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    Not every medical issue your pet suffers from requires expensive medication. There are already items in your home that can help treat your dog or cat's everyday maladies. We'll tell you what home treatments you may have readily at hand. But always, always consult your vet before you administer a new food, supplement or product to learn if it is appropriate for your pet.

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    VITAMIN E FOR DRY SKIN

    Vitamin E is a common ingredient in skincare products designed for humans, but it also can be useful for dogs who suffer from dry skin. You can choose from a variety of methods to administer vitamin E to your pooch, be it directly applying a vitamin E oil to his or her skin, or feeding your pup a vitamin E pill. Always consult your vet to determine how best to apply a vitamin E treatment to your dog. (PetMD)

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    PEDIALYTE FOR DEHYDRATION

    Pedialyte is marketed as a rehydration fluid for children experiencing diarrhea and/or vomiting, but this versatile product can be used for rehydration in many different circumstances, including those affecting your pets. Lower in sugar and higher in electrolytes than Gatorade and other sports drinks, Pedialyte may be a more effective rehydrating drink in a non-athletic context. (PetMD)

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    PETROLEUM JELLY (VASELINE) FOR CHAPPED PAWS

    Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean your pooch won’t still need regular walks. However, the harsh conditions can be murder on those furry feet. That's when good ol’ Vaseline is your friend. In cold weather, apply the petroleum jelly to your dog’s paw pads before walks to protect against ice and salt, and after walks to soothe chapped paws. (ASPCA)

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    CARROTS FOR BAD BREATH

    Our dogs love their kibble, even though it smells gnarly to us, and it can make their breath even gnarlier. If getting kisses from your loving mutt is more of a torture than a pleasure, treat that stink by tossing Fido a carrot or two. They’re great treats for doggy dental health because the crunchy texture helps scrub away plaque from teeth, thus staving off bad breath. (Prevention)

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    DAWN DISH SOAP FOR FLEAS

    Dawn dish detergent is good for more than just cleaning grime off dishes and saving wildlife from spilled oil. The blue stuff can also be used to kill fleas that are plaguing your dog. Add a small amount of Dawn to your dog’s bath. The soap penetrates the pests’ exoskeletons and kills those suckers good and dead. It can work as well or better than some of the over-the-counter chemical stuff. (Prevention)

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    OATMEAL FOR ITCHY SKIN

    Did you have chicken pox when you were a kid? If you did, you may remember your mom having you take an oatmeal bath. It smelled a little weird, but maaan, did it feel good on that itchy skin. If your dog is plagued by an itching problem, you can administer the same soothing treatment. Special oatmeal shampoos for pets are available. It’s a natural way to soothe your dog’s itching and protect its skin. (Vetstreet)

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    EPSOM SALTS FOR SORE FEET

    We humans use Epsom salt foot baths to soothe our barking dogs, but the same treatment also can work for a barking dog’s barking dogs. If your pup’s feet are itchin’, fill a bathtub with a couple inches of water and 3 cups of Epsom salts, then have your dog soak its feet for five to 10 minutes. Epsom salts can also be useful for soothing wounds when used in a full-body bath. (Prevention)

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    CANNED PUMPKIN FOR CONSTIPATION

    How long has that can of pumpkin been in your pantry? Forever, right? You’re not gonna eat that. You’re not gonna bake the pie you were thinking about baking when you bought it. But don’t throw the stuff out if it’s still good! That’s a can of natural constipation medicine you can use to treat your furry friends next time they get a little bound up. (Vetstreet)

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    PSYLLIUM FIBER (METAMUCIL) FOR DIARRHEA

    People use Metamucil all the time to help treat constipation and diarrhea, or just to add some much-needed fiber to their diets. The fiber supplement can be useful to your pets, too. If your pet comes down with an unfortunate case of the squirts, a small amount — 1/8 to 1/4 of a teaspoon — of Metamucil can help bulk up stools to treat a mild bout of diarrhea. The same treatment can also help with constipation. Ain’t fiber a miracle? (PetMD)

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    CRANBERRY FOR URINARY-TRACT HEALTH

    It’s fairly common for cats to suffer from urinary-tract trouble. Cranberries are a natural way to help ensure your cat’s urine keeps flowing free and clear. (That holds true for dogs and people, too.) Cranberry supplements are available in powder and pill form, or you can just give your cat cranberry juice (but avoid the commonly found cranberry juice cocktail, which is loaded with sugar). As always, ask your vet what form and dosage is best. (PetMD)

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    BUTTER FOR HAIRBALLS

    Most cat owners deal with hairballs on their floors every now and then. Usually, it’s just a matter of cleaning up the mess and moving on. But if your kitty is a hairball machine, you can’t ignore the problem. OTC treatments are often little more than Vaseline with fish flavor, and overpriced. Try feeding your cat a little bit of butter instead. It works the same way, by smoothing the passage of the hair through your cat’s system. Plus, it’s tastier, and easier on your wallet. (PetMD)

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    Next: 12 Natural Supplements for Dogs

    HYDROGEN PEROXIDE TO INDUCE VOMITING

    If your pet swallows something poisonous, immediately call your vet. That’s step number one. Don’t induce vomiting unless your vet gives you the all-clear. If that happens, you can use hydrogen peroxide — which you probably already have in your medicine cabinet — to do the trick. Your vet will tell you how much to use. Even if you successfully get your pet to vomit, you should still bring it to the vet ASAP. (Vetstreet)