DIY Pet Remedies and Why Some Things Just Shouldn’t be DIY

It’s not always easy to know what to do when a pet has a minor injury or is feeling under the weather. Of course, the internet is chock full of advice for everything from fleas to broken bones, but not all of it is usable, and some is downright dangerous.

There are plenty of reasons someone may turn to DIY pet remedies, and in some cases treating your pet at home makes sense (with guidance from your pet’s primary healthcare provider, that is). There are also plenty of instances in which home treatments should never be attempted.

The team at Harris Parkway Animal Hospital wants to make sure you know what to watch out for when it comes to DIY pet remedies, and how to make sure your furry loved one gets the best possible care.

The Difficulties with DIY Pet Remedies

Considering how much time some of us spend on our devices, it’s only natural to do a quick search or check a favorite pet-related website when something seems amiss with your best pal. While there are certainly plenty of vetted pet websites out there, any information regarding DIY pet remedies should be taken with a grain (or more) of salt.

Some of the potential dangers of DIY pet remedies include:

Toxic ingredients – Just because something might be helpful for a sick human does not mean it will be useful, or safe, for a pet. Human and animal bodies are very different, and certain herbs, essential oils, and other ingredients that can safely be used on humans should not be used on pets.

Interference with other treatments – Some ingredients in DIY pet remedies can actually interfere with medications your pet is already taking, and may make it more difficult to treat your pet in the future.

Using the wrong medication – Never use human grade medication on a pet unless specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Additionally, don’t attempt to use a species-specific product on an animal it wasn’t made for, as the results can be drastic.

Delaying proper treatment – Messing around with DIY pet remedies can delay you from seeking proper medical treatment for your pet, potentially leading to a more serious and expensive situation down the line.

When to Worry

We can’t stress enough that time is of the essence in a true medical emergency. Seek medical care for your pet immediately if they are exhibiting any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Car accident, animal bite, falling from more than 1 story, or other trauma
• Bleeding from the eyes, ears, nose, or anus, and any bleeding that does not stop within 5 minutes
• Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 12 hours
• Straining to urinate
• Bloated, hard abdomen
• Tremors, seizures, loss of consciousness
• Difficulty delivering puppies or kittens

No matter what your pet’s health dilemma, you can ensure they get the best care by taking their symptoms seriously and following up with your Harris Parkway Animal Hospital Veterinarian. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions, or to schedule an appointment for your pet.