Most people have a first aid kit that includes bandaids, gauze, antibiotic cream and alcohol. But if you have furry friends in the house, you should also think of their needs in preparing a first aid kit. Minor cuts and scrapes can easily be treated at home, but if you fear there may be something else, like a break, take your pet to a vet straight away.
Here are some essentials for your pet’s first aid kit:
- Homeopathic arnica 200c is an excellent remedy for bruises, contusions, sprains and strains. It helps dissipate bruising and speeds the recovery time. This should be given immediately after the trauma.
- Homeopathic hypericum 200c (St. John’s wort) has an affinity for nerves, especially in the fingers and toes as well as the tailbone. This should be given if there is any sharp trauma to the feet or the spine (for example, after a fall or if something sharp is stepped on).
- Homeopathic calendula 200c (marigold) is a good antiseptic and is excellent for the closure of wounds. This should be used in any situation where there is a cut on the body.
As a general rule of thumb, these homeopathic medications can be given orally every 2 to 4 hours for 1 to 2 days or until the symptoms begin to improve. When this happens, it means the body has begun the healing process and can stop relying on the medicinal assistance.
- Calendula herbal tincture is a good antiseptic, as well as a good wound contracting agent. The tinctures have an alcohol base, so I recommend mixing with warm water to clean and dress the wound.
- Hypericum (St. John’s wort) herbal tincture is a good cleansing antiseptic and as such, I recommend it to clean out any wound before bandaging it with a calendula-soaked bandage.
- Either Traumeel or arnica cream can be used on abrasions to minimize discomfort and promote healing.
- Aloe vera gel is great for healing and soothing of the skin in the case of cuts.
(Items in pet first aid kit recommended by Michael Goldberg, DVM.)
All of these items are available at Village Green Apothecary. Call 1-800-869-9159 for more information.
