24 Natural Remedies for Dog Issues That Actually Work
In this post, I’ll show you some of the best natural remedies for dog issues that really work and that you can try at home!
I’m not really a crunchy dog mom who never goes to the vet. My dog has all his shots, and we use tick and heartworm prevention. I really take my vet’s advice seriously.
But, at the same time, I really like the idea of using natural remedies for dog issues that I know can help, because they help people, babies, and kids, and we simply know that they can work.
Sometimes they won’t work for each specific case, and that’s okay. What’s important here (at least to me) is that I would never do or suggest you do anything remotely dangerous, like use essential oils or something like that, that’s proven to be harmful to dogs!
So, if you want to be safe and help your dog in a natural way, this blog post is for you. After all, I recognize curious, smart, and responsible dog owners and love exchanging advice, so please feel free to leave a comment!
Natural Remedies for Dog Gas
Do you know why some dogs get gassy? It’s usually due to small digestive issues, but also foods that cause gas.
Dogs can get gas from high-fiber foods like beans, leafy veggies, and some processed foods that have lots of spices and seasonings. They can also get gas from eating too fast (and swallowing air) and being a little cold.
So, whatever the case is, there are natural remedies for dog gas that you can try at home!
1 Fennel Seeds for Dog Gas
Fennel seeds are known to help with gas, and they are safe for dogs! You can buy powdered fennel seeds or grind them at home.
What you need to do is sprinkle some over their food. I can tell you from experience that if I did this with my dog’s kibble, he would never touch it again.
So the best way to sneak in some fennel seeds is to sprinkle half a teaspoon into cooked meat!
It’s enough to do this once per day and see how your dog’s digestion improves.
2 Pumpkin Puree for Gassy and Bloated Stomach
If you’re looking for something super quick that your dog has a good chance of eating, then you must try pumpkin puree! Dogs love it, and it’s super easy to share.
You can cook pumpkin at home and mash it with a fork, or give them canned pumpkin puree, just make sure it’s unsweetened.
3 Probiotic Rich Foods for Gassy Pups
Just like we take probiotics and eat a lot of probiotic-rich foods for better digestion, dogs should “eat probiotics” too.
But for them, you better skip sauerkraut and kombucha!
You can see above how my dog adores licking yogurt!
Dogs can have Greek yogurt and kefir in small amounts. Both are full of good bacteria that improve gut health, and they’re a good source of protein and calcium.
Give your dog a couple of tablespoons of yogurt for several days until they start feeling better.
Going forward, you can definitely include both Greek yogurt and kefir as a part of their diet.
4 Chamomile Tea as a Natural Remedy for Gas
If your dog looks bloated and has smelly gas, you should make them a cup of chamomile tea! Just make sure it’s cooled down before you share.
They’ll probably only take a sip, but that should be enough. Chamomile tea is soothing and can really help with bloating and gas.
Natural Remedies for Dog Worms
For this section, I don’t have personal experience, so please double-check any decision you make with your vet!
I don’t think using natural remedies for dog worms can do any harm. I just think it’s better to double-check, because with worms, you really want to get rid of them ASAP.
Most holistic coaches usually say (although in fine print) that when you first discover worms in your dog, you take it to the vet, and then after you get rid of the worms, you use natural remedies for prevention. Which, to be honest, doesn’t sound bad and can really help your dog!
5 Pumpkin Seeds for Worms in Dogs
If you’re looking for a natural way to deal with worms, raw pumpkin seeds might be your new best friend. They contain something called cucurbitacin, which helps paralyze intestinal worms so your dog can pass them more easily.
Use raw, unsalted seeds and grind them in a small blender until you get a fine powder so your dog can easily eat it with their meal.
Holistic coaches recommend adding about ¼ teaspoon per 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight once or twice per day.
Mix it into something yummy like cooked meat or their favorite wet food!
6 Grated Carrots to Help Flush Out Worms
This one is super easy and probably something you already have at home.
