Home Remedies and Antibiotics for Dogs

Home remedies are often used for human ailments, but they can also be used to help your dog in order to save on costly medication from a veterinarian. It may also be healthier for your dog as overuse of synthetic antibiotics can cause your dog to build up a resistance, which will limit the effectiveness of these antibiotics in the future.

Canine flu virus is a viral infection. Antibiotics have often been prescribed by vets to treat this, causing resistant strains. Depending on your dog's size, feed your dog between one-half clove and three cloves of fresh garlic with its food as a natural antibiotic. Fenugreek can also help with canine flu virus, as it improves the health of the lung mucus linings, which aids prevention of bacterial infections. Also feed vinegar, which has natural antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic properties.

Fleas and ticks are a common problem among dogs, and the chemical treatments can be costly and harsh. Feeding garlic to your dog can help as a preventive measure to deter fleas and ticks from your dog. Feed garlic two to four times a week in your pet's food. A teaspoon of vinegar each day in your dog's water can also aid in preventing fleas. If your dog already has fleas, grind orange rinds into a paste and apply to your dog's coat.

For patches of dry or itchy skin, mix two dissoluble aspirin tablets into a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. Mix this in with a cup of cold, black tea and apply to the dry spots. Another method to treat dry skin in dogs to to add one-half teaspoon of corn, sunflower or peanut oil to your pet's food each day. A cool oatmeal bath for your dog can also help to ease itching.

Canine asthma can be distressing for your pet. Mullein and licorice root help to relieve coughing in your dog. To soothe your dog's throat, use coltsfoot and marshmallow root, and echinacea and Oregon grape can help to strengthen the immune system of your dog. If your dog suffers from severe asthma attacks, consult your vet as the dog will need conventional medication.