How to Treat an Abscess on a Dog at Home the Right Way

 

Knowing how to treat an abscess on a dog at home is definitely essential if you’re looking to keep your canine family member healthy and happy. In a few moments, I’m going to walk you through on how to do just that using natural means.

 

I would like to share this with you so you can get the peace of mind you’ve always wanted when it comes to maintaining your precious pet’s good health as well as ensuring that he gets the support he deserves whenever disease strikes.

 

Make sure you read on to get the lowdown on naturally treating abscess wounds in dogs at home, the symptoms you have to watch out for, the causes that usually set off this health issue, as well as other pieces of information that we’re sure you’ll appreciate.

 

I’m even going to share with you our favorite natural remedy for abscesses in dogs if you read this blog post all the way through.

 

And always remember that we are naturally with you and your pet, every step of the way!

 

 

• Click to learn more : 👉 NATURAL PRODUCT to treat an abscess on your dog at HOME 🐶🏠 

 

 

What is dog abscess?

 

A pocket of inflamed tissue that is filled with pus at the center. It has the appearance of a swollen red lump that can either be soft and squishy or rigidly firm to the touch.

 

While an abscess can show up all over a dog’s body, it typically forms in the oral region—particularly underneath the teeth—in the flaps of skin connecting the toes, the anal glands, the inner part of the limbs, as well as underneath the paw pads.

 

Moreover, it’s also not uncommon for dog abscess to emerge around the eyes, the ears, including the folds of skin surrounding the neck.

 

Although abscesses in dogs start out small, they can expand in size and may lead to even more serious health problems if not immediately taken care of. This is the biggest reason why you should know how to treat an abscess on a dog at home the right way.

 

Next up, we’ll talk about the symptoms of dog abscess that you need to watch out for…

 

 

What are the symptoms of abscess in dogs?

 

Apart from the appearance of a swollen red lump on your dog’s body, here are some of the other indicators that your canine family member could be suffering from an abscess:

 

• Sudden loss of appetite
• Heat emanating from the affected area
• Unexpected restlessness or unease
• Sudden bouts of fever
• Stinky odor coming from the affected site
• Licking or chewing at a particular area of the body
• Sudden loss of hair in and around the affected area

 

Now we’ve got that covered, let’s discuss how you should take care of dog abscess at home the right way…

 

How to treat an abscess on a dog at home properly

 

Unlike what a lot of dog parents tend to believe, you don’t have to send your beloved canine family member straight to the vet when your dog has an abscess. There are actually a number of home remedies that you can use to fix this health problem.

 

Just to emphasize, it is ideal if you know how to treat an abscess on a dog at home because your canine family member could be prone to the staph bacteria the least you expect it.

 

It is extremely crucial to keep in mind that untreated abscesses in dogs can lead to even more serious problems that can be fatal in nature. This is the reason why knowing the natural home remedies to properly treat dog abscess is a must for every dog parent.

 

However, we’d just like to emphasize that these home remedies were gathered from our online research.

 

A thorough wash and a warm compress

 

If the abscess is located on the outer extremities—and not inside the oral region—start by gently washing the affected area with soap and water.

 

Be careful not to put a lot of pressure on the abscess site since it can be tender and will cause discomfort to your dog. It is best to use a mild soap for this step. Pat off the excess water after washing using a towel.

 

Next, place your dog in a comfortable lying position where you can easily get access to the abscess site.

 

Completely immerse a hand towel in warm water and wring it off to remove the excess. Fold the hand towel to form a warm compress. Put the compress on the affected site and leave it on for at least ten (10) minutes. You can do this for up to three times a day until the abscess shrinks in size and the redness subsides.

 

As reported by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the warmth from the compress helps revitalize the blood flow in the affected site, which encourages healing, and also alleviates pain at the same time.

  

A virgin coconut oil massage

 

Using a clean piece of cloth, gently dab the entire abscess site with virgin coconut oil using a circular massaging motion. Make sure you don’t directly put pressure on the center where the pus is located to avoid causing your dog pain. Let the virgin coconut oil dry completely afterwards.

 

Keep in mind to only use non-food grade virgin coconut for this step to ensure that it hasn’t undergone other refining processes, which can remove some of its natural healing properties.

