It can be soothing to take a long bath in warm water. Add Epsom salts, and it becomes even more rejuvenating. Take a dive into a new way to pamper your furry friends, something that people have been doing for hundreds of years, but did you know that it can help your pup, too?
A saltwater bath may not seem all that appealing if you haven’t experienced the wonder that is an Epsom salt bath after a demanding day at work or in the gym. But heed the old adage here: “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.” ”.
Epsom salt, in actuality, is a naturally occurring mineral that contains the elements magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen, not salt. Epsom salt, also referred to as magnesium sulfate, has a crystalline structure that resembles that of regular table salt (sodium chloride).
Warm water and Epsom salts are a traditional remedy for stress relief and relaxation, and their combination is still widely used today. Epsom salt soaks are popular among veterinarians and frequently recommended by them in order to reduce inflammation and promote the healing of wounds.
Baths in epsom salts can ease joint and muscle pain. Our pets lead full, active lives, engaging in play, exercise, and aging just like us. It only makes sense to treat them to some “spoiling” now that we think of them as family, don’t you think?
Introducing a new routine for your dog might seem overwhelming, but with these six simple steps, you can give them the bath they deserve. (The rubber ducky is not included.)
Fill the bathtub you’ll be using for the soak as soon as possible. The water should be warm, but not hot. Just enough water must be present to cover the area that needs to be soaked. (For instance, you’ll need a lot less water to soak your dog’s feet than you would if you were soaking his shoulders or body.) ).
Epsom salts should be measured out; one cup should be used for every gallon of water. It is easiest to combine the Epsom salt with the running water in the bathtub if you are using one. Before continuing, thoroughly stir the mixture with your hand to make sure it has dissolved completely.
Bring your dog to the bathtub. If your dog has never taken a bath, this is a great time to introduce treats as a motivator. After you’ve put your pet in the water, give treats or affection until your dog is at ease (Wild One’s Organic Veggie Burger Treats are a fan favorite!). Make sure your dog doesn’t drink the water, as it is only meant to be used for soaking. Make sure no water enters their ears by being cautious.
Spend ten minutes or more soaking in the Epsom saltwater with your dog. Since this is not a bath, no cleaning is needed. If you want to accustom your dog to the bathing procedure, carefully pour water from your hands or a cup. Continue to give your dog treats or affection if they appear agitated. Try bringing their preferred toy into the bath with them if they are feeling a little uneasy.
Drain the tub after about fifteen minutes, then give your pet a fresh water bath to get rid of any leftover Epsom salt. (After giving your pet a soak to treat a wound, carefully check the area and dry it. ).
Your dog will benefit from a soak that people have enjoyed for centuries once you’ve dried him off.
The Epsom salt bath was just for relaxation, but your pet is now filthy from playing outside in the park. Bathtime is on the schedule. Some owners prefer to use shampoos and other products to ensure their dog is clean and comfortable, but you can always use Wild One’s great Grooming Wipes, which gently clean your dog’s skin and coat (while removing dirt and minimizing odor).
Here are some guidelines and recommendations for dogs of all breeds and ages if you’ve never given your canine companion a bath. Most dogs either enjoy splashing around in the tub during bath time or they only participate in the activity because you ask them to. If your dog falls into the latter category, be sure to pick up some treats to encourage and commend them for their good behavior!
Gather a couple of towels, bath products, nail clippers, and anything else you might need to start this task. If your dog is large or especially feisty, having a second person around can be useful. To help contain drips and splashes (or in case your dog tries to jump out of the tub!) you can also spread out some towels on the floor.
Before bathing your dog, it may be helpful to line the tub with a non-slip mat if they appear to be slipping around. This should make it easier for your pet to maintain their balance and bathe less anxiously, making the experience more enjoyable for you both.
Next, start filling your tub with warm water. If you’d rather, you can just use a handheld shower head, but make sure to set it to a setting that won’t disturb your dog. Make sure the water is at a temperature that is comfortable for your dog and not too hot. Your dog might become startled by the cold water when placed in the bath.
You can use cooler bathwater if your dog is a breed that enjoys swimming in cold water, but small dogs frequently get cold very easily. (If your dog is unfamiliar with the bathtub and the sound of running water frightens him, you might want to wait to bring him in until the bath is filled to your preferred level. ).
You can now take your dog into the bathroom or the area where you are taking a bath. By giving your dog treats, petting them, and praising them for their good behavior, you can keep them calm throughout this process.
Close the room door if you’re inside to prevent your dog from escaping. You might want to put your dog on a leash if you’re outside or in a public space to keep them in the area.
Once your dog is in the water, gently wet his or her coat with a washcloth. If they don’t feel nervous, you can slowly pour or lightly spray water on them. Be cautious not to spray water in their ears, nose, or eyes. Continue to provide treats if your dog seems agitated.
Apply shampoo and lather it up once the coat is completely covered in water. Avoid getting shampoo in or near their eyes or ears.
