Peter Stables, of Ultimate Feeds, has kindly shared some information with us for some more natural ways of looking after your beloved furry friend when they are not so well.

Along with this, we also recommend Ultra fish products and joint supplement to assist with these common issues. Slippery Elm added to a dog’s diet can also be useful and is available at any good health food store.

Oatmeal Baths – A common cause of hot spots is itching caused by allergies. Soothing itching can be a tough battle, and oftentimes it includes long-term steroid use. While this certainly has it benefits, it has its risks as well. However, a simple, homemade oatmeal bath for your dogs should help soothe their discomfort. By adding a few large handfuls of rolled oats to some hot water, and once it’s cooled down, you have an easily made oatmeal shampoo to soak your pup in. Remember that too many baths can be detrimental to your dogs, especially if they have allergies; so make sure to keep this spa treatment a once-a-month thing.

Green Beans – Obesity is a quickly growing problem for many dogs around the world. While being a pound or two overweight might not be a big deal for you, it’s a big deal for your dog. Just like in people, obesity is an ambassador for health problems galore – it puts a huge strain on the dog’s entire body. Obese pets are more prone to disc and joint disease and injuries, muscle injuries, pancreatitis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. We know it’s hard to look Bella in the eyes when you give her only two-thirds of her normal food ratio. We’re afraid she’s going to be left hungry, like so many of us are on our own diets. But steamed green beans are a new lifesaver. Just remember to add the same amount of green beans to make up for the missing portion of food you’ve cut out in your dog’s meal. Green beans are full of fiber, so your pup will be left feeling very satisfied, while eating far less calories.

Canned Pumpkin – Diarrhea and constipation are common in ailments in dogs at least once in a while. Although sometimes it can be the result of a more dangerous illness, it’s often just an upset tummy from somebody who ate something they shouldn’t have. Canned pumpkin (or a homemade pumpkin puree), however, can offer a solution to both! Canned pumpkin is extremely rich in dietary fiber and not only aids in digestion, it will soak up the excess water present in your dog’s bowels if he’s got diarrhea. Give 1-2 teaspoons to 1-2 tablespoons with your dog’s meal depending on his or her size. Remember, we want plain canned pumpkin – do NOT give your dog canned pumpkin pie mix, as it’s loaded with sugars and other ingredients that will only exacerbate Fido’s problems, and possibly cause more.

Benadryl – Dogs are curious, so they get into a lot of things. Sometimes those things (like eating bees, for example) can cause allergic reactions. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can be administered at 2mg/lb of body weight. It can be used for any allergies, such as itchy skin, rashes, and hot spots, but it’s important to keep this in mind if you see any abnormal swelling you think may be due to an allergic reaction. While you can administer Benadryl yourself, it’s important to remember that you should seek veterinary care if your dog experiences any type of allergic reaction.

Black Tea – Hot spots are a very common problem for many dogs and their owners. They seemingly come out of nowhere and are very uncomfortable for everyone involved, especially our pups. Major hot spots need veterinary treatment, but if you find one starting early or have a smaller hot spot that isn’t so severe, consider foraging through your tea stash. Black tea leaves, when steeped in hot water, contain tannic acid that naturally helps dry out and heal the sores quickly. You’ll apply the tea bag directly to the hot spot (be careful the bag isn’t too hot!) and soak for about 5 minutes. You can do this three to five times a day, as needed.

We highly recommend Peter’s brand of dog food Ultra, it’s great for dogs with a sensitive digestive system – Cruz loves it and has no allergic reactions since we put him on the Adult Maintenance Mini’s.

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