Saturday, March 1, 2008

Natural Remedies for Pets: Are They Safe?

In the United States, there are millions of Americans who use natural remedies as a way to seek treatment or relief from a minor medical issue. Since many are pleased with the results, ease of use, as well as affordability, many pet owners wonder if natural remedies can be used on their pets. In most cases, you will see that they can.

When it comes to using natural remedies for pets, there are a number of important points that you will first want to take into consideration. One of those points is your source of information. If you decide to use a natural remedy that you got online, be sure to use your best judgment. Make sure that you are getting your information from a trusted website. In fact, the best ways to get information on natural remedies for pets is by buying printed resources, namely remedy books for pets, or by speaking with a vet.

Another point that you will want to take into consideration, before deciding to use a natural remedy on your pet, is the problem at hand. For example, if your dog is having difficulty breathing or if they are bleeding excessively from a deep wound, it may be best to seek professional help. With that being said, natural remedies are a safe, easy, and affordable way to treat some pets with minor medical issues.

Now that you know it is safe to use natural remedies on pets, you may be wondering what some of the most popular remedies are. A few popular home remedies for pets are outlined below. However, remember that additional remedies can be found online, with a standard internet search, by speaking with a vet, or by purchasing printed natural remedy resources for pets.

Arthritis is a problem that many older dogs deal with. If you are the owner of a dog who is suffering from arthritis, there are number of natural ways that you can provide them with relief. A warm wet washcloth or towel can be applied to the painful area for about twenty to thirty minutes. Additional steps involve reducing your dog’s weight and keeping them away from extremely cold temperatures.

Ear mites is another issue that pets, especially dogs and cats deal with. Ear mites are important to take care of, as they result in itching, which can lead to an infection and other complications. One natural way to get rid of ear mites is to create an ounce or half-ounce mixture of vitamin E and almond. The mixture should then be put into a dropper and inserted in your dog or cat’s ear. Garlic and olive oil can also be used to reduce the itching that is commonly associated with ear mites.

Although natural remedies can be used on many other pets, besides just cats and dogs, it is important to use your best judgment, as previously stated. Just because one home remedy works on one animal, like a dog, it does not mean that it will work or be safe for another animal, like a horse. If you use the internet to find information on natural remedies, be sure to find detailed and specific instructions. This simple step can help to ensure that your pet gets the best level of relief, safely, from the use of a natural remedy.