Dog First Aid for Bites and Stings

Before giving your dog any first aid for bites and stings, find out if possible the culprit that has bitten or stung your dog to ensure that she is being treated in the most appropriate way. For example, if your dog has been stung by a bee or wasp, a good treatment is to put a slice of freshly cut onion on the affected area.

If the culprit is unknown, try to administer treatment to minimize the pain, swelling, and possible infection that may arise from the bite or sting. However, if your dog has a serious reaction to the bite or sting (e.g. intense swelling especially on the face, or difficulty in breathing), then please get her to a vet immediately.

Dog First Aid for Bites and Stings - Natural Remedies

Herbal and homeopathic remedies are effective in alleviating pain and swelling caused by insect bites and bee stings. Antimicrobial herbs can also be used to prevent infection.

Rosemary

Using an infusion of rosemary to bath the affected area can have a soothing effect.

Tee tree

If your dog is not sensitive to tee tree essential oil, try applying a diluted tee tree oil (4-6 drops of oil to one oz. of water) to the affected area. Tee tree has antimicrobial properties and will prevent infection.

St. John's wort / Oregon grape / Echinacea

Use the oil of St. John's wort and combine it with bentonite clay. Apply the clay mixture to the affected area. This is effective for bee stings. The clay will help draw out the poison and the anti-inflammatory properties of St. John's wort will help alleviate some of the pain. Alternatively, use a tincture of oregon grape or echinacea with bentonite clay and apply it to the affected area.

Parsley

Take a handful of fresh parsley and mash it with a little bit of water. Rub it on the bee sting. This remedy will not only eliminate some of the pain, but also will neutralize the poison.

Dandelion

Dandelion is a diuretic and a tea of dandelion can be given orally to your dog to reduce the swelling caused by the sting or bite.

Yellow Dock

A poultice of yellow dock leaf tincture and baking soda is effective in treating ant bites. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of yellow dock tincture. Stir until a thick paste is formed. Apply the paste directly to the bite.

Ledum 30C

This homeopathic remedy is an effective first aid for bites and stings treatment. Follow the instructions for use printed on the label for dosage.

Related Topic

Dog First Aid

References

D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).

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Information on this site is for educational purpose only.
It is not intended to replace the advice and treatment of a veterinarian.
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