Dogs are a part of our family-- and we should treat their health and appearance with care. Sometimes they have skin or pest issues which can be resolved with some simple solutions-- as opposed to using heavy chemicals. But there are other examples where our best friends can have deeper health issues-- such as trouble digesting or bouts of anxiety. These problems can also be addressed with natural remedies that will not upset the balance of your dog’s system. If you’re tired of just treating the symptoms of whatever ails your pup, then consider using some of these more natural solutions and products that will hopefully address and solve the problem once and for all.

One of the best all around remedies you can use for all types of wounds, sores, or dermatitis is Silver Spray from Fauna Care. It’s great to have in your medicine chest just in case of an emergency.

1. Raw and unprocessed food

It goes back to the saying that you are what you eat-- and this is true for our four-legged companions as well. Recently there has been a trend of raw, or nearly raw, diets for dogs. The followers of this diet state that dogs ate a mostly meat diet before we domesticated them-- so we should continue to feed them a mostly raw and unprocessed diet. These diets usually consist of raw meat, organ meat, bones, and fruits and vegetables. The results of switching depends on the dog, but in some cases it has shown:

• Shinier coats
• Healthier skin
• Cleaner teeth
• More energy

These are some great side effects of switching your dog off the dog food diet. Like everything, there are risks-- and by serving raw meat you could risk you dog getting sick off of bacteria.

This idea isn’t without merit-- the amount of chemicals and additives that is put into commercial dog food is surprising to say the least. By transitioning your dog off a dog food only diet, you could increase the variety of their food and get some great side effects in the process.

Some of our favorites: Blue Buffalo, Darwin’s Raw Dog Food, and raw chicken and liver.

2. Dog multivitamins

Just like people, dogs might need to supplement their vitamin intake. Depending on what kind of diet they eat-- raw, dog food, home cooked-- they still need to get their daily dose of some specific vitamins. There are many types of vitamins available to help your dog feel his best--  including a multivitamin blend, probiotics, or a senior dog vitamin blend.

If your dog is fed a dog food diet, they should get most of their vitamins and minerals from that food-- it is purposefully fortified to do so. However, if you are giving your dog a raw diet or a home cooked diet-- you will definitely want to consider supplementing your dog’s vitamin intake. This also goes for dogs who may be dealing with a specific health issue or deficiency-- additional vitamin intake might be necessary.

3. Stress and anxiety treatment

CBD oil has proved to be quite a game changer for people suffering through anxiety, stress, and depression. Although you may not realize it-- this is available for your dog as well. Whether they suffer from any kind of anxiety due to past trauma, or separation anxiety and depression, CBD oil can be a life changing supplement for their health and well being.

When your dog no longer spends time in an anxious state, their personality and energy can return. CBD oil can also stop the destructive behavior that is often associated with separation anxiety. It also has an added benefit of helping reduce the amount of joint pain your dog may be experiencing due to age.

4. Dental sticks

Just like humans, dogs need their teeth and gums to stay happy and healthy. You can help your dog out by keeping plaque at bay with dental chews and sticks. These are a great way to keep your pet’s breath smelling better as well. Dogs love to chew-- and depending what their preference is-- can be hard bone-like chews or softer rawhide ones. They even make treats that should help dogs’ teeth and gums stay healthy!

Of course you’ll want to follow this up with regular brushing-- which is very important to your pet’s oral health as well.

5. Paw treatments

Your dog’s paws are a lot more sensitive than they look-- and are usually the first place where trouble shows up if there is something more serious going on. But usually, your pet’s paws just need a little care to keep them in good shape. Make sure you keep their nails trimmed-- as well as the hair in between their pads-- and check for any cracks or signs of distress in the pad itself. I

t’s also a good idea to use a cream or moisturizer to prevent any future cracks or injuries. There are plenty of paw balms and paw waxes to choose from-- and your dog will definitely appreciate the time spent on helping their feet be their best!

6. Natural flea and tick repellent

When you have a dog-- you have to worry about flea and tick prevention. Dogs love being outdoors and getting to know other dogs-- which is why this is so important. There are lots of ways to prevent fleas and ticks including:

• Sprays
• Oral medication
• Topical treatment
• Shampoos

But if you’re looking for something with less chemicals that could potentially be harmful, why not try a few homemade flea and tick solutions?

• Apple cider vinegar. This is a great herbal supplement that can be added to your dogs water or food.
• Calendula oil. Gather flowers and stems of this abundant plant and infuse it with extra virgin olive oil. It’s ready in about 6 weeks so you can apply to your dogs coat.
• Coconut oil. This is also another oil that has great antibacterial properties but is also soothing to your dog’s skin and coat.

7. Yogurt for good digestion

You might not think it, but yogurt can be a good, healthy way to keep your dog’s digestive system in balance. Just like in humans, the live probiotics in yogurt work with the bacteria in your dog’s stomach to keep the system running smoothly. When everything in the gastrointestinal tract is working right, it’s obvious to see in your dog’s behavior. They will have more energy for play and will just seem all around happier.

If your dog doesn’t care for the taste of yogurt-- there are other probiotics available in either pill or tincture form that will also be of benefit to them.

8. Oatmeal for itchy skin

If your dog is suffering from dermatitis or has an allergy that leads to dry, itchy skin-- consider giving them an oatmeal bath for some relief. You might recall having one of these if you’ve ever had chicken pox-- it is the basic idea. Oatmeal is trusted by vets to clean and soothe your dog’s skin without causing any further irritation.

Whether the itch is from flea bites or allergies-- or even just due to the cold weather-- try grinding up some oatmeal and create a paste with it to rub on the skin. You could even dissolve it in a bath if your dog will sit and soak for about 10 minutes.

9. Natural baths

Every dog needs to be bathed, and whether you choose to do it-- or have a groomer do it instead-- it’s a good idea to keep the products used as simple as possible. You want to make sure your dog is clean-- but you don’t want to upset the balance between their skin and their fur. If you’d like to bathe your dog at home, try a simple dry shampoo made out of baking soda, corn starch, and an essential oil. This is a great idea if you’re worried about bathing your dog too much-- but still want to make sure their coat and skin are clean.

If your dog has sensitive skin, consider trying a shampoo that’s made out of water, castile soap, apple cider vinegar, glycerine, and aloe vera gel. This will help soothe any sensitive or dry areas of your dog’s skin.

10. Chamomile tea for upset stomach

If your dog is suffering from an upset stomach or diarrhea, a good natural remedy is chamomile tea.  This gentle herb is used to decrease muscle spasms, cramps, and inflammation. Just brew it hot like your normally would and store in the refrigerator until it cools down. Then either put it into your dog’s water bowl, or try to administer orally with a syringe. It should help them calm down and feel much better.

We all want our dogs to look and feel their best-- but sometimes they need some extra help. Why not try out any of these natural products the next time your dog has a problem. When you cut back on additives and chemicals, you’ll definitely notice the difference in your dog’s health and appearance. What’s your favorite natural product that you like to use with you dog? Let us know in the comments!

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