Whether you’re a new dog owner, or have years of experience, minor health issues are bound to come up from time to time. A short bout of diarrhoea, a reluctance to eat, a few superficial cuts or abrasions, or stress during travel can all be part of everyday life with dogs. While none of these situations should replace a visit to the vet if you’re concerned, it’s reassuring to have a few trusted go-to remedies readily available. A small household apothecary can make it easier to support your dog through minor issues while you decide whether veterinary care is needed.
What follows are four recommended species-appropriate home remedies for your toolkit, which are also safe for the rest of your family members: children and cats included!
Low-Sodium, Low-Fat Bone Broth
One of the most versatile items to keep on hand is a simple bone broth made specifically for dogs. When prepared appropriately, bone broth is gentle on the stomach, helps with hydration and can encourage a dog to eat in cases of reduced appetite. Simply adding bone broth to your dog’s food can increase its palatability making it ideal as a food topper for picky eaters.
It’s important, however, to ensure that the broth you use is species-appropriate. Human broths are often high in salt and fat, making them unsuitable for canine digestion. Onion, garlic and seasoning should never be included as these are contraindicated for dogs. The best approach is either to buy a broth specifically formulated for pets, or to prepare your own at home by simmering bones and meat in water for a minimum of three hours and removing the fat layer before serving at room temperature. If your dog is sensitive to chicken, turkey, lamb or beef can be used instead.
You can find my full recipe, step-by-step instructions and more detailed information by the clicking the "Learn More" button below.
Homemade Organic Chicken Bone Broth for Dogs
Ready-made species-appropriate bone broth is often available at pet supply stores. In North America, it can be found from brands such as Open Farm and in Europe in powdered form from Lila-Loves-It.
MicroSilver Spray
For everyday first aid, MicroSilver spray is an excellent addition to your pet-friendly apothecary. Unlike alcohol-based tinctures, it doesn’t sting when applied, making it stress-free for dogs and their human helpers. MicroSilver particles stay on the skin’s surface, where they gradually release silver ions that reduce bacterial growth. Because the particles are large, they are not absorbed into the body and pet-formulated sprays are safe even if a dog licks the treated area.
In addition to sprays, MicroSilver-based formulations are also available as creams, often combined with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or shea butter. These can be particularly helpful for small abrasions or irritated spots, as the cream forms a gentle protective layer that adheres to the skin as the ingredients work to disinfect and soothe.
Please Note: When shopping for a silver spray or cream, it’s important to choose carefully. Look specifically for products labeled “MicroSilver” or “Mikrosilber” (the German term) and sometimes “MicroSilver BG™.” These are designed specifically for topical use. Avoid products marketed as “colloidal silver” or “colloidal silver water,” as these typically contain nano-sized silver particles that can be absorbed into the body and are therefore not appropriate for pets.
Moro’s Carrot Soup
Another valuable tool for your home remedy kit is Moro’s Carrot Soup, also known as Möhrensuppe (German for “carrot soup”). This simple recipe was first developed in 1908 by Dr. Ernst Moro, a pediatrician and head of the children’s hospital in Heidelberg, Germany. At that time, diarrhoeal disease was a leading cause of infant mortality. Through his experiments, Dr. Moro discovered that this basic carrot soup could cut the death rate of babies with diarrhoea by nearly 50%. Long before antibiotics were available, this discovery made a profound difference in child survival.
Modern research has since shed light on why the soup works. During long, slow cooking, the pectin in carrots breaks down into acidic oligosaccharides. These small sugar chains reduce the ability of harmful bacteria, including E. coli, to adhere to the gut wall. A German study published in 2002 confirmed that this mechanism makes the soup more effective than glucose-electrolyte rehydration solutions alone in supporting recovery from gastrointestinal infections. Even more compelling, a 2009 study showed that Moro’s Carrot Soup could help treat diarrhoea caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
For dogs, this recipe is gentle, nourishing and supportive for mild cases of diarrhoea.
In pet supply shops in German speaking countries, ready-made Moro’s Carrot Soup is often available for purchase in glass jars or bottles, or in a powder form for ease of preparation.
Here’s how you can prepare it yourself at home:
Ingredients
- 500 g carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 liter water
Instructions
- Simmer the carrots gently in water for at least 90 minutes – 2 hours
- Puree the mixture thoroughly, then top up with boiled water to return the volume to 1 liter.
- Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before serving and offer in small portions 30-minutes before meals as a supportive remedy for mild cases of diarrhoea.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to two days, or freeze in small containers.
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Rescue Remedy
The last item to consider is Rescue Remedy in its alcohol-free pet formula. Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach, Rescue Remedy is a blend of five flower essences that many owners use to support their dogs during stressful situations such as vet visits, fireworks, or travel. While the scientific mechanism is not fully established, it’s widely used as a gentle option for short-term stress. It can be given directly in the mouth, added to food, or placed in drinking water, depending on what your dog tolerates best. The important point is to always choose the pet-specific, alcohol-free version and to use it according the instructions.
That’s a Wrap
In my experience, I’ve found that keeping a few well-chosen items on hand makes a real difference when minor issues pop up. Bone broth, MicroSilver spray, Moro’s Carrot Soup and Rescue Remedy have all become staples in my own dog-friendly apothecary, and I’ve used them successfully in caring for my own dog, Boone, seeing the benefits they can bring. What about you? What are the trusty go-to remedies that you keep on hand for your dog? Please share them in the comments below! I’d love to hear your favourites!
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The remedies described here are meant for mild, short-term situations and are not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If your dog’s symptoms persist, worsen, or if you’re ever in doubt about their condition, seek veterinary advice without delay. Always use pet-safe formulations and follow product instructions carefully.