As a loving pet owner, you never want to see your pet feeling under the weather. It is good to know that sometimes you can get your pet better at home with a few home remedies, depending on what their symptoms are. Here are some tips for taking care of your furry friend when they aren’t feeling great-–remember, if your pet’s condition is serious, be sure to bring them to Caudle Vet Clinic right away!
Easy Home Remedies To Care For Your Pet
- Itchy Skin: If your dog or cat is susceptible to dry skin, don’t worry! There are many over-the-counter shampoos available to soothe dry, itchy skin. We recommend looking for products with oatmeal-based formulas for best results, and make sure they are fragrance free to reduce the risk of irritation.
- Licking Paws: Dogs tend to lick their paws every now and then, but if they continuously do so, they may be picking up a lot of allergens and contaminants from outdoors. Consider soaking their feet in Epsom salt for about five to ten minutes once a day to wash off any dirt or allergens—this process also helps soothe their paws!
- Hairballs: If your cat is vomiting up hairballs, you will want to take note. Hairballs are most common during shedding seasons in the spring or fall, when your cat may need to be brushed more frequently to help with the excess coat, particularly for long-haired cats.
Immediate Signs to Take Your Pet To Caudle Vet Clinic
We encourage pet owners to keep regular appointments with us so we can make sure your pet is healthy. Of course, if your pet is experiencing symptoms that radically change their behavior or are visibly unwell, it is imperative to call Caudle Vet Clinic right away. Here are a few of the situations in which veterinary contact is necessary:
- Black or Bloody Stool: Black stool or blood in your pet’s stool is always cause for concern. It can hint at gastroenteritis, inflammation, or another underlying condition that should be professionally checked out.
- Bad Breath: When your pet gives you kisses or yawns, you may smell bad breath that can be a signal for dental disease. Our veterinarians can check out their gums to ensure that they are doing alright.
- Not Eating, Vomiting: Dietary changes are red flags to look out for. If your pet cannot keep food down, they are not receiving enough nutrients and may be experiencing pain that is causing this behavior.
- Not Drinking Enough Water: If your pet is not drinking enough water it may be a sign that they do not have enough energy to reach their water bowl, or is a result of another symptom that needs to be investigated. Either way, they may be dehydrated and will need to be checked out.
It is always sad to see your pet not feeling well, especially since they can’t tell you what is wrong. These aforementioned home remedies can help you ease your pet’s discomfort with mild symptoms, but should a situation develop where your pet is unwell, we strongly advise you to call Caudle Vet Clinic, and we will figure out what is wrong and get your pet up and running again!