Any way you slice it, pets are part of the family — as such, most owners are willing to do whatever it takes to keep them healthy. But with this level of care comes a certain measure of worry, especially when dealing with even the smallest of pet ailments: My dog just threw up. My cat won’t stop scratching. What do I do?
It’s easy to turn to a vet whenever these worries pop into our heads, but your bills will add up much more quickly than you thought. While you should definitely take your pets to the vet if you suspect something is wrong, these genius home remedies can help keep your pets living life as only a dog or cat could: care free.
1. As pets age, constipation can become a serious health issue. But instead of feeding them some gas station sushi, try a can of pureed pumpkin every few days — just make sure to clear the way to the bathroom.
2. Some pets just itch and itch and itch, though for some animals it may be more than just a hobby. If your pet has irritating patches of dry skin, whip them up an oatmeal bath with ground oats and warm water and let the relaxation begin!
3. Have you ever noticed those unusual sores or bald spots on your pet’s face? The bacteria that grow on plastic drinking bowls are usually the culprit. Make sure to switch your kitty to a metal bowl, or else you may find a few less birds in your backyard.
4. Yes, they may gobble down sticks and toilet paper like candy, but a dog’s tummy is still incredibly sensitive. If your pup’s “movements” are a little looser than they should be, mixing a little yogurt with their food will correct any gut imbalances.
But even after tightening up that digestive tract, animals that have experienced frequent bouts of vomiting or diarrhea can wind up dehydrated. With a vet’s permission, an electrolyte booster like Gatorade should have them well enough to dunk a basketball.
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5. Not again! It looks like Spot didn’t learn his lesson the last time he tried making friends with the neighborhood skunk. Not to worry: a bath of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap followed by a soak in tomato juice will have him smelling fresh as a flower again.
6. Butter gets a pretty bad rap, but believe it or not, it can actually work wonders for a cat with a tendency to spit up hairballs. Just make sure you don’t give them too much, or else you may find yourself with a couch ornament…
7. Sometimes, dogs learn the hard way that bees aren’t a tasty treat. If you can find the stinger, use a pair of tweezers or even a credit card to wriggle it out and wash the sting well with baking soda.
8. Uh oh — it looks like ‘ol Rufus was sniffing around in the bathroom garbage again and ate an entire roll of mint-flavored floss. With your vet’s say so, a small amount of hydrogen peroxide will have that floss right back up… albeit a little less fresh.
9. Pets may not like the taste of Listerine — and really, who does? — but if your vet agrees, mix a little with some baby oil and water and spritz on any open hot spots your pet may have to heal that nasty raw skin.
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10. Wait! Your spouse may actually have been telling the truth when they blamed it on the dog. But instead of buying a gas mask, try sprinkling some fennel seeds in your pet’s food to alleviate frequent gassiness.
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11. If little Mufasa is having a hard time going number one, he may be having an issue with his bladder or kidneys. Ask your vet if a glass of cranberry juice would be okay, or even crush a cranberry pill into his food.
12. It turns out that onesie your daughter outgrew 15 years ago was worth saving all along! Well, maybe not to that extent, but dressing your pet is a great way to prevent them from catching fleas or ticks while outside.
But if your poor pet does manage to pick up some unwanted guests, soap and water will keep fleas from biting until you can kill them for good. Fortunately, you won’t need to completely rely on expensive, chemical-filled treatment to get the job done.
Fleas hate the scent of citrus oils, especially those found in the juice and rinds of lemons and limes. Rubbing a small amount of citrus on your pet’s skin and fur should send a good chunk of those pests packing.
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13. Pets are plenty prone to irritated eyes, though there’s no need to run to the vet for a prescription just yet. Standard saline eye drops should provide the necessary relief… though good luck getting your pet to hold still.
14. It may seem only natural to let your pet play outside, but believe or not, even animals can have seasonal allergies. Rubbing your cat or dog with a wet towel before letting them inside should remove any allergens — just make sure to unwrap them when you’re done.
But if your pet does develop an allergic reaction and begins scratching at sensitive areas like their ears, head over to your pantry. A little distilled white vinegar and some cold tea on a cotton ball will soothe any allergy related irritation.
Animal Sheltering
15. Dogs loved to be walked no matter the time of year, but on a cold winter’s day, ice tends to cling to their paws and give them one heck of a chill. To prevent frostbite, slather those pads with a little petroleum jelly.
16. Most pets think they’re invincible, though like children they inevitably wind up with a few cuts and bruises, especially on sensitives areas like their paws. To provide relief and kickstart the healing process, soak your pet’s wound in a warm epsom salt bath.
