When it comes to manuka honey you’ll be aware of two things – (1) what a wonderful natural healing powerhouse it is, and (2) the jaw dropping price tag on jars of manuka honey.
When it comes to our dogs, particularly when they suffer minor cuts, scrapes, and abrasions, manuka wound gel can be a game changer. It’s not that expensive either, and it’s worth having a tube in your medicine cabinet for when your dog gets injured.
Let’s take a look at when you can use manuka wound gel, when you shouldn’t, and where you can buy some in Australia:
Where to buy manuka wound gel for dogs (and cats)
The most popular brand of manuka wound gel in Australian is PAWs from Blackmores, but you’ll find most have a similar formula – usually a combination of Leptospermum sp. (manuka) honey around 80%, combined with natural oils and waxes for wound management.
Here are a few options for manuka wound gel in Australia:
When to use manuka wound gel (and when not to)
Manuka wound gel should be used on small cuts, scrapes, and abrasions. Some use it to sooth hotspots and skin rashes, which although beneficial requires other considerations we will cover shortly.
The gel can provide a fantastic barrier against contamination and prevent infections. Many use it for post-surgery care to support healing as well as improving the healing of cuts and scrapes.
Manuka has antibacterial properties and should not only prevent bacteria, but reduce pain. Combined with natural oils and waxes it should also shield any injury from dirt and contaminants.
You can use manuka wound gel on your dog for:
- Small cuts
- Scrapes
- Abrasions
- Hotspots
- Rashes
- Minor burns
However, keep in mind you shouldn’t use manuka wound gel in the following circumstances:
- Serious wounds
- Already infected wounds
- Deep puncture wounds
- Severe injuries
- Cavity or orifice wounds or issues of any kind
- Major burns
If your dog shows any reaction to manuka wound gel then stop using it immediately. It’s not common for dogs to suffer allergic reactions to manuka wound gel, but any sign of redness or swelling then these are signs your dog is suffering a reaction to the gel or an infected wound.
If your dog has any serious injuries, signs of infection, redness, or swelling, then need I say an examination by your veterinarian is highly recommended?
Using manuka wound gel on hotspots and rashes
Manuka wound gel can provide much needed soothing on hotspots and rashes, but keep in mind this will only alleviate the affects of what may be an underlying health or diet issue.
My experience over the years with pet food has suggested a strong correlation between diet and hotspots, skin condition, and rashes.
We often hear the term “allergy” in relation to “itchy scratchy dogs”, but the sad truth is we often feed our dogs inappropriate foods. If our dogs react to ingredients in a kibble such as wheat, cereals, by-products of cereals, soy, or other problematic ingredients, then this isn’t an allergy, it’s a dietary sensitivity to something they shouldn’t be eating anyway, based on their biology.
If you suspect your dog’s hotspots, itchy skin, yeasty ears, or skin rashes – even a dry or dull coat – then I highly recommend taking a look at the ingredients in your dog food.
If you need help, feel free to read the relevant review on this website, or get in touch!
