Natural Remedies with Herbs to Help Promote Healing in Cats & Dogs

What is Healing?

Healing is an ability possessed by the animal body to repair damaged parts – this process is sometimes visible (a wound improves) or microscopic (damaged cells are replaced) but both occur on a daily basis, and are given the term: regeneration.

In the animal kingdom – a starfish can rebuild a new tentacle that is cut off, an earthworm can replace much of its body that is lost, and a crab can rebuild a new claw when one is lost. Our pets may not possess those exact characteristics, but they do have healing ability…

An animal’s skin is a wonderful example of regeneration. It is constantly shedding old skin and regenerating new skin cells. Bones, muscles and some nerve fibers can grow to repair themselves. Like a machine, the animal body can make minor repairs. All wounds heal using the same intrinsic process. There are three phases of wound healing: the inflammatory, fibroblastic, and maturation stages.

If we take a simple laceration or cut, inflammation begins after injury and the wound site swells as the biochemical ingredients needed for healing gather: leukocytes and monocytes fibrinogen, histamine, prostaglandins, and vasoactive substances. A great deal happens during this stage – it must occur to prepare the wound for the succeeding phases of healing. In fact, conventional drugs that limit inflammation such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID’s) will slow the healing of a wound!

Next, fibroblasts begin to proliferate and position themselves for collagen synthesis. As collagen content increases, the wound site strengthens. The third and final stage of wound healing lasts the longest. This maturation, or remodeling phase, may continue for weeks or several years (depending on the severity of the injury), with gradual improvements in wound appearance.

Remember that your pet cannot vocalize pain or discomfort, as we are able to. They may whimper or meow when unsettled and may even lose their appetite or vomit when they have had a procedure. After operations or surgical procedures, an animal’s body may take time to adjust and achieve the harmonious balance it had before and gradual healing should be supported. Let your pet take the time to recover and follow your vet’s advice.

Help for Healing

Natural Remedies

Many herbal and homeopathic remedies have been formulated with specific ingredients to promote healing and support the body’s ability to resist infection. Astragalus membranaceous (Huang Qi) is an herb which has a beneficial effect on immune functioning.

Echinacea angustifolia increases the activity of the immune system cells, stimulates new tissue growth for wound healing, reduces inflammation and inhibits growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Arnica and Calendula are both respected homeopathic ingredients used to treat shock, injury and bruising and for post-operative care – speeding the healing process from the inside out by stimulating the natural process of healthy cells and tissue regeneration.

More Information on Healing

Tips to promote healing

Ensure that your pet follows a healthy balanced diet, to give his or her body nutritional back up on a cellular level.
Make sure your pet is hydrated (give your pets fresh water every day).
Try to keep your pet as quite as possible after a traumatic event or any form of surgery. This is especially important if your pet has any broken bones, has suffered any damage to internal organs or has stitches over areas of excessive motion such as the knee joint.
Unfortunately it is not possible to explain to your furry friend that it is in their best interests to just lie quietly and let their body heal. Our furry companions do not have a psychological component to their recovery period so as soon as the pain is bearable, your kitty will be leaping onto countertops and no doubt your canine companion will be begging for a walk. It makes for frustrated pets, I know but you need to keep your recovering pet as quiet as possible. Confine them to a small room or even consider keeping them in a training crate. Rest is vital for complete healing.
Feed a well-balanced, natural preservative and colorant free diet. Your pet’s energy requirements will be much higher so feed an easily digestible, energy rich diet. Small meals fed often are ideal for the first few days after surgery or major trauma.
Keep wounds clean and prevent your pet licking at wounds or pulling at stitches. If your vet has sent you pet home with an Elizabethan collar then keep this on.
Start gradually with any exercise, your vet will be able to advise you on a suitable exercise program.
Dogs and cats that have had knee, elbow, hip or spinal surgery often benefit from hydrotherapy.