What is a Safer Method in Caring for Pets; Home Remedies or Veterinary Advice?

While surfing the Internet the other day, searching for an interesting topic, I happened to run across an advertisement for the book, “Amazing Pet Cures”  by Joey Green.

Cat and dog together

Two useful tags. Click either to see the articles: Toxic to cats | Dangers to cats

Not only does it recommend “1,130 Secret Uses for Your Favorite Products” as safe and effective home remedies for curing simple pet ailments which may save a trip to the vet, the book’s main theme is “pampering your pet for pennies using-well-known brand products”. The enticing hook? Many of these products are more than likely already found around the house.

While considering the use of some of these common household products may initially be appealing, while checking them out I found some of them to be just plain outrageous. For example: using KrazyGlue to safely remove ticks from pets makes absolutely no sense to me at all. The active ingredient in KrazyGlue is cyanoacrylate, a material that is related to cyanide. Instructions provided by the manufacturer warn that the product needs careful handling.

Another worrisome suggestion offered to readers is the use of Uncle Ben’s Whole Grain rice to help sweeten kitty’s breath. However halitosis may be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, so before looking for a quick fix to cure or mask bad breath, to me, it seems more prudent to seek veterinary advice.

Recently we talked ad-nauseum about flabby tabbies. But if your pooch is a bit pudgy, to help him shed a few pounds, the suggestion is feeding him Grape Nut’s Flakes. As far as I am concerned, without knowing if there is an underlying medical condition causing a dog to be overweight, the idea seems to me, (pardon the pun) to be  a bit “flaky” and irresponsible.

Another rather bizarre idea to help dogs who enjoy romping in a winter wonderland is to use Pam Cooking Spray to prevent the snow from sticking to their paw pads.  I don’t know how your dog or cat would react to the hissing sound of a spray can, but if I tried this little trick on Sir Hubble Pinkerton, or Dr. Hush Puppy, I would have two very frightened cats hanging upside down from one of our ceiling fans.  

While I am all in favor of some my grandma’s tried-and-true home remedies meant to stifle sniffles, relieve those red and runny eyes together with those pearls of wisdom aimed at alleviating the discomfort of the nagging simple aches and pains we endure daily may well be just what an old-fashioned and experienced doctor may prescribe; when it comes to treating sick kitties, I seek my veterinarian’s recommendations.  

After all, although it may initially be a tad more expensive, in the long run using more traditional measures can save pet guardians a lot of heartache and financial distress.   So if you’re really committed to helping Fido lose some weight, consult with your vet for a safe exercise program and a sensible weight control diet.  And rather than using Pam Spray on your pet’s paws, try rubbing a dab of Vaseline onto their tender footsies before trekking about in the snow.

While these “trendy” products that this book pitches may initially seem like a great idea, especially since many of us may have them stashed away in a closet; in the vast number of cases using products designed specifically for pets is far more effective and a darned sight safer.

What do you think?  Which type of products do you prefer? Share your thoughts in a comment.

Jo

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23 thoughts on “What is a Safer Method in Caring for Pets; Home Remedies or Veterinary Advice?”

  1. Is vinegar safe for cats ears if they are a bit itchy and has had dermititus in the past? Iam on a fixed income and it’s hard just to get through the month but I hate to see her scratching her ear so much and I can tell it is tender to touch. Thanks any;true feedback is greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Marilyn, I have to ask: what is causing the itching? That must be the first question. Is it dermatitis? Is it ear mites? Do you know? I can’t answer the question without knowing the certain cause. Sorry. I understand your predicament and your feelings.

      Reply
  2. When it is my pet’s health and well being and I am in doubt I contact our vet. She is very good at her profession and I trust her. I have had concerns about one visit though. I have a cat that I raised from a five day old kitten. He is tightly bonded to me and has anxiety issues. When his routine is upset he stresses and starts throwing up and cannot seem to stop. When I took him in this time, trip number four, the vet said it was either pancreatitis or Irritable Bowel. Her prognosis was exploratory surgery. NO WAY!!!
    In the past she has given him a shot to ease the vomiting and this worked well.
    Sometimes the cure or finding a cure is terrible. I know that there has to be herbs or something that he can have to stop the vomiting but she seems to think it is much worse. We are awaiting a second opinion.
    I always check with the vet first….even a second opinion or third before considering a home remedy.

    Reply
  3. I totally agree with what you said Jo. Consulting an expert, a veterinarian for this matter is always a must because this will save you and your pet a great deal of pain. Not all home-remedies would work and it might cause a more serious problem if the remedy would turn out to be a tragedy.

    Reply

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