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Of the $53 billion we Americans spend a year on our pets, a staggering fifty percent of that is spent on their health and wellbeing. Mmm hmmm. $26 billion is spent on vital tidbits like medicine from over the counter, treatments from various pet specialists, of course, animal doctors (or as they like to be known, veterinarians).
But what if there was an alternative to all these big pharma prescriptions that, as we know from human consumption, can sometimes have side effects worse than what you’re trying to treat?
Fortunately, there is an alternative to traditional pet medicine. Yup, we’re talking about going down the unbeaten path of animal homeopathy and using natural remedies to a) reduce the cost, b) use the resources of mother nature and c) reduce your carbon paw print. Her are a few of the best homeopathic remedies for pets:
When Life Gives You Lemons…
When Life Gives You Lemons…Turn them into a flea repellent for your pets. Seriously. All those mostly-squeezed rinds you throw away with a pang of guilt can be used to create a sprayable flea repellent for your pets to make their fur an unwelcome place for fleas. Lemons, oranges, pink grapefruit – whatever you eat for breakfast.
Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Boom…
Every time you find a tick on your doggy, you can’t help but feel your gut twist knowing how uncomfortable your pup most feel and, as we all know, the best form of defense is offense, which is why you need to invest in some rose geranium essential oils and rub it into your dogs collar. This stuff is like a super repellent. (NB: we didn’t mention cats on purpose).
It’s Time For The Turmeric…
Anyone who took a class called “Medicine Throughout History” at college (which we admit probably isn’t many people), will know that turmeric was used as an anti-inflammatory to treat all sorts of human pains. But now the question “is turmeric safe for dogs” is creeping into owner’s lives and, to answer this question in a word, yes; yes it is safe. Cysts, recurring muscle pains, joint aches and even cancer can all benefit from a little dash of turmeric.
A Pot Of Chamomile, Please…
Seeing your pet scratch and scratch and scratch some more is heartbreaking. You sit there wishing there was something you can do except tell them it will be okay as you sip on a hot mug of chamomile tea. Well, the answer is partly right in front of you and partly in your belly. Yup, the answer to skin irritations is to make a cup of said tea, pour it into a spray bottle, pop it in the fridge and then spray it on your pet once it has cooled down.
The Horrid Hairballs…
We don’t want to linger on this one for too long because, well, gross. Cat hairballs are just the grossest. But while a grooming brush will always be the number one weapon, when hairballs season really kicks in, half a teaspoon of butter for three or four days can really help your kitty.
We hope you’ve learned a few new homeopathic remedies for pets that will make your pets happier and more comfortable while giving you more peace of mind.
Please stop using the word “homeopathic.” It doesn’t mean what you think it does. It is not synonymous with “natural cure” although it is one. Homeopathy is its own, very powerful, system of medicine but it has nothing to do with herbal or folk medicine.
http://www.homeopathycenter.org/
Hi Claire! Thanks for sharing the link. You’re absolutely right that Homeopathy is much more than just herbal medicine. It’s a completely different way of looking at healing. I encourage others to visit the site to learn more. 🙂
We weren’t in any way trying to imply that Homeopathy is just herbal remedies. We just wanted to share different options for taking care of their pets. Homeopathy isn’t just for humans. 🙂