When You Can’t Get Into the Vet: Safe Home Remedies for Dogs — and What to Never Try

Getting a veterinary appointment can feel impossible right now — but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Dr. Marty Greer joins Laura Reeves to walk pet owners through the everyday products that are genuinely safe to use at home, and the ones that could land your dog in a serious emergency.

In this episode:

Dr. Marty covers the full medicine cabinet — what helps, what harms, and when to stop treating at home and get to a clinic fast.

1. Never use these: Xylitol in any form, ibuprofen, Tylenol (especially in cats), Sudafed and decongestants, and any prescription medication without veterinary guidance
2. Safe for kennel cough: Robitussin DM (guaifenesin + dextromethorphan) and saline nasal spray for congested brachycephalic breeds
3. Safe for allergies and skin: Benadryl, Claritin (loratadine), Dawn dish soap, hydrocortisone cream, lidocaine gel, and diaper rash ointment for sore hindquarters
4. Safe for GI upset: Famotidine (Pepcid), meclizine (Bonine) for nausea and vestibular syndrome, simethicone (Gas-X) for bloat prevention, Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate with caveats, and canned spinach to help pass small sharp objects
5. Safe for wounds: Saran wrap, socks, duct-taped bandaging, and Epsom salt soaks for foxtails in the feet
6. Foxtail warning: Feet are manageable at home — but foxtails in the nose, ears, or eyes need same-day veterinary care, and in the lungs they are a life-threatening emergency

Bottom line: These are stopgap measures, not substitutes for veterinary care. Use them to buy time, keep notes on what you tried and always be kind to your veterinary team — they’re doing their very best.