Carrots are high in fiber and act kind of like a scrub brush in your dog’s digestive system. They help clean out mucus and push out worms naturally.
Wash and peel fresh carrots, then grate them finely. You don’t need to cook them.
7 Apple Cider Vinegar to Make the Gut Less Worm-Friendly
Apple cider vinegar is one of those things that can be helpful in small amounts for a lot of dog health issues, including worms.
The acidity of apple cider vinegar makes your dog’s gut less friendly for parasites. Just make sure to use raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
The easiest way to share it is by mixing one teaspoon into your dog’s food or water once per day.
I don’t recommend adding the vinegar to their regular water bowl, as they probably won’t drink it.
A better idea is to add it to something they will take, like soup. Or fill a small syringe with diluted apple cider vinegar and give it to your dog straight in the mouth.
Make sure your dog has access to clean water, as they’ll want to wash out the taste!
8 Coconut Oil to Support Digestion and Fight Parasites
Coconut oil helps your dog deal with parasites thanks to the healthy fats inside.
The type you want to use is virgin, organic coconut oil. It’s usually solid at room temperature, so you can just scoop out what you need and mix it into their meal.
The general rule is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight per day. The best way to share it is mixed with fruit, like mashed bananas, cooked pumpkin, or applesauce!
Natural Remedies for Dog Dandruff
9 Coconut Oil for Dog Dandruff (Topical)
You’ll see in this guide that coconut oil is quite versatile, and it’s safe for your dog’s stomach and their skin!
When it comes to dandruff, coconut oil can help soothe irritation from dry, itchy skin and inflammation.
Since it contains lauric acid, which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient, it can help with dry patches and flakes.
All you need to do is massage a thin layer into your dog’s skin and leave it.
Make sure to distract your dog so they don’t lick it. Even though it’s safe to eat, you want coconut oil to have enough time to work on the dry patches and soothe the skin.
10 Oatmeal Baths for Stubborn Dandruff and Itchy Skin
This one may sound a bit odd, but oatmeal baths can be really good for your dog’s itchy and flaky skin!
Oatmeal water can be incredibly soothing and can work wonders on dry skin.
To prepare the oatmeal bath, get simple, plain oats and blend them in a blender until you get a fine powder. Fill your bathtub with warm water and add the oatmeal powder. Depending on the size of your tub, I would use 2 cups of oats, but if you have a smaller tub, 1 cup is enough.
Get your dog in the bath and let them soak in the oatmeal water for about 15–20 minutes while gently massaging them and giving them a real spa experience!
They deserve it.
Rinse your dog with warm water and don’t use any shampoo. Just plain water, then wrap them in a towel and blow dry on low heat until they are dry and fluffy again.
11 Fish Oil Supplements for Healthy Skin
There are really good fish oil supplements your vet can recommend that have a good ratio of EPA and DHA.
If you’re interested in Omega-3 and specifically EPA and DHA-rich foods, I suggest you read my (super detailed) guide on the best fish for dogs!
The best way to get nutrients is with a balanced diet, but if your dog is having issues with dandruff, you need all the help you can get.
A good fish oil supplement will help reduce inflammation and soothe the itching. It won’t give instant results, as most supplements need about 4–6 weeks to build up in the system, but in the long run, it will help your dog have a healthier coat and skin.
You need to buy fish oil supplements made for dogs. Don’t share your own!
12 Dog-Safe Aloe Vera for Rough, Itchy Patches
Aloe vera is known for its soothing effect on damaged skin, whether that’s sunburn or just dry, flaky skin.
It’s really good for helping dogs with itchy skin!
If you can find a dog-safe aloe vera gel, or any aloe vera that’s free from extra scent, additives, and preservatives, you can apply a thin layer onto your dog’s skin anywhere they have dandruff or are scratching like crazy.
It’s supposed to be quite mild, so don’t expect any wonders, but as one of the natural remedies for dogs, it will certainly help to an extent.
