Herbal First Aid Salve for Dogs

Our dogs are not just pets, they are part of our family.  When they get cuts, scrapes, sores, abrasions and hot spots, we want to treat them with a natural product that not only heals, but reduces the risk of infection.  An herbal first aid salve is perfect for these minor ailments.  Anything deeper, or appe

 

After my last dogs, Murphy and Corky died a few years ago, I said I wouldn’t have another dog.  But, as fate would have it Reba showed up on our doorstep (with the help from my son), from the local animal shelter.  She now faithfully patrols our 4 acres, rounding up chickens, patrolling for squirrels, and begging for snacks from anyone who is eating.

She also has a tendency to get into briars, barbed wire, and the fast paws of our new kitten.  That’s  another story!   An herbal salve was just the thing to treat these occasional boo boo’s.

Herbs such as comfrey, chamomile, and calendula are known for their healing and skin nourishing qualities.

When you combine these herbs with olive oil, and the essential oil of lavender . you create a natural healing ointment that is a great for your canine companion, and you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals or other ingredients, especially since dogs have a tendency to lick their injured area.

 

Herbal Salves are easy to make.  I infuse either dried or fresh herbs in olive oil in a sunny windowsill for 2-4 weeks.  I had a lot of dried calendula in my cupboard that I use in a majority of my skin care products. Using a canning jar, l placed enough calendula to fill about 1/3 full and finished filling with sunflower oil.  (Olive oil is another good choice). I covered this with cheesecloth and placed in a dark cupboard for about 4 weeks.  You can also set in a sunny window, or if you are in a hurry to make the salve you can place the jar filled with  sunflower oil and herbs in a pan of water,  and heat over medium-low heat for 2 hours.

 

 

After about four weeks, strain out the herbs, and use the infused oil.  I like a slightly soft salve, so I like to use 5 parts oil, to 1 part beeswax to create it.  Place 5 parts (ounces or tablespoons depending on how much you want to make} in a glass measuring cup and set aside.  Place your beeswax (1 ounce or 1 tablespoon depending on how much you want to make) in a glass bowl and place in the microwave. In 30 second intervals, melt the beeswax.  Pour into your oil, and add about 10 drops of  lavender essential oil for healing, 10 of peppermint, and few drops of tea tree for it’s antiseptic qualities.   Pour into a glass or metal container and allow to harden.   Apply as needed.