Skin Care Essentials
Caring for our animals in Summer & Winter brings many challenges, not least trying to maintain a healthy skin, avoiding sores and cuts and effectively dealing with skin abrasions that can occur.
There are four products that I wouldn`t be without at any time of the year but they really are an essential in the colder and wetter months in order to quickly deal with any issues and prevent infection taking hold.
GREEN CLAY has excellent drawing properties so can be used for drying up wet eczema and hot spots and helping control infection in wounds and abscesses. Green Clay is so versatile and can be used for dogs, cats, horses, sheep and other livestock. It forms a protective layer over injuries and also naturally repels insects. I have found when treating horses and livestock which are troubled by flies, a drop of tea tree or lavender essential oil into the wet clay can further aid in repelling flies away from the treated area.
Used dry, it has a calming and soothing effect on a dog’s itchy or traumatised skin, breaking the itch, scratch cycle and is completely safe should your dog accidentally lick or consume it. The clays perfect partner in dealing with wounds, sores and fragile skin is Leucillin, they compliment each other beautifully.
Green clay can be made into a thick paste with a little water and spread onto the effected area. This acts as a protective barrier for sore or fragile wounds and as the clay dries, moisture is drawn away from any wet areas of skin. It is now available in two sizes (250g & 650g bags) on the shop https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/green-clay
Leucillin Is an extraordinary product that I have to hand at all times. It works wonders on so many skin issues, wounds, cuts and scrapes as well as an effective and kind skin cleanser, with the added bonus that it doesn`t sting on application. It also makes a brilliant hand sanitiser!
It is available in four sizes from the small dropper bottle which is ideal for use to cleanse eyes, for tiny animals or those that are very scared by the sound of sprays, to the large 500ml spray which is great value for larger animals such as horses or livestock or a multi dog household.
Leucillin contains the active ingredient Hypochlorous, this is a naturally occurring chemical in the body produced by white blood cells. Hypochlorous is one of the most effective and efficient biocides known to man. Whilst being totally safe, it is 300 times more effective than bleach and is almost instant in its effect. Hypochlorous is a natural chemical already existing in the body, so animals that have shown a sensitivity with other products in the past, will not suffer any adverse reactions to Leucillin. It`s 100% safe to use on sensitive areas such as, cuts and open minor wounds and is completely harmless should it be licked off the treated area. https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/leucillin-antiseptic-spray
Healing Balm A versatile healing balm that can be used on minor cuts, scrapes, sores or dry skin. Perfect as a paw balm for dry and cracked pads or for crusty noses, mud fever and general winter skin woes.
Ideal to use as a protective barrier and the perfect partnership with Green Clay & Leucillin
A beautiful blend of Sweet Almond, Coconut oil, Beeswax and a selection of herbs including Calendula for its anti-inflammatory & moisturising properties, Plantain to promote healing, Comfrey for its well known soothing & healing abilities, Yarrow as a wound healer and Rosemary for its anti-bacterial property. https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/comfort-balm-horse-hound
The Photizo Vetcare is a valuable tool for health professionals and owners alike. Photizo has a powerful combination of pre-programed 31 second doses of pulsating red and infra red LED Phototherapy.
It is widely known for helping with arthritic and muscular conditions but it is also excellent for accelerating the healing of wounds, injuries and skin complaints. This is really important in the Winter months as even the smallest cut or wound can become infected due to wet, muddy and gritty conditions underfoot.
I have had excellent results treating a horse with severe mud fever that meant he was unable to be turned out in a paddock. The area was cleaned with Leucillin and a twice daily treatment with the Photizo meant that the healing time was greatly reduced. When the skin was healed enough to allow turn out, a thick paste of clay was applied to the area for added protection.
Caroline Hearn MICHT, Dip ICAT. MIIAT - Human, Canine & Equine Sports Therapist
www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk
Natural First Aid Kit for Dogs & Horses
Must haves for your first aid kit that can be used on all members of the family both 2 and 4 legged.
Here are a few items that I always have to hand in my first aid kit, whether its for myself, the dogs or the horses, they are all invaluable, safe and effective.
GREEN CLAY : So many uses for green clay and a popular choice in the daily Essentials Range to tackle everything from wounds to hot spots in dogs. It can be used to help slow down or stop bleeding, to dry up hot spots, weeping sores and wet eczema. It also repels flies away from a wound and used wet as a paste it is excellent for acting as a protective barrier or drawing out heat and infection from a wound or abscess. If the area is very sore it can be sprinkled on with a brush and a layer built up without the need for invasive touching of the area. It also relieves itching , reduces heat and soothes rashes. When used as a paste a drop of lavender or oregano essential oil mixed in will help keep infection away.
There is a high quality green clay available in the shop click on this link: https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/green-clay
Pure Green Clay
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LEUCILLIN: Is perfect for cleaning wounds and with the bonus that is does not sting on application. It is such a versatile product and can be used on all mammals, birds and reptiles. It is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. It effectively kills germs on contact but also has a very soothing and anti-inflammatory property. Perfect for wound cleaning, hot spots, wet eczema, mud fever, fly strike, lick granulomas and inflamed skin. It is also available in a 50ml dropper bottle which is ideal as an eye wash or for use when the animal is reactive to the sound of a spray. It can be found on the shop on this link https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/leucillin-antiseptic-spray
ARNICA : Another remedy I wouldn't be without is Arnica, both in Homeopathic pill form and either a gel or cream. Fantastic for relieving the pain of bruising and if you and your dog have overexerted yourselves on a particularly strenuous walk or sporting activity. It also aids in a quicker recovery from an operation and to support a patient that is shocked and unsettled after an accident. Topically it is really good for bruising but don't use on broken skin. A great combination remedy for sprains, strains and minor injury is the Helios Injury remedy.
APIS MEL Remedy : Just in case anyone happens to get stung by a bee or a wasp, take as soon as possible to lessen the effects.
HEALING BALM: https://hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/adore-the-paw-healing-balm
Natural Healing Balm to soothe cracked, dry paws, rashes, crusty elbows and noses, scrapes, grazes and sore skin. Acts as a barrier in wet, muddy conditions. New softer texture balm in a larger 60g pot.
RESCUE REMEDY: This can be a huge help for people or animals that are going into shock or in a complete panic. A few drops can be put directly into the mouth at the time of the trauma then diluted and taken for ongoing support. There are blends specifically for animals that use glycerine instead of an alcohol base and are often called emergency essence. A good company to buy from are called Creature Comforters based in Norfolk.
ICE PACK: A portable icepack is useful in your kit should you not have access to ice in the home or you are out walking. The packs that you can pop and they turn very cold can be used as a temporary measure to reduce swelling, bleeding and pain until you can get further assistance.
ALOE GEL: Very soothing and cooling for minor burns and will offer immediate protection and a barrier for a cut or graze.
BLANKET or LARGE TOWEL: Can be used as a stretcher to carry a dog that is injured or collapsed and also to provide warmth if the patient is going into shock.
TWEEZERS: Can come in useful for removing thorns or small splinters. Do not be tempted to try and remove a thorn or foreign object from the eye instead seek immediate medical/ veterinary attention.
TICK REMOVING TOOL: It is essential if anyone has been bitten by a tick which is still attached that it is removed quickly and safely . A tool specifically for the job is really the only efficient way and don't be tempted to apply anything to the tick as this causes them to become stressed and empty the contents of their stomach. Instead gently remove with the tool according to the instructions of that particular product. Wipe the area after removal with Leucillin.
It goes without saying that none of the above should replace veterinary treatment if it is needed and in an emergency consult your vet immediately.