Simple First-Aid

There are a few items of the herbal/alternative variety, which I think every household should have for first aid usage. Since the basic homeopathic recommendations are going to be given elsewhere, I will not go into those except to emphasize that Apis, Arnica, Arsenica Alba, Belladonna, Hypericum, Ferrus Phos, and Phosphorus are the bare minimum of remedies to keep on hand.

For all emergencies or first aid problems, remember that the Bach Flower Remedy: Rescue Remedy is always indicated. Rescues Remedy may be given orally every few minutes in the acute circumstances, and as needed several times daily with the less severe problems; use it for trauma, stress, or nervousness. Rescue Remedy also comes in a cream, which may be applied topically to wounds, minor burns, and stings.

To help with travel sickness, some animals respond well to fasting before travel and being given Rescue Remedy orally as often as needed to reduce anxiety. In addition to fasting and the administration of Rescue Remedy, a little ginger tea given thirty minutes to an hour before travel may help. To make ginger tea, slice 3-4 thin pieces of fresh gingerroot and add them to two cups of boiling water. Remove from the heat and steep ginger slices for fifteen minutes, covered. Using even ½ - 1 teaspoon of ginger powder instead of the root may help, although the latter is preferred. For cats and small dogs, administer approximately ½ - 1 teaspoon of ginger root tea; for dogs over 10 and less than 40 lbs., administer 1-3 teaspoons of ginger tea; and for dogs over 50 lbs., administer 1-4 tablespoons of ginger tea (one teaspoon = 5 cc's or ml's, 3 teaspoons = one tablespoon = 15 cc's or ml's, two tablespoons = one ounce = 30 cc's or ml's). Some animals may not respond to this more gentle treatment and may require Dramamine or other sedation. Check with your veterinarian for your pet's appropriate dosage.

For first degree and mild second degree burns, remember aloe Vera, either the sterile gel or the leaf, cut open and applied topically as a poultice. If there are blisters or the skin is actually cooked, be sure to seek veterinary assistance as well. Burns can get seriously infected and pose a serious health risk.

For simple cuts and abrasions, which do not need sutures, calendula ointment or gel works very well. Often called the "herbal Neosporin, " we find it superior to most of the simple antibiotic creams which one may purchase at the drugstore. If fever sets in, if there is a loss of appetite, or increase in redness or swelling, be sure to seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For "hot spots" which break out suddenly and the animal is miserable, try aloe Vera topically. Black tea bags that have been steeped or 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar per 2 cups of water topically to the area may provide relief. There are occasions when Benadryl is necessary to calm the aggravation, but try tincture or extract of nettle first: small dogs and cats - 3 drops, medium dogs- ½ dropper full, large dogs - 1 dropper full.

To draw-out simple infection, use one teaspoon of Epsom salt per two cups of warm water applied as a poultice with a clean wash cloth for 10-20 minutes once or twice daily. Be sure not to get this mixture into the eyes! If irritation occurs, discontinue. Again, if fever occurs, loss of appetite, swelling, or redness increases, be sure to get immediate veterinary care.

For insect stings, the tincture or oil of plantain is an excellent remedy; even applying the bruised leaves of the plant as a poultice is effective. Rescue Remedy orally or as a cream will also help. If any difficulty with breathing occurs, be sure to seek veterinary care immediately.

For simple diarrhea with no vomiting, and is a pet that is otherwise bright, alert and normal, try giving acidophilus several times daily. For a cat or small dog, give ½ to 1 capsule every 2-3 hours; for less than a 40-pound dog give 2-3 capsules; for over a forty-pound dog, give 3-5 capsules every 2-3 hours until bedtime. If the diarrhea is not greatly improved or gone by the next day, have the animal checked at your veterinarian.

There are many other remedies, which can be helpful in emergency circumstances. I have tried to give a few simple remedies, which are readily available, simple and easy to use.