Epsom salt can cause tummy issues as it has a natural laxative effect. Is she having skin issues? 2. It is the ultimate do-no-harm remedy for many simple wounds and swellings. any suggestions gratefully accepted Jimie Carole Bowen. We do not recommend using Epsom salt for a constipatedpet dog. Some general care guidelines include: When cleaning the wound, gently massage the surrounding skin to open the wound and promote drainage. Saline solutions made with table salt can provide some superficial cleaning benefits, but it isn’t a powerful infection fighter. However, It has never caused any problem for my dogs (the amount of residual Epsom Salts left on the dog is probably very small). In the meantime, you can try an oatmeal bath as described here. I agree with your concern - a comfortable pup is better than one with sore, irritated skin. Put your dog in the Epsom salt bath and let him soak. It is also believed that certain types of bacterial and fungal infection of the skin can be … I think it's important to find out why the hair loss occurred. Many people have the mistaken belief that dog's saliva is somehow antiseptic. Let’s find out the numerous ways Epsom Salt Can Benefit your dog. When your pet was discharged from the hospital, you received specific instructions regarding your pet's home care. If he's dealing with an injury, simply pat dry that area. Your dog’s feet see Archived. There is no need to actually wash your dog during an Epsom salt bath. Here’s the deal: Excessive consumption of Epsom salts can cause a dog to have metabolic alkalosis (elevated pH levels) which could be quite serious. If he needs persuasion to stay still and stand in the water for the soak, feel free to talk to him pet him, love on him, and provide him with lots of treats if necessary. Elizabethan collars are the most commonly used protective device. You will need to flush the wound quite a bit, so be sure to make enough using this ratio of water to salt. This may be made by adding approximately one level teaspoonful (5 mL) of salt (or Epsom salts) to two cups (500 mL) of water. Most male animals (stallions, bulls, boars, rams, dogs, and tomcats) that are kept for companionship, work, or food production are neutered (castrated) unless they are intended to be used as breeding stock. If the wound cannot be surgically closed, your veterinarian may apply a protective bandage if this is possible. The salt may dry out the wound if exposed for too long. Some of these products are toxic if taken internally, while others can actually delay healing. This will keep the wound edges clean, reduce the potential for re-infection, and allow new healthy tissue to develop. A trip to the vet is my recommendation if Mia continues to scratch or loses more hair. If the wound/injury doesn't get better within a few days, then a trip to the vet would be helpful. This will reward him for a job well done and for being patient while standing in water for about 10 minutes with nothing else but you for entertainment. Be sure to reward your dog for a job well done, patience, and tolerance at the end of every Epsom salt soak or rinse. If it needs to be brushed or shaved to reveal the injury, do this before you're ready for the soaking. Take your dog out of the Epsom salt bath and dry him with a towel. Wherever possible, a wound will be closed and sutured in order to speed healing. Dr. I would use the Epsom Salt bath on Mattie; it could be quite effective in calming down her skin. Administer all of the medications as prescribed. If the discharge continues to be bloody, green, or yellow for several consecutive days, contact your veterinarian for instructions. Epsom salts: When pet wounds and swellings inevitably rear their ugly heads, Epsom salts are almost always helpful for optimal home care. Sure, it works as a laxative, but a bout of diarrhea could be the result or worse! She'll look adorable no matter what! Add 1 teaspoon of the salt to 2 cups of water. Tetanus shots and dogs in quarantine fro two weeks. ©Copyright VCA Hospitals all rights reserved. An Epsom salt bath can also gently soothe wounds. Abscesses may be lanced and cleaned under heavy sedation or anesthesia. If your dog has an open wound on her paws, take care to notice whether the epsom salt may be irritating or uncomfortable, and just opt for a soak in warm water or a thorough wipe-down with a clean towel if so. Here’s my favorite veterinary application: 1. But even then, filling it only halfway is probably best. Then, you would have to continually pour the water over her until the fur is soaked. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Disclaimer. I would call the vet to rule out parasites or infection if the skin problem goes on longer than a few days. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend using a dilute cleansing solution of chlorhexidine, a surgical soap, or an iodine solution to help remove debris. Therefore, you must prevent this by any means possible. Epsom salts can benefit your dog in many ways, is your dog suffering from allergies, skin discomfort or an open wound, a salt soak can bring fast relief. © 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. NATURAL REMEDIES FOR CLEANING DOG WOUNDS: OVERVIEW. The sulfur that is part of the compound has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties, which is why Epsom salt is often recommended as a home remedy not only for cuts and wounds, but also for warts, athlete foot, herpes, acne or for soothing itching chickenpox. It will give the skin a chance to heal. Using Epsom Salt for Infections Is One Amongst the Many Beneficial Uses That Epsom Salt Has for the Body.