With four dogs come a lot of expenses. Every time a dog throws up or has a large cut we can't always afford to go to the vet let alone the emergency vet and we learned this the hard way. After having two dogs we started wondering if it was even worth spending hundreds of dollars for a professional to treat something we could ourselves here in our own home. Most busy pet parents who have the money will take their pet to vet for everything and I mean everything....I see owners pay hundreds of dollars because their dog had loose stool one day and come to find out they switched their food and didn't know that that would upset their stomach, so they pay $50 for a medicine to firm up their stool when they could pay $4 total and fix it themselves. Don't get me wrong in some situations yes, a professional vet may be needed to treat something on a a necessary basis but a lot of people don't have the common knowledge to treat minor things themselves and save quite a bit of money.
A healthy bunch!
Let's say your dog is extremely itchy all of the time. Gnawing at their paws, back, tail and are biting themselves raw. They may even just have dandruff but either way I have solutions. Kodak and Dublin both have pretty bad allergies like some kids do and I've found a few ways to ease the itch and treat their condition for pennies a day.
Benedryl, name brand or off can be used on dogs as long as u verify its benedryl because this allergy medication has no chemical that will injure your pet and you can look up the dosage per pound online. So many milligrams per pound is very important when giving medication not prescribed and that applies to everything medicine wise. Fish oil tablets, again look up dosage per pound online, but I buy them and freeze them as ice treats to avoid them tasting the fish oil.
Each of mine get one a day to improve coat and skin and Kodak and Dublin get one extra tablet per day and it helps reduce flaky skin. I recently discovered coconut oil helps as well for overall dry skin and coat condition as well. (plus the dogs love the taste!)
Next will be an upset stomach. I have learned that a spoonful of honey will help coat a dogs stomach to avoid nausea and vomiting when they do not feel well. Nanook uses this ever so often as his stomach is extremely sensitive.
Loose stool can be caused by many things especially switching foods. Cooked rice and even plain or vanilla flavored yogurt can help to firm up loose stool and settle their stomachs and this is actually a trick we use at work for boarding dogs who use our house food temporarily while staying with us for a period of time.
A cut, broken nail, scrape, or even a minor gash can be treated at home as well. Clean the area gently with luke warm water and antibacterial soap and dab the affected with a rag. Rinse very thoroughly and apply antibacterial ointment (make sure they can not lick it off). Wrap if possible (i use socks on their feet). This will heal within a few days to a week and won't cost you much at all. Anything more serious obviously see your local veterinarian but when it's minor, why pay the money?
August's raw patch we treated with some ointment.
On a toy note, if your dog is an expert chewer and goes through toys like a snack try antlers. It is well worth the investment and lasts for a long period of time. Nylabone are even too easy for my dogs now so I will buy an elk antler which won't run for too much money if you find the right pet store. Deer antlers can flake, splinter and chip which can be a choking hazard so I've learned to buy elk antlers only. Once bored with them I will soak in chicken or beef broth overnight and it's like a whole new toy! My dogs love it! Be sure that the antler you buy is still not a chocking hazard to your pet's size even at the half way point.
Hot outside? My dogs love to have frozen vegetables out in the yard. I'll spread a frozen bag of $0.99 peas or green beans around the yard and they search for hours! It cools them off as a frozen treat (unlike a $6 box of frosty paws). It is also very healthy for your pet. Raw carrots are great for a daily treat and when bought in long stalks can clean their teeth efficiently.
As a complete side note if you have a pet and can't afford update vaccinations every year check out your local organized pet groups. Some shelters, low cost spay/neuter clinics and even some local vets do vaccination drives monthly or biannually and will update your pet's vaccinations at a discounted rate. I've used local UCAN and had Dublin spayed and vaccinated at an extremely low rate. They are safe professional veterinarians that do it a low cost at the better of the local community and your pets.
It's dinner time! How else do you think Dad and Mom can afford all our dog food!?! These tips can help enormously!
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