7 Natural Remedies For Dog Bites
Dog bites can happen to anyone. Even the gentlest canines can bite! They may feel threatened, scared, or overprotective of someone they love. It can also happen in seconds.
If you get bitten by a dog, wash the area well, let it bleed out, and see your doctor immediately (within 6 to 8 hours of the bite). You need to take anti-rabies and anti-tetanus shots right away if you were bitten by an unknown dog or if your own dog’s rabies vaccines are not up to date. Even if you think the wound is minor, it’s best to consult a doctor, especially if you get bitten in the face or hand. Do remember that rabies can be fatal.
If your doctor allows you, try out any of these 7 home remedies to reduce inflammation and pain as an additional treatment, but NOT at the cost of proper medical care.
1. Plantain Leaves
Plantain leaves are popular ingredients for herbal healing salves. They’re full of natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. So if you need a good dog bite home treatment, use this remedy.
Start by shredding a fresh plantain leaf. Crush it with a mortar and pestle, then mix with bentonite clay and water. Spread the mixture on the dog bite and leave for a few hours. Continue reapplying until it heals.
2. Manuka Honey
Pure manuka honey has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It’s often used for skin care because it can heal wounds prevent bacterial infections. Because of this, manuka honey is one of the best natural remedies for dog bites.
All you need is 3 teaspoons of manuka honey. You may need more or less depending on the size of the wound. After washing and drying the dog bite, apply the honey. Leave it on for several hours.
If you’d like, wrap the wound with gauze. This will protect your clothing if you want to wear it overnight.
3. Neem
Neem is known for its ability to heal cuts and wounds. It also has antiseptic properties, making it an ideal ingredient for a dog bite home remedy.
To use neem essential oil, add 10 drops to 2 tablespoons of aloe vera or coconut oil. You can also crush neem leaves and mix it with aloe vera. Apply the paste and leave overnight. While you can use any carrier oil, aloe vera will have a cooling effect on the wound.
4. Goldenseal
For centuries, goldenseal has been used as a natural antiseptic and astringent. Its anti-inflammatory powers can even treat allergies and digestive inflammation. So if you need to treat a dog bite, try goldenseal.
The most popular use of goldenseal is to consume the extract. Just a few drops will do. However, you can also add a goldenseal extract directly to the wound. Cover it with a dressing and change it twice a day until it heals.
5. Garlic
Garlic is widely known as a strong antibacterial. It’s also extremely easy to find. You can buy it at any grocery store, so it’s the perfect natural remedy for emergency dog bites.
To strengthen your immunity, take garlic capsules. It’ll give you protection from possible infections. Fresh minced garlic can also be mixed with aloe vera or coconut oil to make a paste. Apply to the wound and cover with gauze. Keep in mind that it may sting at first!
6. Cumin Seeds
For another home remedy for a dog bite treatment, use cumin seeds. They offer protection from bacteria while improving immunity. You might also already have some in your kitchen.
Ground cumin works best. If you have whole cumin seeds, grind them first. Mix two teaspoons with water to make a paste. For even stronger healing benefits, add black pepper.
Each night, apply the paste and wrap it with medical gauze.
7. Asafetida Powder
If you’re worried about blood clotting, use asafetida powder. This dog bite home treatment prevents blood clots while killing bacteria.
To use it, simply sprinkle 2 to 3 teaspoons of asafetida powder directly on the wound. Wrap with gauze and leave overnight. Repeat daily until the bite has healed.
Asafetida powder has a strong odor, so prepare yourself. Its strong healing properties will certainly be worth it.
These home remedies are best for minor dog bites. Deeper wounds warrant medical attention. You should also get medical help if the dog is a stray because it might have rabies or other diseases. See your doctor immediately if the bite becomes infected.
Also Read: Is cornmeal good for dog?