Make use of a shampoo designed especially for dogs, such as Wild One Conditioning Shampoo. The two energizing scents of this conditioning shampoo—Grapefruit Lemongrass and Eucalyptus Peppermint—help reduce itching and dry skin. (Products made for humans can irritate your dog’s skin. ).
Now you can rinse out the shampoo. To help with rinsing, simply pour or spray water over your dog’s coat while rubbing your hand through the fur. Be sure you rinse all of the shampoo out.
While you continue to give your dog treats or affection as positive reinforcement, dry his coat with a towel. Use a towel to gently squeeze your pet’s coat to speed up drying and get them as dry as you can. If the weather is right, you can take your dog outside to dry in the sun.
Taking a bath should become a regular activity for your dog, whether they prefer an Epsom salt soak or a bubbly (pet shampoo) bath. The next time you consider pampering your pet, think about giving them an Epsom salt bath! You might just find that they enjoy it just as much as you do. Baths are necessary to keep your dog clean and their coat free of mats, but sometimes it’s nice to treat them to some spa time.
Epsom salt baths are a simple and effective way to enjoy the associated health benefits because studies have shown that both magnesium and sulfate are easily absorbed through the skin. Magnesium has a variety of functions in the body, including regulating over 325 enzymes, lowering inflammation, supporting muscle and nerve function, and preventing artery hardening. Sulfates aid in better nutrient absorption, toxins removal, and migraine headache relief.
Magnesium (Mg) is necessary for a variety of bodily processes, so optimal performance depends on it. It is an essential part of tissues, cells, and nearly every physiological process you can think of. Magnesium is essential for hormone and blood sugar regulation, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. Dogs require essential vitamins and minerals just like humans do. Magnesium, one of these essential nutrients, is involved in cellular energy production. Magnesium is required to facilitate the transfer of energy whenever your pet contracts a muscle, beats their heart, or thinks. Three additional minerals, sodium, potassium, and calcium, are also involved and are all somewhat reliant on the effects of magnesium. These minerals are essential for healthy nervous system signaling, muscle movement, and heart function. Sometimes the body cannot utilize enough magnesium because of malnutrition, diabetes, or kidney damage, which causes the levels of the other three minerals to fall.
Although it bears the name of a salty spring in Surrey, England, Epsom salt is actually a naturally occurring, pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Epsom salt has been used for many years as a natural remedy for a variety of illnesses and has a wide range of uses in the home, garden, and beauty industry.
We use Epsom salts in our swimming pool because they have many health advantages. Apart from increasing our intake of food, the best way to increase our levels of magnesium is through the easy absorption of dissolved salts through our skin. Magnesium should be consumed transdermally because it is less impacted by gut activity, such as stomach acids and digestive enzymes. A greater amount of the magnesium enters the bloodstream directly when the liver and stomach are skipped.
Dogs with allergies, those with open wounds, those with itchy skin, and those with muscle aches can all benefit from using Epsom salts. The only thing you need to be careful about is your dog drinking Epsom salt water because it can upset its digestive system. The advantages of Epsom salts baths for dogs should be understood before using them.
Clean Wounds
You can clean most of your dog’s wounds with Epsom salt. Apply the mixture to the afflicted area with a cotton ball after mixing it with water. Depending on the state of the wound, you might repeat this process multiple times per day. For serious conditions, don’t forget to consult your trusted veterinarian.
Close the room door if you’re inside to prevent your dog from escaping. You might want to put your dog on a leash if you’re outside or in a public space to keep them in the area.
Apply shampoo and lather it up once the coat is completely covered in water. Avoid getting shampoo in or near their eyes or ears.
The Epsom salt bath was just for relaxation, but your pet is now filthy from playing outside in the park. Bathtime is on the schedule. Some owners prefer to use shampoos and other products to ensure their dog is clean and comfortable, but you can always use Wild One’s great Grooming Wipes, which gently clean your dog’s skin and coat (while removing dirt and minimizing odor).
Next, start filling your tub with warm water. If you’d rather, you can just use a handheld shower head, but make sure to set it to a setting that won’t disturb your dog. Make sure the water is at a temperature that is comfortable for your dog and not too hot. Your dog might become startled by the cold water when placed in the bath.
It can be soothing to take a long bath in warm water. Add Epsom salts, and it becomes even more rejuvenating. Take a dive into a new way to pamper your furry friends, something that people have been doing for hundreds of years, but did you know that it can help your pup, too?
FAQ
Is Epsom salt safe to use on dogs?
Yes, you can use it on your dog to treat simple wounds and swellings, according to the specialized website PetMD. This is due to the fact that Epsom salts aid in muscle relaxation, itch relief, wound healing, and inflammation reduction.
How long should I soak my dog’s paw in Epsom salt?
Epsom salts Add 3–4 inches of warm water to your bathtub. After stirring in a few cups of Epsom salts, place your dog inside for 15 to 20 minutes. The moist, inflamed dermatitis lesions that can develop between the toes will be helped by this foot soak to heal and become less moist.