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Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

Natural Dog Remedies: Can They Help Your Australian Shepherd?

By Anton Hout, author of The Guide to Aussie Training & Care

Using natural dog remedies to cure dog health problems has become very popular in recent years. Please keep in mind that there's no substitute for treatment by a veterinarian. Don't rely on natural remedies if your vet has told you your dog needs some other medical treatment. That said, there are plenty of natural remedies that can work in line with the recommendations of most vets, so let's look at some of the benefits of natural dog healthcare and some remedies you can use for certain health problems in your dog.

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There are a few good reasons to use natural remedies for dogs. For one thing, many chemical medicines have nasty side effects. Again, though, never use a natural remedy you've found in place of a prescribed medicine unless your vet tells you it's okay to do so.

Another reason you might want to use natural remedies is because they're relatively affordable, compared to buying a packaged product. For instance, you may be able to save money by creating your own natural flea treatment, rather than buying a commercial flea dip or shampoo.

Natural Dog Remedies: Can They Help Your Australian Shepherd? - Photo: Blue merle Australian Shepherd in field of yellow flowers.

Leah McDaniel / stock.adobe.com

One of the other big advantages of natural remedies is that they're often geared to treating problems at their root, rather than focusing on symptoms. By taking a holistic approach to treating your dog's health problems, you can help keep her body in balance and avoid disease and conditions developing in the first place – rather than trying to cure them once they're already out of control.

Some Common Natural Dog Remedies

There are actually quite a few products available today for dogs which are based on natural ingredients—although you should be careful and check that they are 100% natural, as some companies are simply trying to cash in on the natural product market with products that are really full of chemicals.

Now, on to some remedies you can try at home. Pureed pumpkin has been recommended as a treatment for mild diarrhea (but beware if the diarrhea is severe, is black in color or contains blood you should be seeking immediate medical attention).

Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

Ginger is another common natural remedy for dogs—it act as an anti-inflammatory, which means small doses of ginger can be useful for a variety of problems including relieving the pain of arthritis.

There are many packaged natural products designed specifically for dealing with joint problems (both relieving pain and treating underlying causes), such as hip dysplasia, which is a common inherited disease in Australian Shepherds.

Treating Fleas Naturally

Fleas are a very common parasite and one for which there are many natural treatments. Most effective natural flea treatment products on the market are based on pyrethrin. Flea treatments are one area where the benefits of going natural are huge, as many chemical flea products can cause serious adverse reactions in some dogs like convulsions and vomiting.

WARNING: MDR1 Gene Mutation Makes Many Drugs Dangerous For Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherds can have drug sensitivities as they frequently have a mutation of the MDR1 (Multi Drug Resistance 1) gene. This commonly causes toxicity from ivermectin (and many other drugs) an ingredient found in heartworm medications. It is always advisable to consult with your veterinarian before giving your Aussie any medications. Even over-the-counter medications can be toxic due to this increased sensitivity.

More information about Ivermectin and other drugs that can be dangerous for Australian Shepherds here.

CBD Oil For Dogs Is A Popular Option

With the legalization of marijuana and related products many dog owners are wondering if CBD oil is a good option to treat their dog with a natural remedy. Results for humans have been studied much more than for dogs, however, studies are underway to confirm its efficacy. Read our article CBD Oil For Dogs And What Australian Shepherd Owners Need To Know here for more information.

Finding a natural dog remedy can be a great way to help your Aussie and an alternative to many high-priced pharmaceuticals as long as you research the products you plan to use and consult your vet.

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Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

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