A guide to arnica for dogs

Dogs are extremely energetic and activity-driven creatures that often find themselves nearly missing dangerous objects in their path. Sometimes they don’t miss, resulting in sprains and bruises.

Instead of seamlessly racing across the yard, they may trip or ram into a rock leaving behind sprains and bruises in need of care.

Enter homeopathy. The treatment? Arnica.

In diluted doses, this herbal supplement supports the healing process by encouraging blood flow and circulation to the affected area.

Arnica (Arnica Montana) is a perennial flowering herb that is native to Canada, the northern United States, central Europe, and Siberia. Part of the sunflower family, the bright yellow herb resembles a daisy’s petal in shape and size. In addition to the plant’s pleasing aesthetic, Arnica boasts a plethora of pain management properties.

Thanks to the substances sesquiterpene lactones Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources and helenalin, Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources  the herb acts fast to heal injuries, quickly reducing both swelling and bruising. Arnica works to increase the blood circulation to and from the injury by dilating the surrounding lymph ducts and capillaries. It also drains fluid out of the tissues. The combination of the increased blood flow and drainage speeds up the healing process. It also minimizes pain from acute injuries like sprains, bruises, and overextension.

Most homeopathic experts agree that arnica provides a wide-range of health benefits for acute injuries. This can be particularly helpful for dogs with muscle aches, osteoarthritis, or that have suffered from accidents.

Arnica helps reduce pain and accelerates healing. Useful in aging dogs, the supplement can prevent stiffness from too much activity. A study Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources on arnica’s usage and the recovery of dogs, showed that arnica holds anti-inflammatory properties to aid in a dog’s recovery. Plus, the homeopathic remedy also goes beyond just physical pain relief, and also heals emotional trauma. Arnica benefits dogs with the following injuries:

• Bruising
• Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)
• Sprain
• Abscess
• Closed-tissue injuries
• Hematoma
• Muscle aches/soreness
• Rheumatism
• Strokes
• Emotional trauma (afraid to be touched)

It’s important to note, though, that arnica is best when used in conjunction with other treatments. For instance, an abscess will still need to be treated with antibiotics and arthritis may also still need to be treated with veterinary-prescribed pain medications.

⚠️ If your dog has ingested the topical form of arnica, alert Animal Poison Control immediately: (888) 426-4435

Thanks to its ability to improve blood circulation, arnica impacts blood vessels and in turn, could cause unwanted or increased bleeding. Because of this side effect, don’t administer homeopathic arnica to your dog before surgery.

If you’re giving your dog arnica in a topical form, pay close attention. The topical form of arnica can be toxic if ingested, and some dogs may try to lick off the herb from the affected area. Make sure to monitor your dog after putting on a topical formula to prevent them from licking. Sometimes it’s best if you apply it during mealtime or playtime so they are distracted and not paying attention to it.

Don’t let arnica’s pretty appearance fool you. In its concentrated form, the homeopathic herb is poisonous. The key is to use a diluted concentration. And when we say diluted, we mean an extremely low potency.

Arnica supplements come as topical creams, gels, pills, pellets, oils, and tincture. All homeopathic forms of arnica are diluted and are labeled as such — 12C, 15C, 30C, etc. For instance, an arnica 30C dosage is diluted from the original herb 3,000 times. Potencies range from the least potent at 6C to the most at IM.

The good news is that each form of arnica treats different levels of pain. And some forms can be combined for the best results. Pellets are ideal for chronic conditions and should be administered immediately after an injury. Give to dogs with chronic pain such as arthritis. Typically, topical forms like arnica gels and creams are used routinely. Targeting general pain, the topical forms should be applied as needed to the acute injury.

Pure arnica creates serious problems. The only safe way to administer arnica to your dog is in its diluted form.

👉 Always make sure to consult your vet before giving arnica to your dog.

The proper dosage and potency of arnica for your dog are based upon the symptoms they’re experiencing. Often, minor injuries require lower doses of 30C or 200C. Osteoarthritis pain may need a slightly higher potency.

After confirming the dosage amount with your vet, Dog Naturally recommends that in acute injuries and trauma to administer it in increments of 30 minutes until your dog feels better.

Ruta Graveolens

Ruta Graveolens Trusted Source This is an approved Trusted Source for betterpet. Learn more about Trusted Sources (also known as Meadow Rue) primarily treats ligament or tendon strains, bone bruises, and knee injuries — think ACL. The herb is an excellent follow up after arnica supplements have been given as it’s designed for slow healing injuries.

Denes Rhus Tox

Denes Rhus Tox is made for dogs with arthritis, back pain, rheumatism, stiff joints, or even in less severe cases of sprains. It also holds an allergy component that helps treat skin infections, itching, and red eyes.

Providing your pup with treatment, even if it’s an over-the-counter medication, should be done under a veterinarian’s care and advice. Topical products like arnica can do wonders for bumps, sprains, and bruises, but it’s still important to make sure that it’s a good choice for your special, one-of-a-kind furry best friend.