This weekend’s nasty ice storm (I’m totally far enough south to believe it was evil) didn’t stop my normally wet weather hating dogs from skiing across the ice covered back yard to chase whatever form of wildlife decided it wanted to hang out inside the fence.
Unfortunately their icecapades resulted in my big guy coming back in with cuts on all four of his paws. As I grabbed my homemade dog salve, I thot I’d like to share this quick and easy recipe with you!
There are MANY recipes out there and MANY amazing, natural ingredients you can use to make a wound salve/ ointment / cream.
I used ingredients that I already had on hand to make this super basic ointment and it works great!!
To use:
Clean the injury
Coat injury with a dollop of this creamy salve
Repeat for a few days, keeping an eye on how it’s healing
Use this on!
cuts/scrapes/open wounds
bites/stings
dry skin
dry/cracked paw pads
rashes
hot spots
burns
fungal infections
Ingredients
Coconut Oil (Organic, Unrefined) ½ Cup
Lavender Essential Oil 12 Drops
Tea Tree (Maleluca) Essential Oil 12 drops
Directions
Soften Coconut oil in double boiler (Optional: set glass bowl over pot with simmering water AND you can absolutely do this in the microwave if desired) This helps you incorporate the essential oils and whip it into a creamier texture. ** If it melts all the way, let it sit until it cools and hardens a bit.
Add essential oils
Mix with mixer
Pour into container - I use 4 oz jelly jars
Allow to cool (in fridge or out)
Can be stored in fridge or with other first aid supplies
WHY MAKE YOUR OWN NATURAL WOUND OINTMENT?
Our world is full of chemicals and these days so many are man made (think GMO) and not for the benefit of our overall health.
These chemicals; found in just about every inch of our environments from our food and water supply to hygiene/ beauty and cleaning products; put a lot of stress on our dog's (and our own!) bodies.
While we are not an all natural family, replacing common household products with more natural products, puts less stress on our overloaded bodies PLUS making them yourself allows you complete control over what goes into your body.
I am also an avid DIY-er and I get tremendous satisfaction from planning and making (in this case concocting), things like cleaning or beauty supplies or building wood projects.
COCONUT OIL
I used the same coconut oil I feed my dogs, as my carrier oil or base.
Coconut oil:
Is high fatty acids like Lauric Acid that have antimicrobial properties that effectively kill bacteria and fungi)
Reduces inflammation (and pain) when used topically or ingested
Helps wounds heal faster by increasing antioxidant activity and collagen production
ESSENTIAL OILS
I got into essential oils (basically plant extracts) simply because I was curious. I tried a few and now I’m obsessed! And, if I’m being honest, it’s mostly for their smell.
LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
Promotes cell and tissue growth
It has antibiotic, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties
TEA TREE (MELALEUCA) ESSENTIAL OIL
Anti inflammatory
Anti bacterial
Soothes itchy, irritated skin
Not affiliated shameless plug - I get mine from Mountain Rose Herbs in Oregon and Apothec, right here in Richmond!! They are awesome and have the only Frankincense I like.
BONUS: This recipe is easily turned into a paw protector by substituting 1 oz of coconut oil with 2 tbs of beeswax!!