Tending for the needs of a beloved pet can be costly, if one depends solely on marketed specialty items. While such items and vet care will be required frequently within a pet's lifespan, natural pet remedies work as well for many minor ailments, and are a less expensive option for pet owners. Natural remedies are available for typical problems pets encounter, from ear wax buildup to bee stings and skunk odors.
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Common Problems
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Fleas, hairballs and ear wax buildup are common issues for every pet owner. Dog owners can use essential oils for flea removal by adding 1 drop of lemongrass or citronella oil to the dog's shampoo during bathing. Two drops should be used for unusually large dogs such as Great Danes. Cats should never be treated with essential oils as the oils can become toxic to them. Long haired cats often have extreme hairball problems because they swallow large amounts of hair while self-grooming. Hairballs can be unclogged from a cat's stomach by giving the cat some butter to lick. Once the cat licks the butter, the hairball will pass easily. Petroleum jelly rubbed on a cat's nose will have the same effect after the cat licks off the substance. Ear wax buildup can be removed and the ear deodorized by diluting 3 drops of lavender into a teaspoon of witch hazel, and inserting at least three drops into each ear. Use a dropper, or soak a piece of cotton wool to drench the animal's ear, then massage the whole ear. This process should be repeated daily until the ear wax buildup is gone.
Outside Injuries and Mishaps
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Outside dogs are more likely to experience cuts or abrasions, bee stings, or come into contact with a skunk. To treat cuts, bathe the area in a solution including 6 drops of thyme or lavender oil, and a half gallon of water. Since both thyme and lavender oil are natural antibiotics and disinfectants, your pet will not be harmed by licking his wounds. If your dog causes the wound to become ulcerous by rolling in the dirt, draw infection away from the wound by wrapping one ironed cabbage leaf around the wound. The leaf should be secured firmly, and changed from 4 to 6 times daily. Once all toxins are drawn out, wash the wound thoroughly, using a solution of 4 drops of lavender oil in 5 oz. of warm water. This remedy is safe for cats and other animals.
Bee stings should be treated by first removing the stinger from your pet. You can prevent swelling and ease the pain by mixing baking soda with water, creating a thick paste. Apply the mixture to the area of the sting, also applying a cold pack.
For removing skunk odor, mix water with 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1/2 tbsp. of liquid soap. Shampoo the mixture into your pet's fur, and rinse thoroughly after several minutes. Reapply until the smell is gone.
Minor Health Issues and Accidents
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Diarrhea and minor burns are common to house pets, especially puppies. To stop diarrhea, feed your cat or dog pureed pumpkin. Cats and dogs love the taste of this all-natural remedy and healing agent.
To treat mildly burned dog or cat skin, first remove most of the fur from the area by clipping, and then cleanse with mild soap and water. Apply aloe vera several times a day to soothe your pet's skin.
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