If you can, try to stop your dog from licking the gel until it’s fully absorbed. But also don’t worry if they get some. You don’t need to rinse aloe vera, as it’s perfectly safe to stay on the skin.
Natural Remedies for Itchy Dog Paws
One of the most common problems we have with our dogs is itchy paws!
Even though I love how they smell like Doritos and popcorn, red and itchy paws can be a sign of a yeast infection.
This usually happens when there’s leftover moisture, like after you wash your dog’s paws and don’t dry them properly, or when they spend too much time in the grass and their paws stay damp.
But if the paws look normal and there’s no discharge or bleeding, itchy paws are usually easy to treat! Check out some of the best natural remedies for itchy dog paws below.
13 Apple Cider Vinegar to Relieve Itchy Paws
Apple cider vinegar shows up quite a bit on this list, but that’s because it works wonders for so many things! It’s especially helpful for fungus and yeast infections, and it can be a great at-home remedy for itchy or smelly paws.
To try this, mix equal parts of raw apple cider vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Soak your dog’s paws in the solution for about 5 minutes. If that’s a struggle (and I get it), you can also dip a cotton ball into the mixture and gently press it onto the paws instead.
Once you’re done, pat their paws dry with a clean towel, then use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to finish drying them.
My dog is used to the hair dryer, so he doesn’t mind at all. I always make sure to keep it on low heat so it’s comfortable for him.
You’ll get the best results if you repeat this daily for at least a few days.
What I also like to do is take a cotton swab, dip it into the vinegar-water mix, and gently tap between their toe beans!
14 Green Tea Soak for Itchy Paws
This is one of those super simple home remedies that feels fancy, but it actually works!
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, so it has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm down irritated, itchy paws.
To make the soak, brew 3 to 4 decaf green tea bags in about a quart of boiling water. Let it sit and cool until it’s lukewarm (you don’t want it hot!).
Once it’s ready, pour the tea in a bowl and let your dog’s paws soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
Just like with apple cider vinegar, if your dog doesn’t want to keep his paws in the bowl, you can use a cotton ball instead.
When you’re done, dry their paws really well with a towel or use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting.
15 Homemade Calendula Spray for Itchy Dog Paws
This is a recipe you can easily make at home!
Calendula is a natural antiseptic that helps soothe inflamed and itchy skin. It’s a common ingredient in baby products and skincare for sensitive skin in general.
To make a homemade calendula solution, you’ll need dried calendula flowers. Start by boiling a handful of the flowers in 2 cups of water and let them simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
Strain the mixture and let it cool before pouring it into a spray bottle.
You can spray your dog’s paws with this solution or use it as a soak.
16 Use Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel to Soothe Red Paws
You can also use alcohol-free witch hazel to calm itchy, irritated paws. Just follow the same steps as you would with the apple cider vinegar or green tea soak.
Witch hazel is a natural astringent, and it has anti-inflammatory properties that help with red, itchy skin.
Best Natural Remedies for an Upset Stomach
When it comes to an upset stomach, the best way to help your dog is to give them calming and soothing foods that will help with digestion!
17 White Rice and Plain Cooked Chicken for an Upset Stomach
White rice is the number one food for dogs with an upset stomach! Combined with cooked chicken, it is our go-to for everything from diarrhea to vomiting.
This combination also helps with acid reflux and is a great choice for sick dogs. So if your dog has tummy issues, was or is feeling sick, and if their appetite changed, make some plain white rice with cooked chicken (no salt, no seasonigs) and give them a small portion at first.
Watch them closely and if they start to feel better, continue feeding them that before you go back to your regular food.
18 Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree for Dog Constipation and Diarrhea
So, pumpkin can work for both constipation and diarrhea. You may wonder, how is that even possible?
It’s because of the fiber! Pumpkin has two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble.
Soluble fiber is great for absorbing extra water, so it will help with runny poo (diarrhea).
And, insoluble fiber can’t be digested, so it will go through the system and move things. So, if your dog is struggling with constipation, then cooked pumpkin can also help!
