Unhappy Fido or Fluffy? 3 Natural Solutions to Common Pet Complaints

Digestion: For those times when your pet’s tummy needs some TLC, give goat yogurt a try. The probiotics, or good bacteria, in the yogurt help balance the digestive system and alleviate gas, bloating or constipation. Cats and dogs often tolerate goat milk better than cow’s milk because the fat globules are smaller and therefore easier to digest. Simply give a teaspoon to tablespoon a day, depending on the animal’s size—most will lap it right up. 

Coat and skin: If your animal tends to get dandruff or spends a lot of time scratching, he or she might benefit from flaxseed. Rich in the essential fatty acid omega 3, this plant oil is beneficial to skin and fur and contains fiber and protein to boot. Flaxseeds need to be ground up for best absorption, so either buy ground flax and keep it in the refrigerator or grind the seeds yourself in the blender before feeding them to a pet. Ask your vet for the appropriate dose for your animal.

Stress: Animals seem to respond particularly well to flower essences. Similar in concept to homeopathic tinctures, flower essences are very diluted infusions of flowers that are most often used to alleviate emotional distress or imbalances. The most popular flower essence is Rescue Remedy, a flower blend tincture used for stress, which is available at most natural products stores. You can place a few drops in your pet’s water or, for acute stress or anxiety, place a few drops on the cat’s or dog’s nose.