6 natural remedies to help heal your pets

If you're seeking some natural remedies for your pet's ailments, here are six plants that may be effective for common ailments of your cats and dogs.

Try these remedies for arthritis in older animals or of certain breeds.

• Add some fresh chopped parsley or ginger grated in their food.
• Infuse 5 grams (1 teaspoon) rosemary leaves in 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain and store in refrigerator for three days. Mix some of this infusion to food for several weeks.

Balm for burns
Thanks to its moisturizing properties, aloe soothes burns and sunburn and relieves itching.

• Cut a leaf of this plant and apply it directly on the affected areas.
• Make sure to always choose a mature leaf.

Soothing sun lotion

• To soothe sunburn, spray your pet with cold water mixed with witch hazel , avoiding the eyes.
• This mixture has a numbing effect.

In winter, dogs' paws dry out especially if they are in the snow for a long time.

• Coat the affected areas with calendula balm .

Fleas can make cats and dogs crazy. To get rid of them, spray this mixture on the animal and in its basket.

Ingredients:

• 250 ml (1 cup) water
• 4-6 drops of melaleuca essential oil
• 4-6 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients and pour into a spray bottle.
2. Spray the liquid on your pet, avoiding the eyes, each time he or she goes out.

This product is easy to prepare, gives your dog's kennel a great fragrance and repels fleas.

Ingredients: 

• 500ml (2 cups) boiling water
• 2 or 3 bags of pepper mint (or green mint )
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp.) clove essential oil

Instructions:

1. Slowly infuse the bags.
2. Let cool and add the essential oil.
3. Pour into a spray bottle.
4. Spray the inside of the kennel and wipe.
5. Spray again and let dry without rinsing.
6. Regularly clean the kennel.

• If your pet's symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

Your pet is a member of the family and that's why he or she deserves the time you give for care. If you're ever unsure, be sure to check with your veterinarian.