Most dogs tend to be active, energetic, playful animals. Some breeds can be more hyper than others, but all can be at risk for minor strains, sprains, or soft tissue injuries from all that running around. This is especially true for occupational animals such as personal protection dogs. When minor injuries happen, it is a good idea to have some home remedies on hand. When looking at personal protection dogs for sale, remember to also run by the store to stock up on supplies for them, including these homeopathic remedies! While you should definitely take your dog to a veterinarian if there is any indication of a serious or debilitating injury, certain home remedies can help with the minor injuries incurred from playing in the yard or protecting you or your house. Many of these remedies can also help protect dogs who are suffering from general joint pain from cold weather, arthritis, or old age.
Here are the 5 top remedies you should have on hand:
1. Arnica
Arnica is incredibly versatile and is a good go-to herbal remedy for most sprains, bruises, and soft-tissue damage. It can reduce shock and pain from a fall or blunt-force trauma and can reduce bleeding if your dog is cut. Arnica is even useful for dogs experiencing emotional stress and anxiety. You can tell if your dog needs this remedy by observing its behavior. If they seem to be restless, moving around a lot or do not want to be touched, Arnica is a good place to start. If something seems wrong with your protection dog and you’re not sure what to do Arnica is always a good place to start.
2. Ruta
This remedy works especially well in conjunction with Arnica and is most useful for suspected bone breaks or fractures. Certain properties of this herb-based treatment interact with the outer shell of the bone (the periosteum) to speed up the healing process. Ruta is also useful for soft tissue injuries, joint pain, and issues specifically having to do with the feet and lower back. If Arnica doesn’t seem to be working try using Ruta for better results. Dogs who seem to have more issues with joints or injuries in cold, damp weather and after resting could benefit from a dose of Ruta.
3. Rhus Tox
This is another good all-around treatment to have on hand. Rhus Tox is known as the “rusty gate remedy” since it is derived from poison ivy which is often found growing on old gates. This remedy is used to reduce pain in protection dogs, especially related to joint issues, sprains, or bone injuries making it a must-have for personal protection dogs. If your dog seems to have difficulty moving when they first get up or if they move around a lot while resting, Rhus Tox can help alleviate the pain they may be experiencing from injuries or joint issues. Since this remedy does come from poison ivy it can occasionally cause a rash so be sure to keep an eye out for any reactions your protection dog may have, topical or otherwise.
4. Hypericum
Hypericum is also useful for alleviating pain, though this remedy works specifically on the nerves. This makes it very useful for treating injuries or pain in areas with a high concentration of nerve endings such as the neck and back. It is also the go-to remedy for injuries to or issues with the tail, nose, nails, and spine. Hypericum can also prevent infection and as such should be used after a bite, scrape, cut, or another open wound. Your protection dog may need Hypericum if they seem sensitive to touch or cold, or if they seem to be experiencing depression, irritability, or anxiety from an injury or stressful event. Since Hypericum is derived from St. John’s wort it is useful for treating these kinds of emotional issues as well as the aforementioned physical ones.
5. Bryonia
Similar to Rhus Tox, Bryonia is useful for relieving joint pain. Bryonia should be used in cases where Rhus Tox wouldn’t be. So if your protection dog’s joints are warm, inflamed, or get worse in the heat, you’ll want to reach for the Bryonia. Pain in inflamed joints will be relieved with pressure, so your dog may be lay on the painful joint, rub against a hard surface, or stand a lot. Sprains in a protection dog can result in both short-term and long-term joint pain, so be sure to have some of these remedies on hand to help your hard-working dog!
Dosages
The necessary dose will vary depending on the remedy being used, the nature of the injury in question, and the particular dog involved.
Acute injuries can call for anything from 30c to 200c. If you don’t have experience administering the remedy or are unsure of how high a dose to give, start with 30c. Nutritionists who generally work at homeopathy stores where these kinds of remedies are sold can usually help you determine the proper dose if necessary.
For sudden and/or severe cases start with three pellets and monitor your protection dog’s improvement. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours for a dog’s condition to improve. You’ll also want to watch for any reaction your dog may have to these remedies. Since they are derived from plants and natural substances it’s possible your protection dog may have an allergic reaction. These kinds of reactions are generally not serious but should be monitored.
Chronic conditions such as arthritis can be treated with a maintenance dose of 6c, but the 30c pills can be used once or twice a week. Flair-ups can be treated with two or three doses a day.
If you’re looking at personal protection dogs for sale, keep in mind that you don’t need to buy just the dog but also the supplies to take care of them. This includes food, grooming supplies, toys, and medications such as these home remedies to properly take care of your hard-working partner!
