Natural First Aid For Pets

first aid pets art

Throughout our households, we have first aid kits to help support humans in acute and first aid situations, but have you got something handy for your pets as well? In this article, we share some great Homeopathic remedies for supporting your pets. It is a good idea for every pet owner to have a well-stocked first-aid kit ready for all types of injury, accident or emergency.

A first aid kit can help to give peace of mind by providing tools that we can use when our pets have minor mishaps. First aid products and remedies can be easily put together to support small injuries and discomforts at home. It may include basics such as bandages and saline, and common herbal tinctures and homeopathic remedies.

The main items every kit should contain are available at most pharmacies or first aid training centres. Your veterinarian may even be happy to sell you the required items. Ready, prepared first aid kits can be purchased and added to suit your household’s needs. They also make wonderful Christmas presents. Yes, that’s right, Christmas presents, we are less than 6 months away from the most magical time of the year!

Basics include:

  • Cotton swabs – to wipe away debris from cuts or to apply ointments or tinctures
  • Disposable gloves – for hygiene
  • Bandages – for binding and protecting wounds
  • Gauze pads – to control bleeding
  • Adhesive tape – to secure bandages or other materials
  • Blanket – to help maintain body temperature
  • Tweezers – for removing prickles or ticks
  • Scissors – to trim hair, bandages and tape
  • Cold packs – for injuries or inflammation
  • Saline – to wash out wounds

A muzzle can be another useful addition to your first aid kit. When animals are in pain or frightened they can become unpredictable. While administering first aid we don’t want to have to treat ourselves too.

Some pet owners may like to include a thermometer in their kit to check body temperature. Ask your vet to show you the best way to take your pet’s temperature. The contact details of the local veterinary clinic and the nearest emergency after-hours animal hospital are vital and should be taped to the top of your first aid kit.

The Bach Flower combination, Rescue Remedy, is a well known and popular product for stress, anxiety, and emergency treatment of shock, trauma and grief. It is marketed for pets and people, and some veterinarians recommend it as a useful way to create a feeling of calm in stressful situations.

There are some wonderful herbs that can be used for general supportive first aid, the following are for external use:

  • Calendula can be used on wounds, minor uninfected cuts, grazes, rashes, etc. Calendula promotes healing and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is available as a tincture, spray, gel or ointment.
  • Hypericum tincture is recommended for bathing puncture wounds, deep cuts, open wounds and infected wounds. Most tinctures are in an alcohol base for preservation so always dilute them in a little water before applying.
  • Yarrow is a reliable medicinal herb that can be used to stop bleeding when the quick of a claw is accidentally cut

Homeopathy is a safe, gentle form of holistic healing using natural, diluted substances that consider specific symptoms in order to select the right remedy that matches the animal’s symptoms. Homeopathy has been used for centuries and is used throughout the world. Homeopathic remedies can safely be given alongside most conventional medicines. The following is a guide to the most common, readily available homeopathic first aid remedies. Consult a fully qualified animal homeopath regarding the treatment plan and other remedies to add based on your animal’s whole picture.

  • Aconite is a remedy for fear, shock, emotional trauma, and for immediately after an accident
  • Apis is beneficial for burning and stinging pains such as from bee stings
  • Arnica is a great remedy for all types of injuries, bruising from blunt trauma, muscle tension, strains and sprains
  • Arsenicum for vomiting and/or diarrhoea caused by food or medications upsetting the stomach
  • Belladonna for fevers, infection, heat stroke, convulsions and seizures (if your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms please consult with your veterinarian)
  • Euphrasia for eye injuries (have all eye injuries examined by a veterinarian)
  • Ledum for puncture wounds and bites and has been used successfully for ticks (seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog has presenting symptoms from a tick bite)
  • Thuja is recommended for an adverse reaction to vaccines or medications

The worry and concern we feel when an animal is sick or injured can be very upsetting. A kit featuring all of the basics and natural wonders above can help you feel calm and confident about helping your injured pet. First aid kits make an excellent gift idea.

The recommendations in this article are a guide only and are not a substitute for responsible veterinary care. In the case of any serious emergency, injury or symptom seek veterinary assistance immediately.

Homeopathy offers support for both humans and animals by restoring one’s body into balance. It’s important to seek professional advice from a qualified registered homeopath or local Vet for advice or to book an appointment for your pets health issues.

Is now the time for you to learn more about homeopathy so you can help your community, family, friends, and animals, like Stephanie? The College of Natural Health & Homeopathy offers NZQA accredited Diplomas in Homeopathy. Study fully online, part-time, and from the comfort of your own home, anywhere in the world!

Start your journey today in becoming a Homeopathic Practitioner, and apply now for semester one in our NZ Diploma in Acute Prescribing with Homeopathy!

Adapted from source
The Natural Animal Care Articles Library