Dog Illness Remedies

Dogs suffering minor illnesses may benefit from some simple remedies. While mild illnesses may respond to home remedies, you should immediately take any dog with a serious condition to the veterinarian. This includes any illness that interferes with breathing, involves constant vomiting, or causes your dog obvious pain.

  1. Diarrhea

    • Dogs may suffer from mild diarrhea from time to time. It can be the result of something they ate, or an intestinal problem. Any dog with explosive, extremely watery diarrhea should see a vet, as this indicates a more serious problem and leads to fluid loss. For mild cases, feed the dog a bland diet, such as a mixture of boiled chicken and rice. Canned pumpkin, available at supermarkets, can also ease diarrhea. If your dog's stools don't return to normal within a couple of days, contact your veterinarian.

    Constipation

    • Constipation may affect dogs on occasion. Symptoms include straining to defecate or very hard stools. Canned pumpkin is also a remedy for constipation. Vet Info recommends adding 1/4 can to your dog's food daily until he begins to defecate normally. Milk is a natural laxative, and most dogs will eagerly lap up a small bowl. Make sure water is always available as well. If your dog strains a great deal while attempting to relieve herself or if there is blood in her stool, take her to the vet as soon as possible. If the problem persists for more than day, a visit to the vet is in order.

    Mange

    • Caused by skin mites, mange wreaks havoc on a dog. Symptoms include scratching, hair loss, crusty areas on the ears and head, weight loss and depression. According to Grandma's Home Remedies, one remedy for mange is combining a solution of 1 to 2 tbsp. of Borax for every 500 cc of 1 percent hydrogen peroxide. Mix thoroughly to make sure the Borax dissolves, and wash your dog. Do not rinse off the solution. Use weekly, brushing your dog's hair regularly. Immune support also helps combat mange, so feed your dog a nutritious diet. If her condition does not improve after a few treatments, take your dog to the vet.