List Of Vet-Approved Home Remedies for Treating Everyday Health Problems in Dogs
Updated: Feb 18
Dr Abdul Basit Javed (DVM, RVMP)
Dogs make excellent pets, but they are also susceptible to various health problems, some of which are expensive and challenging to treat. Fortunately, you can control and treat the majority of your dog's health problems, including scooting in dogs, itching butts, and foul odor with the help of some simple home remedies.
If you want to know the top home remedies that are also vet-approved for treating everyday health and care issues in dogs, keep reading.
Home Remedy For A Dog's Itchy Bum
Oatmeal rub
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties, aids in the skin's ability to retain moisture, and relieves itching. The oats can be made into a paste by mixing it with water. After that, massage your dog's rear with this paste for 10 to 15 minutes. Following that, wash the oatmeal. This will significantly alleviate itching on your dog's bum.
Baking soda
Baking soda soothes the skin and reduces irritation. Make a paste by mixing water with baking soda. Then apply the paste to your dog's itching bum, wait 15 to 20 minutes for it to dry, and then wash it off. This will help your dog's itchy bum. Ensure your dog doesn't lick the baking soda because it could harm its health.
Yoghurt
Probiotics, such as yoghurt, can help your dog's digestion and promote the beneficial microorganisms in its stomach, in addition to enhancing gut motility. Probiotics also assist in preventing constipation, which means your dog will have less irritation on its bum.
Home Remedies for Dog Scooting
Warm compress
The best home remedy for dog scooting is a warm compress since it helps to empty the anal glands, which are the main cause of scooting in dogs. Simply take a clean cloth and dip it in lukewarm water. After that, squeeze the cloth to get all of the water out and place the warm cloth on your dog's rear end; repeat the process when the cloth turns cold. Do this for 10 minutes. Your dog will experience relief as the heat and moisture from the warm cloth soften the anal glands and possibly aid in the release of secretions. You can also assist to empty the glands of your dog.
Pumpkin seeds
Sometimes scooting in dogs can be caused due to internal parasites. These parasites, particularly tapeworms can cause severe itching around the rectal area resulting in scooting in dogs. Pumpkin seeds act as natural deformers and help to eliminate these parasites from your dog's body.
Home Remedies for Smelly Dog
Tomato juice
Tomato juice is one of the best and simplest natural remedies for smelly dogs. Simply squeeze the juice out of some tomatoes. Apply the tomato juice thoroughly on your dog's entire body. Let the tomato juice sit in your dog's fur after application for 20 minutes before washing it out. By doing this, you can significantly reduce your dog's offensive odour.
Increase the ratio of greens in your dog's diet
Overall, your dog's immunity, digestion, and skin condition can all be improved by increasing the proportion of greens and herbs in its diet. One of the simplest home remedies for eliminating the bad odour from your dog is a well-balanced diet.
Baking soda
Dusting your dog's fur with baking soda is one of the simplest and least expensive home remedies for making your dog smell better. Make sure not to put baking soda on your dog's face, but rather around the back end of your dog, because the smell from your dog's body is caused by urine that has soaked into your dog's fur. Baking soda will help eliminate the acidic smell of urine odour.
References:
Natcheva, P. (2021, October 6). 17 best home remedies for dog scooting (itchy bum). DogsAndClogs. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://dogsandclogs.com/home-remedies-for-dog-scooting/
Got A Stinky Dog? The Best Remedies To Remove Dog Odor Even After A Bath. (2022, June 18). First Time Dog Owners Guide. https://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/dog_odor/
Park, G. (2021, February 3). 5 Tricks and Household Remedies to Fix Itchy Dog Butt. https://wagwalking.com/daily/5-tricks-and-household-remedies-to-fix-itchy-dog-butt
Stinky Pet Solutions. (n.d.). Taste for Life. https://tasteforlife.com/living-well/pets/natural-diets-and-remedies-for-pet-odor-and-smells