If you have an adventurous canine explorer at home, you’ll eventually have to deal with a minor dog cut. They unfortunately happen often and sometimes unexpectedly. Here’s my number one recommended dog cut treatment that you simply cannot live without.
It’s natural, effective and inexpensive plus your entire human family can use it too.
Early on when Halle was a pup, we rapidly discovered that if she were a human, she would likely be one of those “extreme sport” fanatics that are always up for high risk adventures. Nothing stopped our hound’s enthusiastic “looking for trouble” drive. Bumps, bruises, cuts, scrapes, you name it, Halle’s been there, done that! If we’re out and about and something slightly peeked her curiosity, she was on it, nose first. After an outdoor journey chances were pretty good that Halle would have a dog cut somewhere on her body. In fact, 8 out of 10 times it would be a dog cut paw, leaving red paw prints all over the wood floor while pouncing on her fave ball, not minding her injury one bit.
Halle is a Dog Cut Phenomenon
An afternoon at doggy daycare equals CUT
Afternoon in the Woods equals CUT
Overnight dog boarding equals CUT
Playing with other Doggy Friends equals CUT… with some Bruises!
A visit at Uncle Dan’s, guess what?
“Mom – Snitchin’ ain’t Verah cool!” – Halle
I’m so excited to share our number one choice on how to treat a dog cut. If I was stuck on an island with Vish and our dogs and was only allowed to bring one thing for the pups, other than dog food, I would grab our Aloe Vera Jelly (AVJ) bottle no doubt. I would probably also sneak in the pup’s Kong Wubba Dog Toy
In case you’re not familiar with Aloe Vera, it’s a desert succulent plant that is widely used for its natural medicinal properties that effectively sooth wounds, burns, insect bites, minor cuts, rashes and a host of skin irritations. Aloe Vera jelly is best used for such treatments. My mom always had a plant in the kitchen window ready for those little injuries. You can get immediate Aloe Vera extract by snipping off one of the plant’s stems. The extract has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
There have been numerous occasions where we had to reach for that magical healing jelly. Before treating your injured dog, please keep in mind the following things: Bring a few irresistible treats and a calm compassionate attitude and some Aloe Vera jelly of course. A good trick I have is to temporarily bring your dog into a localized area or back tie him to a door. Generally a dog crate will do the trick because it’s a familiar comforting environment if you’ve introduced your dog to his crate properly with sound crate training. Plus, you won’t need to chase your wounded dog all over the house trailing a mess and getting him all anxious and stuff.
Dog Cut Treatment
Here’s what to put on a dog cut: Gently rinse the affected area with some water and natural mild soap then carefully pat dry while highly praising your pup in a calm soothing voice while distributing those yummy treats. Finally put a few generous beads of AVJ on your finger and very carefully massage or dab it onto the cut. Chances are your dog won’t lick the wound but if he does don’t worry, Aloe is generally safe when taken orally. I then keep Halle in her crate for a good 15-20 minutes to let the AVJ work it’s magic and then off she goes enticing us for another game – she just never quits! LOL.
Quick Tip: If you notice your dog is determined to lick all the jelly off then it’s time for a quick turbo training session (5 minutes) to keep him preoccupied while the AVJ does its healing thing.
“Not one cut yet! I mostly hang around Halle’s jelly rubbing for the delicious treats!” – Charlie
I strongly recommend the next time you’re at the health food store pick up a high quality (preferably organic) bottle of Aloe Vera Jelly and I promise you’ll be ultimately armed for any minor dog cut, rash, skin irritation, sting and hot spots your pup comes home with! It works and it’s a natural product that takes care of a many puppy boo-boos.
Our little girl has never had any serious cuts or scrapes that would warrant a visit to her Vet, just the usual curious dog injuries. We eventually prepared a dog cut “HBD First Aid Kit” for her small injury misfortunes that we keep neatly shelved in the front door closet, next to her dog grooming brush collection. It contains the famous Aloe Vera jelly, some packaged gauze, pads and a couple of clean face clothes.
Sure there are many other commercial healing balms, gels and creams but why inflict all those nasty chemicals onto your loving puppy? We highly prefer to use a more natural approach to dog care and dog healing. You just can’t go wrong. Treating minor dog first aid cuts is super easy with this vera amazing jelly.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tip! I have to say that our guys are pretty good not getting hurt. Jasmine had three cuts in her lifetime and even J.D. learned how to go ‘around’ objects eventually.
But something to have on hand for sure.
I bought several different products made of natural ingredients when attempting to soothe Leo’s chapped skin this past winter. He licks his belly and the insides of his thighs (until they are red) when he’s bored, or when the weather changes suddenly from dry to humid and back again. He also scratches under his front legs, and I have to dust this area with corn starch in the humid summer months to prevent chafing during our daily walks. Of all the products I purchased, the small $5 bottle of what turns out to be nothing but aloe vera gel is the one thing that works best. The other two products contain aloe, but also rosemary, tea tree oil, etc… One is a foam, the other dries as a powder and is supposed to discourage licking. Both do work, but seem to create irritation in the process, whereas the aloe soothes and moisturizes without making more redness. I think it’s time to just buy an aloe vera plant. My mom always kept one when I was a kid- we made use of it’s medicinal properties quite often.
Just this week I ordered a bottle of aloe vera gel (after reading many labels and doing a lot of research in order to avoid certain other additives and ingredients) for a homemade dog shampoo recipe I’ve been waiting to make. Funny how cost-effective that stuff is when you buy the purest product. More ounces for less money when you buy it in the vitamins/natural care aisle than in the section of the store that sells soaps & lotions.
Now when Leo aggravates his hot spots, I just spread on the aloe gel and make a note to bathe him. I bathe the dogs monthly, but have had to change his schedule to every other week. Right about the time he starts itching again is when the calendar says it’s time for a bath. The good thing is that this plan of action is working and the weather is changing. Once the pollen subsides, we should be out of the woods.
I totally agree with you. My mom has aloe vera plants everywhere!!! IT really seems to work.