We all know that there are tasks that only a veterinarian can do for your dog. Example, check organ function, run a diagnostic check and perform surgery.
However, there are other pet cat care tasks that can be done at home. Some of these tasks don't need the involvement of a professional because there are easy ways to do it on your dog.
This approach doesn't only save you money, as you don't need to seek a professional help anymore, but it can also lessen the stress level of your dog because you don't need to shut him down and bring him to town for professional appointments.
Dental Care
Veterinary dental procedures can be expensive, especially when your dog needs to undergo tooth extraction. It also doesn't feel good as pet owners to know that our precious furry pal must be anesthetized for that procedure.
The situation inside your dog's mouth doesn't improve with age. The older he gets, the more he is prone to develop tooth and gum diseases.
The best way to help your dog avoid getting oral issues in the future is to take care of his dental health while he's still young. Brush his teeth preferably every day, or several times every week. Start this habit while he is still young so he will get used to it.
Ear Care
Some pets are more prone to ear infections than others. If your dog is prone to getting ear problems or infections, then it is best to check his ears regularly, preferably every day or every other day. Wax and dirt can accumulate in his ear canal which can potentially lead to ear infections.
Some cleaning agents that can be found around your house that you can use in cleaning your dog's ears include organic apple cider vinegar mixed with purified water, witch hazel, green tea infusion, hydrogen peroxide, and tea tree oil generously diluted in purified water.
The best way for cleaning a dog's ear is by using a cotton ball with cleaning solution and swab inside the ear. Keep swabbing until there is no residue left on the cotton ball.
Nail Trims
Regularly trimming has many benefits for your dog. It prevents injury to your dog from a nail that catches anything and digs under his paw.
Nail trimming is also beneficial to the other members of the family as it makes you safe from pokes and scratches. Your dog is also less likely to damage any of your furniture and floors.
Before performing a nail trim in your dog, it is important that you desensitize him first. Make him familiar with this routine so that he won't react negatively in the whole process of trimming his nails. You don't want to make an impression that this is something that he should be afraid of.
Healing Baths and Rinses
If your dog has developed a skin condition, frequent bathing can help heal and can provide relief to your dog's irritated skin.
Avoid oatmeal shampoos as these types of shampoos are not good for your dog. Use an all natural organic pet shampoo specifically formulated for dogs.
Homemade healing rinses:
- Herbal Tea Rinse (for generalized itchiness and restlessness)
Add 5 green or chamomile tea in two quarts of hot water. Steep for about three hours to release the maximum amount of polyphenols. Remove the tea bags and pour them over your dog's affected area. Do not rinse off.
- Disinfecting Vinegar Rinse
Pour one cup of vinegar to one cup gallon of water. Pour rinse over your dog's body and massage gently. Do not rinse off. Towel dry.
Hairball Prevention
Long-coated dogs are prone to having hairballs. Aside from constant licking and self-grooming, there is also an underlying cause to this such as a moisture-deficient diet or GI tract problem.
- Feed a moisture-rich, balanced diet
- Supplement with Omega-3 as this can help improve the condition of the skin and fur of your dog
- Add a good quality source of the enzyme to your dog's diet
- Brush your dog's fur regularly