15. Relax Aching Eyes
_mel*/CC BY 2.0If you pet’s eyes seem irritated or infected, a warm chamomile tea bag can be used to soothe them.
16. Use Epsom Salt for Sprains and Strains
jumping lab/CC BY 2.0Your suddenly limping dog may have strained or sprained something playing too exuberantly, so it’s time to try the world famous granny remedy of an Epsom salt soak. Add ½ cup Espom salt to a warm bath and let your dog soak for five minutes, twice daily. If your dog doesn’t agree with you on this method, you can soak a washcloth in Epsom salt and warm water and apply just to the local area.
17. Reduce Facial Hot Spots by Switching Bowls
iandavid/CC BY 2.0If your pet eats from plastic bowls and suffers from chronic hot spots, irritation, or allergic reactions around the face, the fix may be as easy as changing to a glass or metal bowl. Plastic harbors bacteria and other nastiness that can be very irritating. After you change, also be sure to wash the bowls thoroughly once a week.
18. Fight Hairballs With Butter
Magnus Bråth/CC BY 2.0Cat. Hairballs. Ick. The grooming brush is your best defense against hairballs, a daily brush followed by a wipe from a moist towel should help considerably. But during high hairball season, a half a teaspoon of butter for a few days can really help. (That’s half a teaspoon of butter for the cat, not you.)
19. Administer Juice for the Bladder
_af_/CC BY 2.0Cats are naturally prone to bladder and urethra issues. If yours is so, unsweetened cranberry juice to the rescue. Cranberry increases urine acidity resulting in a reduced chance of blockages or infections. You can add cranberry powder to food, or cranberry juice to the water, or give your cat a cranberry capsule. Ask your vet about proper dosages.
20. Administer Prunes or Canned Pumpkin for Digestion
Normanack/Flickr/CC BY 2.0In older animals, digestion can get a bit bumpy. If your pet is more mellow than usual, seems to be straining, and makes frequent toilet attempts, constipation may be the problem. Adding canned (plain) pumpkin or diced prunes to food could get things started again. Note: Prune pits are toxic to both animals and humans, so make sure they are pit-free.
21. When They Eat Something They Shouldn't Have...
hackett/CC BY 2.0Dogs eat just about anything, and there are many things that cats shouldn't - so if your pet devours something toxic, you can use hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Give them one teaspoon per five pounds of body weight, and repeat once if needed. (Call your vet, too.)
Thanks to Melissa Breyer for sharing her enlightening article.
Melissa Breyer (@MelissaBreyer) Living / Green Home