National Holistic Pet Day, celebrated on August 30th, was first started by renowned pet expert Colleen Paige. On this day, you can learn about how to use holistic treatments, remedies, and preventive care to promote your pet’s health and well-being.
Holistic pet care means using preparations derived from natural sources to improve your pet’s health on a whole-body level. While conventional veterinary medicine still does a pretty good job of managing symptoms, holistic options often have fewer side effects and tend to treat health conditions by targeting the source of the symptoms and promoting the body’s natural ways of healing itself.
You can seek help from a holistic or integrative vet to find out how to best incorporate more natural remedies into your pet’s routine. To prepare for mild illnesses and incidents, you can also stock your pet’s first aid kit with some of these tried and true holistic remedies.
Holistic Remedies for Cuts and Scrapes in Pets
Often, a minor cut or scrape can be treated at home with holistic remedies. If the wound is deep or if there is excessive bleeding, your pet will need veterinary attention. Cuts at higher risk of infection — particularly bites and scratches from other animals, and cuts made with rusted or dirty objects — should be treated by a vet.
First, rinse the affected area with mild soap and water. If needed, trim excess fur around the wound. Then, apply a holistic calendula ointment before dressing.
Calendula, derived from marigold flowers, has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and can promote healing when applied topically to cuts and scrapes. It is the active ingredient in Boiron Calendula Cream, a great addition to any pet first aid kit.
Holistic Remedies for Acute Anxiety in Pets
In a medical emergency, a stressed animal may be difficult to handle. You can naturally calm your pet with a holistic preparation like Richard’s Organics Pet Calm. Another popular anxiety remedy is Homeopet Anxiety Relief. Either option is great for occasional or regular use.
Holistic Remedies for Gastric Upset in Pets
If your cat or dog got into the trash and is experiencing a mild bout of diarrhea, or if you switched to a new food too quickly and they are experiencing some vomiting, mild gastric upset can often be treated at home.
Mild gastric upset can be treated at home in pets that are not especially vulnerable to dehydration. Young puppies and kittens, seniors, and chronically ill pets may need veterinary attention. In pets of any age, see a vet if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, are severe, or accompany signs of pain or lethargy.
The following natural supplements can help relieve gastric upset in pets:
- Fast Balance GI Paste contains a blend of probiotics, beneficial dietary fiber, vitamins, and soothing anise seed oil to treat acute diarrhea in pets.
- Boiron Arsenicum Album is a homeopathic remedy for nausea and vomiting.
- Boiron Pulsatilla can relieve gastric upset caused by eating fatty foods.
- Animal Essentials Hairball Relief contains marshmallow root, which forms a thick, gooey barrier that protects the digestive tract. It is indicated for helping your cat pass hairballs, but also works for cough, diarrhea, and as a daily digestive aid.
Holistic Pain Remedies for Pets
For mild aches and pains, you can reach for a holistic alternative to traditional NSAIDs. Aspirin formulated for humans should never be given to pets. Nutri-Vet aspirin is a conventional option that is relatively safe for dogs, but it is not safe for cats and can cause gastrointestinal side effects in sensitive dogs.
- Yucca Intensive is a holistic remedy used to relieve many symptoms — from allergies to anxiety — as well as minor aches and pains.
- T-Relief tablets are a holistic alternative to NSAIDs that contain a blend of plant extracts to help control pain and inflammation.
Holistic Bug Bite Remedies for Pets
Flea and mosquito bites can leave your pet itching and scratching for days, while a bee, hornet, or wasp sting causes painful swelling. Pain or itching is a normal reaction to the chemicals in the insect’s saliva and can often be treated at home.
Some pets experience anaphylactic reactions to bug bites and may need emergency veterinary care if symptoms are severe, or if there is any swelling of the face, nose, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing.
- Ledum Palustre, made from an extract of wild rosemary, is used to relieve itchy mosquito bites.
- Apis Mellifica, a homeopathic remedy extracted from honeybees, can relieve pain, itching, and swelling from most insect bites.
- Homeopet Skin & Itch contains a blend of plant extracts with antihistamine properties that can be used to relieve itching associated with bug bites or seasonal allergies.
How to Use Holistic Pet First Aid Supplies Safely
Even holistic pet products should be used with care. Read all package instructions, start with a low dose, and monitor your pet for side effects or allergies, which can occur with both conventional and holistic therapies. Seek guidance from a veterinarian before combining multiple remedies, to treat or diagnose any health condition, or if your pet’s symptoms do not subside.