 

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reveals that virgin coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid, caprylic acid, as well as capric acid, which possess antimicrobial properties.

 

An aloe vera rubdown

 

Harvest a mature aloe vera leaf and slice it lengthwise. Press the leaf until the gel comes out. Use a clean piece of cloth or a cotton swab to gently apply the gel in and around the abscess site. You can also store the excess aloe vera gel in a container and store it in the fridge for future applications.

 

Besides having a natural cooling effect that helps reduce inflammation, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) also reports that aloe vera has inherent antimicrobial properties that are potent against harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Eschericia coli.

 

An abscess dressing using honey

 

Using a clean piece of cloth or a cotton swab, put a small amount of honey on the abscess site and gently spread it all over. Although all types of natural and unprocessed honey can be utilized for this application, it is best if you can use medical-grade honey such as manuka honey.

 

Once you finish applying honey on the affected area, cover it with an adhesive bandage or a sterile gauze pad to keep contaminants at bay. Replace the dressing once the honey completely dries up.

 

According to the Nursing 2022 Journal, honey contains amino acids, enzymes, and organic acids that not just help fight bacterial and fungal infection, but also promote tissue healing and eliminate stinky odors from wounds.

  

An oregano poultice

 

Crush up fresh oregano leaves in a mortar and pestle until they release their essential oils. Add a bit of water to form a paste or poultice. Apply the poultice to the abscess site and cover the whole whole thing with an adhesive bandage or a sterile gauze pad. Leave it on for a few hours and replace when it goes completely dry.

 

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reveals that oregano contains compounds called carvacrol and thymol, which possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

 

A touch of TLC with nutmeg

 

Grind a couple of pinches of nutmeg in a mortar and pestle until it becomes really fine. Add a bit of water to form a paste or poultice. Put the nutmeg poultice on the affected area and use an adhesive bandage or a sterile gauze pad to cover it. Leave it on for a few hours.

 

Apart from having antibacterial properties, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) also stresses that nutmeg contains anti-inflammatory compounds like pinene, terpineol, and sabinene.

 

A quick reminder, though. It is crucial that you secure and cover the dressing properly to avoid your dog licking any of the nutmeg poultice. Nutmeg has compounds in it that can suddenly raise your dog’s heartbeat and may even cause disorientation to your canine family member.

 

Now we’ve got that covered, it’s time we introduce to you our favorite natural remedy to use when it comes to abscesses in dogs…

 

 

Zumalka by HomeoAnimal’s ABS-S is a completely natural and high-quality product that is designed to get rid of abscess in dogs, while promoting and supporting healthy skin.

The ABS-S contains arnica, echinacea, mercurius horn, nitric acid, phytolacca, sulfur, and silica, which are known for their antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.

  

Next, let’s discuss the causes of abscesses in dogs…

 

What are the causes of dog abscesses?

 

For starters, the main culprit that sets off abscesses in dogs is the staphylococcal or staph bacteria. This type of bacteria tends to bury into tissue walls when it enters a dog’s body through abnormal “breaks” in the skin like wounds, inflammations, and scratches.

 

The dog’s immune system fights back by releasing white blood cells in the tissues where the staph bacteria has intruded on.

 

However, during the process of eliminating this bacteria, some tissues that were dug into end up dying. This creates a cavity that subsequently becomes filled with pus, which turns into an abscess.

 

If you’re still having a tough time zeroing in on a completely natural product should your canine family member suffer from an abscess, Zumalka’s ABS-S is definitely one that you should consider having in your pet checklist.

 

The following are the common breaks in the skin where the staph bacteria can pass through to create abscesses in dogs:

 

Inflamed anal glands

 

A dog’s anal sacs get squeezed out each time he defecates. This squeezing movement also drains out some fluid from the anal sacs. However, an inflammation eventually occurs when there is a build up of this fluid from not being drained out completely.

 

Normally, a dog’s typical reaction to inflamed anal glands is to scoot on surfaces to try to alleviate the pain and discomfort he is experiencing. This leads to lesions in and around the anal area where the staph bacteria can enter and cause an abscess.

