Today we will be discussing bites and stings that can be afflicted on your animal. This is quite common in our pets, especially when they are often outside among the creepy crawlies. When bites and stings occur, the first thing that needs to be addressed is the inflammatory response. The swelling, heat and redness causes the animal pain and discomfort on their skin, leading to excessive licking or biting at the site. In this scenario, a first aid strategy would be most effective.
Inflammation
As mentioned above, we will want to address the inflammation first. There are herbs that can rapidly sooth the swelling and draw out the irritating properties from the bite (bug saliva) or sting. These herbs include:
- Plantain (best choice)
- Slippery Elm
- Marshmallow Root
- Mullein
- English Marigold
Antiseptics
It’s not a bad idea to add herbs that have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties as well. These types of herbs include:
- Echinacea
- German Chamomile
- Sage
Antihistamines
Just like humans, some animals can have an allergic reaction to bites or sting. Keep in mind allergies from bites can be worse earlier in the season, as the season progress an immunity can be built. However, an antihistamine herb can help alleviate this over reaction of the immune system with these herbs, which include:
- Nettle
- Butterbur
Using all three of these types of herbs should bring your animal quick relief and can be quite effective.
How To Apply
- The best way to apply the remedies for bites and stings is by making a paste with powdered plantain, slippery elm or marshmallow root.
- Use one of more of the other herbs (antiseptic & antihistamine) as a herbal tea to make the powdered herbs above into the paste.
- You will use this paste as a poultice by applying it to a piece of gauze, then placing it to the site of the bite or sting. It will help draw out the heat and any irritating compounds. Once the poultice starts to feel warm, replace it up to a couple of times.
Infection Prevention
It is possible that a bite or sting can get infected, which is why you will want to add this next step. Once you have completed the poultice treatment, rinse the area with an antiseptic wash using antimicrobial herbs. A herbal tea can be made or a diluted tincture. These herbs include:
- Thyme
- Goldenseal
- Echinacea
- Myrrh
You will want to continue these washes until the site no longer looks red and raised.
If the integrity of the skin has been comprised after the bite or sting, you will want to follow the protocol for cuts and grazes. You can visit the blog here to find the healing oils and ointments that are encouraged to use.
Here we have learned how we can take matters into our own hands to help out our animals at home with insect bites and stings. This gives you the confidence in knowing that you can help your animal naturally without any harsh chemicals are side effects.
Consult with a holistic veterinarian or holistic practitioner to lead you in the right direction. If you feel uncertain, holistic practitioners have the expertise and wisdom to direct you to top quality herbal products for your animal. Do not use any remedies if you are not certain which and how to use them, it is best to work with a practitioner. This blog is for educational purposes only.
If you are interested in a consultation from Maria for your animal, feel free to learn more here.
Maria Hadjiapostoli
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