Keeping a pet first aid kit on hand is a good idea for all pet owners and can help save our furry friends during unexpected injuries. For those who want to take a natural approach, there are herbal and homeopathic remedies to consider adding to your kit that can help with everything from cuts and burns to nausea and stress.
“Homeopathy embraces the notion that the body can heal itself and that symptoms are a sign that the body is in a state of repair trying to restore its own health,” explains Denise Fleck, certified first aid speaker and Pet CPR and current Career Technical Education Animal Care Instructor for the Burbank Unified School District. “Homeopathic remedies can even be given alongside other traditional treatments for better results.”
Homeopathic remedies for pets are often administered in the form of tinctures, a liquid extract made from herbs, and sugar pills, where just a drop of the remedy is placed in the pill and then administered to a dog or cat, according to Fleck.
Putting together a natural homeopathic first aid kit takes some planning, but it can be a great option to help treat minor injuries until you can get to the vet. “I usually look to natural remedies first and have had great results,” says Judy Morgan, MD, DVM, who uses a combination of traditional Western medicine and holistic practices, such as herbal therapy and acupuncture, to treat to their four-legged patients. .
Here are some basic homeopathic and herbal remedies that every natural first aid kit should contain. Be sure to consult your vet before administering any new remedies to your pets.
Bruises and muscle strains
Arnica is an excellent homeopathic remedy for muscle aches, spasms, pain, and bruising in pets, according to Morgan. “It can be given orally or applied topically as a diluted oil or cream,” says Morgan. “For oral treatment, I use 30C pellets: one or two given every four hours for 48 hours initially, then down to every eight hours.”
Arnica is a very helpful first aid supplement because it not only relieves pain, but also helps reduce associated inflammation, according to Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM, an integrative veterinarian and the first veterinarian in the US to be certified as an integrative veterinarian. Diplomat of the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine for Humans. “Give two pellets every hour for up to four hours to help with swelling,” says Osborne.
The plant-based remedy is also a good choice for pets with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), says Morgan. “Owners can give [the pills] if they suspect the pet is having an IVDD pain episode while waiting to go to the vet,” he explains.
Cuts and Abrasions
Calendula officinalis is a member of the sunflower family and is considered a versatile herbal and homeopathic remedy. “You can apply it as a tea or salve to wounds, cuts, abrasions, rashes, or insect bites,” Morgan explains. “Calendula speeds healing and decreases pain and inflammation and has antimicrobial activities to decrease infection.”
To treat a wound, Osborne suggests mixing six drops of calendula tincture in two tablespoons of water. “Apply to the wound, cover with gauze, and stick the gauze to the skin,” Osborne explains. “This will lessen the pain.”
Calendula 6x can also be taken internally due to its antifungal properties. A tablet taken twice a day can help control yeast overgrowth in the intestine and help heal after a bout of colitis, according to Morgan.
Insect Bites and Stings
One of the simplest natural remedies for insect bites and stings is nettle leaf oil, according to Osborne. “You can rub a drop directly on the sting for relief,” says Osborne. Calendula, which has a long tradition as a botanical wound-healing ingredient and can help relieve inflammation and pain, is also a great choice, according to Morgan.
If there is swelling and inflammation, you can also use an ice pack. “Just be sure to remove the cold packs from your pet every 3-5 minutes before putting them back on,” says Fleck. Placing a small towel under the ice pack will also help prevent tissue damage from too cold temperatures.
Antiseptic/Disinfectant
Tea tree oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, insect repellent, and anti-inflammatory, according to Morgan. “It can be used as a diluted spray or cream on broken or irritated skin,” he explains. “It also works well for ear infections when diluted in virgin olive oil.”
A word of caution: Although humans can tolerate 100 percent tea tree oil, it needs to be diluted for our pets and can be extremely dangerous for cats and small dogs, says Fleck. NEVER use 100% tea tree oil directly on your dog or cat and be sure to consult a veterinarian to discuss proper dilution techniques to follow.
Burns and Wounds
When it comes to first aid for burns and wounds, nothing beats aloe vera, according to Morgan. “It’s cooling and soothing and improves blood circulation to the area, as well as having antibacterial and antifungal properties,” explains Morgan. “Get an organic gel without preservatives, sweeteners or flavorings, suitable for human consumption.” It’s easy to pack in your first aid kit so you can take it with you wherever you go. But pet owners should never allow their dogs or cats to lick or eat aloe vera, since the gel and leaves of the plant can cause gastrointestinal upset or toxicity if large amounts are ingested. If applying topically, be sure to check on your pet to make sure they are not licking the area.
As an ointment, calendula can also soothe rashes, insect bites and sunburn, according to Fleck. “It can also boost the immune system and ease inflammation,” adds Fleck.
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
One of the best things you can do for vomiting and diarrhea is to not eat or drink water for four to six hours, according to Osborne.
Another excellent diarrhea remedy to have in your cat or dog’s first aid kit is slippery elm, which can be purchased in powdered form at many health food stores. “I make slippery elm mud using 1 teaspoon of the powder in a cup of warm water,” explains Morgan. “Then just give your pet one teaspoon for every 20 pounds of body weight, three times a day.” You can also find slippery elm in pill form, which Fleck prefers. “Slippery Elm is a good general remedy that can help with irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and constipation,” Fleck explains.
Stress and Shock
Bach’s Rescue Remedy is a homeopathic product that helps pets cope with stressful situations. “It’s great to use at the time of trauma, including accidents, a trip to the vet, surgery, and electrical storms,” according to Morgan.
Made from a combination of five flower essences, including Star of Bethlehem, Rock Rose, Cherry Plum, Impatiens, and Clematis, Rescue Remedy can be used as a first aid aid to calm your pet so they are more receptive to accepting help. “To use, simply place a few drops in your dog’s mouth, food bowl, or water,” says Osborne. “Alternatively, rub your dog’s pressure points: the inner ear and groin areas, where your pet is hairless.”
