Home Remedies for Dog’s Minor Problems

Stuffy nose, upset stomach, bad breath and fear of loud noises are minor problems which trouble most dogs from time to time. Save the price of a veterinarian visit by treating these common maladies with these home remedies.

Relieve Dog's Stuffy Nose

Dogs make funny noises when trying to breathe through a stuffy nose, but it's not a fun experience for them. Relieve that stuffy nose by seasonal allergies or a cold by adding a couple of teaspoons of warm water to your dog's dry food or pop wet food in the microwave for a few seconds. The warmth radiating from the food will unclog blocked sinuses and clear nasal passages so Fido can breathe easy.

Safely Reintroduce Food after Upset Stomach

If your dog suffered from an upset stomach, the veterinarian probably advised you to wait 24 hours after all symptoms had ceased before reintroducing foods. Now that the time has come, starting your dog back on regular food maybe a little too heavy for their still sensitive stomach to handle. Reintroduce food and prevent an upset stomach relapse with this home remedy - Mix two parts of cooked and cooled white rice with one part cottage cheese or boiled ground beef or ground chicken. Feed a small amount to your dog every four hours. If he holds the rice mix down (which is very easy to digest) then resume feeding his usual kibble the following day.

Freshen Doggie Breath

Here's a sweet, healthy homemade treat that will freshen your dog's breath. Mix one-fourth cup of freshly shredded carrots, one-half cup of freshly chopped mint and one tablespoon of lime juice. Sprinkle the mixture into the bottom of an ice cube tray (divide among several of the ice cube sections) add water to the sections and freeze to create breath freshening ice cubes. When Fido's breath become unbearably stinky, toss him an ice cube to chew on. The ingredients work together to stimulate saliva flow to flush out odor causing bacteria.

Massage Away Fear of Loud Noises

Back-firing vehicles, thunder and fireworks are three common loud noises that sends many a good dog into a frightened tailspin and hunting for safe cover. Help keep your dog calm by massaging away the fear of loud noises. Sit down with your dog and gently grasp one ear between thumb and forefinger. Stroke ear from base to tip for five minutes, repeat on other ear. Use other hand to cradle or stroke dog's body. Begin this calming ear massage prior to loud noises occurring (thunder, fireworks) to keep him calm or as soon as possible afterwards. Soon your dog will associate loud noises with a ear massage/bonding time and the fear will dissipate.