If you own a dog, you will no doubt be aware that your dog can suffer from health problems just as much as you. Some problems are “doggy related,†whereas other problems are similar to those suffered by humans. A dog’s physical make-up and anatomy is not the same as a human, so it is always important to consult a qualified vet in the event of ill health in your dog. However, there are some natural ways in which you can help protect your dog too; just make sure to take advice before using them, if you are unfamiliar with any of the following suggestions.
Essential Oils
Dogs are very open to the use of essential oils in aromatherapy practice. However, there is not much substantial research or evidence in the use of essential oils with animals. In addition, there is little recorded advice on how a dog might react to a particular essential oil, except for those case studies carried out by individuals. If you think essential oils might be a solution to the natural healthcare of your dog, consult a qualified aromatherapist who is experienced in the area of essential oil use with dogs. You can also study an aromatherapy book on the subject such as Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals
Essential oils can be used to protect your dog’s natural health for such problems such as flea control, stress, minor cuts and grazes. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil is a good essential oil to start with for dogs as it is gentle in its actions and is suitable for a multitude of complaints.
Bach Flower Remedies
There are some Bach flower remedies that are specifically made for animals, such as Bach rescue remedy. Bach rescue remedy is a natural stress aid for pets. It contains the same ingredients as Bach rescue remedy for humans. It can be used by adding a couple of drops of the mixture onto your dog’s food or by adding a couple of drops into the dog’s drinking water. It is recommended for situations where you dog might undergo stress, such as visits to the vet, after a shock or mistreatment or when the dog is causing excessive barking through stress.
Homeopathy for Dogs
Just as human problems can be treated with homeopathic remedies, so can a dog’s problems. Homeopathy is based on the principle of “like cures like†and helps to stimulate the dog’s natural immune system. Dog problems that can be addressed with homeopathy include allergies, arthritis and skin irritations (source). If you are unfamiliar with homeopathic remedies, consult a qualified homeopathic and ask your vet about the suitability of such a remedy for your dog.
Environmental Dangers for Your Dog
You might think that a dog who lives in the country is safe from less dangers than a dog who lives in the city, where noise, pollution and other dangers exist. However, country living is not without dangers for a dog, depending upon where you live. To use an example, I live in Arizona where spider and snake bites are high risk areas for my dog. In addition, foxtails, spikelets of grass with seed heads that can detach and lodge themselves in a dog’s ear, can cause pain, discomfort and infection and more for a dog.
To protect your dog from dangers such as these, make sure he is supervised when outside or contained in an appropriately fenced in area to protect him from these dangers. Dogs are naturally curious and will poke their nose into something and ask questions later – perhaps at the price of a bite or more.
Your Dog’s Natural Health
There are various natural health remedies and solutions to protect your dog from illness and other dangers. Just make sure that you take appropriate advice and know how to use the product on your dog before giving it to him.
References
- Natural-Dog-Health-Remedies: Homeopathy for Dogs
- Author is a certified aromatherapist
- Author has studied Bach Remedies (level 1 training)
Photo by  jpctalbot
Speak Your Mind