19 Scrambled or Boiled Eggs After Vomiting
Eggs are a superfood!
They are a nutrient-dense food, but they are gentle on the stomach!
They are also a great source of protein, iron, and nutrients that will give your dog strength when they’re dealing with an upset stomach.
They are great for dogs recovering from vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach issues as they have lots of protein, essential amino acids, and healthy fats that will give dogs the energy!
The best way to give your dog eggs is just to give them plain boiled eggs or scrambled eggs without extra salt, butter, or oil.
20 Homemade Oatmeal for Diarrhea
Oatmeal is a great bland food that’s rich in fiber and can be a great option for diarrhea and a weak stomach. The only problem is that not many dogs like to eat it. So when I give my dog plain oatmeal, I often mix it with banana (so it’s sweet) or some cooked chicken!
You should use plain oats and cook them in water as the best option for stomach issues.
Don’t add any spices like cinnamon, and no sugar, please.
Natural Remedies for Dog Ear Yeast Infection
If your dog has an ear yeast infection, you need to take them to the vet and get proper treatment!
Only after they’ve started treatment and are feeling better should you begin using natural remedies for this stubborn issue.
Or, if your vet tells you it’s not that serious, ask them about trying home remedies.
My dog had a horrible ear infection when he was a baby. He even had to take antibiotics, and after that, we used ear drops for several weeks.
Once the infection cleared up, he developed a yeast ear infection, and that’s when we continued treating him with natural drops that included apple cider vinegar.
21 Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar for Ear Yeast Infection
Apple cider vinegar shows up again here because it really works! It has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that help restore the pH balance in your dog’s ears, making it harder for yeast to grow.
To make a simple ear rinse, mix equal parts raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and warm water.
Dip a cotton ball or a baby cotton bud into the mixture and gently apply a few drops into your dog’s ear canal. Then, massage the base of the ear for a few seconds to help spread the solution.
Let your dog shake their head afterward to get rid of any extra liquid, and use a clean cloth to wipe the outer ear.
Just a heads up: don’t use this remedy if your dog has open sores or if the ear looks very red or swollen, as it can sting.
As I said, talk to your vet first!
22 Dog-Friendly Witch Hazel for Ear Infections
Witch hazel is a gentle remedy that can help with red, itchy ears. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties and works a bit like a mild skin toner, so it can calm things down and reduce irritation.
Just make sure you use the alcohol-free kind. Regular witch hazel with alcohol can dry out your dog’s skin, which is the opposite of what we want.
Put a little on a cotton ball or soft cloth and gently wipe the inside of your dog’s ear. Don’t go deep, just clean what you can see.
You can do this once or twice a day until the redness and itchiness go away.
23 Coconut Oil as One of the Safest Natural Remedies for Dog Ear Infections
Coconut oil is one of my favorite natural remedies because it’s so gentle and safe. It has something called lauric acid, which helps fight bacteria and yeast, and it feels really soothing on irritated skin.
Just use virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil and warm it slightly so it turns into liquid.
Then take a clean dropper or a cotton ball, add a few drops into your dog’s ear, and massage the base of the ear to help it spread. Wipe off any extra oil when you’re done.
You can use this once or twice a day until your dog starts feeling better.
24 Olive Oil Infused With Garlic as a Smelly but Great Solution
This one smells pretty strong, but it’s a classic home remedy that people have used for years. Garlic has natural antifungal and antibacterial benefits, and when you let it sit in olive oil, the combo can help with mild ear infections.
Here’s what you do: crush one clove of garlic and mix it with a cup of olive oil. Let it sit overnight to infuse.
Strain out the garlic bits so all you’re left with is the oil. This is super important.
Then get a cotton bud, soak it in the oil, and gently rub it inside your dog’s ear.
You can do this once or twice a day, but only for a few days.
Which of these natural remedies have you tried so far? Let me know in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these tips handy!
Love, life, and fur forever!
This post showed you 24 Natural Remedies for Dog Issues That Actually Work.
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