight of Ceylon cinnamon with your dog's dry food up to twice a day to banish unwanted skin yeast.

10 of 11

11 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fleas and Ticks

mld103246_0308_roses.jpg

You may have heard of using fresh citrus or mixing Brewer's yeast with a tiny bit of garlic into your dog's food, but Dr. Putter is not completely sold as to the effectiveness. What has shown some success and effectiveness is adding a few drops of rose geranium oil applied to the dog collar can help to repel unwanted ticks and fleas. Alternately, you can apply one drop directly behind each shoulder blade and one drop near the base of the tail, applied every 3 to 5 days (for larger dogs, 3 to 4 drops may be needed). Rose geranium oil is known to lessen fatigue and boost mood, so you may be doing your dog a double solid by using this popular essential oil whose usage dates back to Egyptian times. When it comes fleas, treat the environment and not just the pet, says Dr. Putter (you should treat your home and your vehicle as well).

11 of 11

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Samantha Hunter

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 11
    2 of 11 Poison Control
    3 of 11 Minor Cuts or Skin Sores
    4 of 11 Lightning Storms
    5 of 11 Upset Stomach
    6 of 11 Bee Stings
    7 of 11 Constipation
    8 of 11 Diarrhea
    9 of 11 Itchy, Dry Skin
    10 of 11 Yeast
    11 of 11 Fleas and Ticks

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Corporate

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for Your Pet
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.