We know how it is, pet parents – accidents happen, and sometimes your little fur baby ends up with cuts, scrapes, or other minor injuries.
While we’d always suggest you see your vet for any serious wounds, there are ways you can help your precious little furball recover from lesser concerns at home.
How to Treat a Pet’s Wound Naturally
One of the perks of natural wound care is that not only is it effective, it avoids the use of harsh chemicals that can irritate your pet’s skin.
The first thing you should do when treating any wound is to clean it thoroughly. Follow these steps:
- Calm Your Pet: If your pet is acting anxious or skittish, try to calm them with a soothing tone of voice and gentle petting or enlist the aid of another person to hold them gently while you tend to the injury.
- Assess the Wound: Inspect the affected area and determine if the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or if there appears to be an infection. If any of these apply, seek professional veterinary care immediately.
- Trim Their Fur: Carefully cut away any fur around the injury to prevent it from entering the wound and causing irritation or infection.
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Rinse the Wound: A simple saline solution is a great way to clean a minor wound. Mix one teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water and use it to gently clean the wound. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can damage the tissue and slow healing. - Use Ointments and Sprays: Once the wound has been cleaned, gently apply a natural ointment to help it remain clean and stimulate healing. We recommend Dr. Maggie Skin Care Ointment or Arrowleaf Pet Paw & Skin. Apply a thin layer and gently massage the lotion in or use as directed.
Signs of Infection in Pet Wounds
Even if these signs aren’t apparent upon your initial inspection of the wound, it’s important to continue to monitor your pet’s injury as it heals and contact your veterinarian if you notice these signs begin to develop.
- Redness or Swelling: An indicator of inflammation and potential infection.
- Discharge (Pus or Fluid): A yellow, green, or white discharge suggests the body is fighting an infection
- Foul Odor: A particularly nasty smell may indicate bacterial growth.
- Warm to the Touch: Increased temperature around the affected area is a sign of active infection and inflammation.
- Pain or Discomfort: If your pet licks, bites or reacts when the area is touched, it may be due to an infection.
Best Natural Antiseptics for Pets
Nature offers a bounty of natural remedies that can aid in the healing process that could be found in your backyard (or your pantry!)
- Honey: Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help keep wounds moist, facilitating cell migration and tissue regeneration while reducing scarring.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is known for its soothing and healing properties, reducing inflammation, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, and promoting skin regeneration.
- Calendula: Calendula contains chemical compounds such as triterpenoids and flavonoids that help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, protect wounds from infection and promote healing.
- Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar: The diluted part is important as it can cause irritation or pain if undiluted. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water before applying. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. It can help clean wounds and balance the skin’s pH.
Natural Solutions for Natural Problems
At Nature Pet Store, we believe in nature’s power to heal.
We’re committed to providing effective, natural remedies for your pet’s health and well-being — not just wound care! From head to toe, from their lungs to their urinary tracts, we care about making sure your fur babies are taken care of.
Check out our selection of natural pet care products and let nature lend a paw in your pet's recovery.