  

Tooth or gum problems

 

Whenever a dog has a chipped or damaged tooth, the staph bacteria can easily slip through the cavity and go directly to the tissues underneath the gums. If left untreated, it is highly likely that an abscess will form sooner or later.

 

Another scenario that can lead to the formation of an abscess is when a dog chews on something hard that could splinter like pieces of bone. These splinters can injure the gums, cheek, and tongue, which are also the most common areas of abscesses in dogs.

 

Bites and scratches

 

It’s not uncommon that a dog can have scuffles with other dogs or other pets like cats. And these usually involve bites and scratches that can give the staph bacteria a place to go through.

 

Of all the breaks in the skin that could lead to abscess in dogs, bites and scratches are the most unpredictable since they could be anywhere in the body. However, the key areas to keep an eye on are the tail, neck, head, as well as the ears.

 

Now let’s talk about how long abscesses in dogs last…

 

 

How long does a dog abscess last?

 

What’s really alarming is that abscesses in dogs don’t go away by themselves. You can only get rid of a dog abscess with the application of the right treatment accompanied by the proper care and attention.

 

If you know how to treat an abscess on a dog at home and apply it properly, this health issue will be resolved in about two (2) to three (3) days.

 

Next up, we’ll discuss how to prevent abscesses in dogs…

 

 

Dog abscess prevention

 

The most essential part of preventing abscesses in dogs is eliminating the chances of the staph bacteria from getting inside your canine family member’s body. Here are some key pointers to take note of on how to do just that:

 

Regularly check for bites and scratches

 

Make it a point to check your dog for any signs of bites and scratches on a regular basis. It is highly recommended that you do this during bath time so you can thoroughly examine his inner limbs, belly, and chest, which can have nicks and lesions that can be tricky to spot.

 

If you do spot any bites and scratches, apply the necessary home remedy immediately to encourage healing.

 

Practice good dog oral hygiene

 

Taking care of your dog’s teeth and gums is essential if you’re looking to prevent the formation of abscesses in your canine family member’s oral region. Keep in mind to brush his teeth thoroughly at least four (4) times a week to get rid of the buildup of tartar and plaque.

 

Apart from ensuring that your dog won’t be prone to cavities and other dental issues, his breath will also become fresher if you do this regularly.

 

Never feed your dog foods that can splinter

 

What you feed your dog plays a key role in preventing abscesses from forming in his teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. Keep in mind to never give your dog any food that could splinter when chewed, such as bones of all kinds.

 

Unlike what a lot of people mistakenly believe, cooked bones such as those used for soups and stews still break into pieces—not to mention staying really sharp—when chewed by a dog. These fragments could lead to injuries in and around the mouth that may encourage abscess formation.

 

Don’t let your dog get in contact with sharp and pointy objects

 

Always make sure that your dog does not get in contact with sharp and pointy objects that could lead to nicks and cuts, which could cause abscesses. This includes pieces of furniture with sharp accents, kitchen utensils, crafting materials, as well as carpentry that you may have in your home.

 

Now let’s talk about a question that may have crossed your mind once or twice already when it comes to dog abscesses…

 

 

Can an abscess kill a dog?

 

The short answer is yes. A dog abscess that if left untreated can lead to more serious health problems, which could be fatal in nature.

 

You see, untreated abscesses in dogs can eventually set off several serious conditions due to the severity of the damage to the tissues as well as the substantial amount of bacteria and other pathogens already present in the affected area.

 

These bacteria and pathogens will eventually travel to other parts of the body such as the brain, lungs, and heart and can trigger fatal adverse effects.

 

This is the biggest reason why you should have a completely natural and high-quality home remedy for dog abscesses like Zumalka’s ABSCESSso things won’t become more complicated.

 

So that pretty much wraps up our detailed walkthrough on how to treat an abscess on a dog at home.

 

If you’re looking to learn more how to protect your canine family member from abscesses in dogs or want to get in on the best homeopathic support in case your dog is suffering from this health issue, make sure you fill up our FREE health advisor guidance form right now.

 

Besides getting tips and recommendations from our Natural Health Advisors, you’ll also get access to useful information about the products and treatment options that best fit your animal's health needs.