To treat minor cuts and scratches on your dog’s skin, witch hazel is a useful astringent to have on hand. It can be found in some dog grooming wipes, along with other soothing ingredients like aloe vera. However, if the injury worsens or becomes infected, it’s important to consult with your vet. Winter weather can be tough on your dog’s paws. Petroleum jelly can help protect raw skin on the paw pads and prevent ice balls from forming between the pads. The jelly locks in moisture, helping the wound to heal. This may be done before and after outdoor potty breaks and walking times if you aren’t using other paw protection measures.
Coconut oil can be used topically or as a food supplement to soothe dry skin caused by seasonal or situational factors. If your dog experiences allergic rashes or other symptoms, it’s best to seek veterinary care. For bug bites, using a credit card to remove the stinger and applying ice or a cold compress can help. Topical creams such as Benadryl may also be useful for initial relief, but again, it’s important to consult with your vet to determine the best course of action for your dog. It really depends upon the type of bite and severity of symptoms.
If you suspect your dog has swallowed a sharp object, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. Your vet may recommend an X-ray to confirm the presence of the object. In some cases, feeding your dog bread with pumpkin puree or sweet potato baby food can help the object pass through their system. This is not advisable when the object is obviously dangerous, such as ingesting pieces of glass or metal.
If small bits of sharp objects are swallowed, such as tiny bone fragments in prepared food, your vet may recommend passing the item naturally. Bread helps bulk up the stool to protect your dog’s digestive tract, while pumpkin or sweet potato helps keep things moving. The vet will let you know the best course of action. Nonetheless, eating pumpkin or sweet potato baby food and bread will help with regularity issues.
If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, as with any ailment, it’s important to consult with your vet before administering any treatment(s). Pure pumpkin puree is a safe and effective home remedy for occasional diarrhea. Simply mix 1-4 tablespoons of pure pumpkin puree with plain, white rice to help stop the episode. Remember, if your dog has digestive issues and you suspect your may have dog ingested something poisonous, seek veterinary care immediately.