Part IV – Best Holistic First Aid Kit for Pets
Part IV
As far as preventing infection you can use a natural antibiotic cream such as Goldenseal or an another alternative that works really well is VIRAFUNGAL FIGHTER from allpetnaturals.com. Another ointment is Calendula cream which is a herbal based. Use tweezers for removing foreign objects or insect stings.
For irritation to the eye, use an eyewash to clean and soothe until you can take your pet into the veterinarian, and an eyewash that is safe is boric acid which needs to be diluted to half strength. In an emergency to flush out foreign material or irritants from the eye, a natural saline based contact lens solution can be used. You can use a rubber bulb syringe such as is used for babies. Eyebright tea or solution works really well for any kind of eye infection or irritation.
For shock or trauma Rescue Remedy is of great benefit. It can be safely used before visiting the vet or after any kind of injury. It will often revive animals that are in shock. It has definitely saved many animals and is totally safe. Use four drops of the stock bottle to one once glass dropper bottle of spring water shaken up. It is best to make this up immediately before use, as the mixture will not keep too long. Two or three drops of the mixture can be given into the mouth or onto the gums every five minutes until a response is seen. It can even be sprayed onto the skin or ears with a spray bottle and will still have a beneficial effect.
Another useful remedy that people should have in their First Aid Kit is a homeopathic one called Arnica, of which the potency can be 30 C or 6 C for first aid use. It is typically used for bruises and trauma to the body and helps healing after any kind of surgery or accident as well as helping with shock. It is available in pellets that can be dissolved in water and given by mouth. It works more on the physical body, while Rescue Remedy works more on the emotions.
For diarrhea a little Kaolin with Pectate is useful to give four times a day, and the dose depends on the size of your pet. The human brand is not recommended because it contains aspirin. Instead use a natural herbal remedy that contains Slippery Elm. The does of Slippery Elm is half a capsule twice a day for an average adult size cat. fFr younger animals, a fourth of a capsule twice daily is better. For larger breed dogs one or two capsules twice a day. The best thing to do is mix the capsule powder with a little water to make it liquid and give it with a syringe. I would recommend taking any animal with diarrhea into the veterinarian to make sure it is nothing serious as they become dehydrated so quickly.
In closing first aid is called first aid for a reason and that’s because its a first measure so it is well worth having your veterinarian examine your pet to make double sure their is nothing else going on.
Be very careful about giving your pet ANY TYPE OF HUMAN drug because the metabolisms are very different. Regular aspirin for example can be fatal to a cat. Always check with your vet. Keep the emergency numbers close by and remain as calm as possible in a pet emergency.
Have fun with your pets, and I hope that none of you have to deal with any emergencies, but if you do I trust this article gives you some practical ideas to help you and your pets in a more natural and holistic way.
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Dr. Anna Maria Gardner, MA Vet.MB MRCVS is a holistic veterinarian based in Washington State and is certified in acupuncture and homeopathy. She lives in Spokane with her new husband as well as two dogs, three cats and a crazy parrot, all of whole have helped inspire her as a holistic vet. She runs an entirely house call and phone consultation practice. You can contact her by email or by phone.
drgardner@petsynergy.com or by phone at 1.360.796.3749
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