Uses for Drawing Salve on Dogs

Drawing Salve is an ointment that is frequently used for horses, dogs and also humans in the treatment of skin conditions and abrasions. The ointment is made from various herbs, roots and oils, and the primary ingredient is ichthammol, a fluid extracted from shale rocks.

  1. Dermatitis

    • Dogs can be susceptible to dermatitis, or skin inflammation, caused by infected hair follicles, allergies and flea bites. Certain breeds such as bulldogs, mastiffs and bloodhounds are predisposed to skin dermatitis. Drawing salve can be used to draw out the puss and bacteria that can form underneath the skin as a result of inflammation and aid in faster healing. Apply the drawing salve and cover it with a gauze wrap. Cover the salve well in places where the dog can lick and ingest it.

    Minor Cuts and Wounds

    • Drawing salve has antiseptic and microbial properties that can help wounds heal faster. Dogs are usually quick healers, but applying a little bit of drawing salve can help prevent the wound from getting infected. Drawing salve also can be used to draw out foreign objects such as splinters or pieces of glass that can injure a dog.

    Eczema

    • Drawing salve is frequently used by people with eczema to heal dry and itchy skin and it works equally well on dogs with eczema. Apply the drawing salve to the dry skin by parting the hair. The salve will ease the dog's discomfort and help to moisturize the skin. It can also help prevent infection of eczema patches that the dog is scratching excessively. Avoid daily use on places where the dog can easily lick or provide adequate bandaging to prevent ingestion.

    Boils

    • Boils, abscesses deep under the skin, are a frequent ailment for dogs that cause pain, discomfort and swelling. Drawing salve works on boils by drawing out the bacteria and puss found deep under the skin. At the first sign of red, swollen and irritated skin, apply the drawing salve overnight and cover with a bandage. When the boil erupts and releases the puss, frequently change the bandage until liquid stops coming out and treat the boil with antibiotic ointment.