Treating an abscess at home can be beneficial if you want to make your pup feel well. In this article, you are going to learn about how to treat an abscess on a dog at home right away.
What is dog abscess?
A pocket of inflammatory tissue that is filled with pus at its center. It looks like a red, swollen lump that can be either very soft or quite stiff when touched. While abscesses can develop anywhere on a dog’s body, they most frequently manifest in the:
- mouth (especially in the spaces between the teeth)
- toe-connecting skin flaps
- anal glands, the inner parts of the limbs
- under the paw pads
Dog abscesses manifest in the creases of skin at the base of the skull, in the ear creases, and in the neck. A dog’s abscess may seem minor at first, but if left untreated, it can worsen rapidly. As such, it’s crucial that you know how to properly treat an abscess on a dog in your own house.
How to Treat An Abscess On a Dog at Home Properly?
Abscesses are a common condition in dogs, but it’s vital to remember that if left untreated, they can develop to far more serious issues, some of which are fatal. Because of this, it is crucial for every dog owner to be familiar with the effective natural home treatments for treating dog abscess.
AN OREGANO POULTICE
Use a mortar and pestle to crush fresh oregano leaves to release their essential oils. Make a paste or poultice by adding a little water. Apply the poultice to the abscess location, then wrap the entire area in sterile gauze or an adhesive bandage. After a few hours, leave it on, and when it is entirely dry, replace it. Oregano contains carvacrol and thymol, which possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
A VIRGIN COCONUT OIL MASSAGE
Apply virgin coconut oil in a clockwise direction to the entire abscess region using a clean piece of cloth. To prevent hurting your dog, make sure you don’t apply pressure directly to the area where the pus is. After that, allow the virgin coconut oil to dry fully.
You ensure that it has not undergone additional refining procedures that could lose some of its natural healing benefits, make sure to only use virgin coconut that is not food grade for this stage. Virgin coconut oil includes medium-chain fatty acids with antibacterial properties such lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
A Rigorous WASH AND A WARM COMPRESS
If the abscess is located on the outside hands and feet not inside the mouth region—start by gently cleaning the infected area with soap and water.
Be careful not to apply a lot of pressure on the abscess site since it might be painful and can cause discomfort to your dog. It is preferable to use a light soap for this stage. Wipe off the excess water after washing with a towel.
Next, lay your dog in a comfortable sleeping posture where you can easily have access to the abscess location.
Completely submerge a hand towel in warm water and wring it out to eliminate the excess. Fold the hand towel to create a warm compress. Put the compress on the injured spot and let it on for at least ten (10) minutes. You can apply this for up to three times a day until the abscess diminishes in size and the redness fades. The warmth from the compress helps rejuvenate the blood flow in the damaged spot, which encourages healing, and also alleviates pain at the same time.
AN ALOE VERA RUBDOWN
Cut a mature aloe vera leaf in half along its length. Compress the leaf till the gel is extracted. Use a clean piece of cloth or cotton swab to gently apply the gel to the abscess spot and its surrounding area. You can also place any leftover aloe vera gel in a container and refrigerate it for future use. Aloe Vera has antibacterial characteristics that are effective against dangerous bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli.
AN ABSCESS DRESSING USING HONEY
Using only a clean cloth or cotton swab, apply a small amount of honey to the abscess and spread it about evenly. Although any natural, unprocessed honey can be used for this purpose, it is preferable to use a medical-grade honey like manuka honey.
Cover the injured region with an adhesive bandage or sterile gauze pad after applying honey to keep pollutants at bay. Replace the dressing once the honey has dried completely. Honey contains amino acids, enzymes, and organic acids that not only aid in the battle against bacterial and fungal infections, but also stimulate tissue healing and reduce offensive wound odors.
A TOUCH OF TLC WITH NUTMEG
Using a mortar and pestle, grind a few pinches of nutmeg until it is extremely fine. Add water to create a paste or poultice. Cover the injured region with an adhesive bandage or sterile gauze pad after applying the nutmeg poultice. Keep it on for several hours. Nutmeg contains anti-inflammatory chemicals such as pinene, terpineol, and sabinene in addition to antimicrobial capabilities.
A brief reminder, however. It is vital that you securely tie and cover the dressing to prevent your dog from licking the nutmeg poultice. Nutmeg contains chemicals that can rapidly increase your dog’s heart rate and perhaps create disorientation in your canine companion.
Prognosis for Dogs With an Abscess
Once the abscess is completely drained and a course of antibiotics is completed, the wound should heal without further complications. Nevertheless, if the abscess is not treated or is only partially drained, the wound can remain and spread to the dog’s circulation or surrounding organs.
In a Nutshell
Ruptured abscesses are unpleasant and uncomfortable to manage and must be treated, cleansed, and continuously monitored to prevent complications. Abscesses are the body’s natural method of containing and removing foreign germs. Keeping wounds open and allowing them to drain, flushing with saline to eliminate extra fluids, and applying warm compresses to boost the body’s natural infection-fighting mechanisms are crucial to resolving the condition.
Remember to keep your dog’s environment clean and free of contaminants. To avoid the spread of bacteria, it may also be important to restrict your dog’s movement while you keep up with the cleaning of discharge. Also, be sure to use antibacterial soap and alcohol on your hands and any equipment or clothes you use.
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