Pet Illness Home Remedies

Some steps at home can help your pet feel better.

When pets become ill there are a few home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms and prevent further injury. Most of these are commonly found in your medicine chest, cleaning supply cabinet or food pantry. Naturally, if your veterinarian is available and you are concerned, contact her.

Vomiting

If your pet is vomiting, withhold food for a 24-hour period. Offer your pet ice cubes in place of water. For dogs, you may give one-half to one teaspoon of Pepto-Bismol for every five pounds of the dog's weight up to a maximum of two tablespoons. You can administer this up to three times a day. Consult your veterinarian before giving Pepto-Bismol to your cat.

Famotidine, the anti-acid ingredient in the product Pepcid AC, can also be used for dogs in a dose of five milligrams for every 10 pounds of the dog's weight one or two times daily.

If blood is visible in the dog or cat's vomit, or if they vomit frequently or show signs of pain or other signs of illness, contact your veterinarian.

Poisoning

If the animal gets poison on skin or fur, give the pet a bath as soon as you can. Use liquid dishwashing detergent. Rinse thoroughly.

If the pet has ingested a poisonous substance within the last two hours and is fully conscious, you can feed your dog or cat a small meal and administer syrup of ipecac, salt water or hydrogen peroxide by mouth to encourage your pet to vomit. If more than two hours have elapsed since the pet ingested poison and the substance was not petroleum based and was not caustic, try giving your pet activated charcoal.

If your pet has ingested an agent that is caustic, such as ammonia, a petroleum product or bleach, do not induce vomiting. Instead, take your pet and the container that held the poison to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

If your pet becomes coated with a substance such as tar, paint or motor oil, wear protective gloves. Rub the covered areas with vegetable oil or mineral oil. Dust the covered area with cornmeal, cornstarch or flour. Use dishwashing liquid and water to wash the covering away.

Heat Stroke

Like human beings, animals can become overheated. If your pet becomes overheated, remove him to a cool environment. If possible, take the pet's temperature. Soak your pet in cool water. For smaller animals, a sink may suffice. For larger pets, a bathtub or child's wading pool can become a soaking area. You may apply ice to the groin and armpits. You can also cool the pet's footpads by dousing them with alcohol. If your pet is alert, you can offer cool water to drink. Keep the pet in a vehicle and transport him to your veterinarian.

References

• Oklahoma State University: College of Veterinary Medicine: First Aid for Pets