Hydrotherapy is one of the most widely used methods for treating diseases related to the bone, cardiovascular and immune systems, to alleviate muscle pain and combat disorders such as stress, anxiety or depression. Thus, it is no secret to anyone that this holistic medicine technique obtains excellent results in both human patients and dogs. To do this, treatments can be carried out in pools manufactured for these purposes, with the advice of a canine physiotherapist, or by going to the sea, also under the specialist's instructions. However, did you know that the effects of seawater are also reflected in the condition of the dog's skin?
With the water of a pool our dog will not improve the he alth of his skin or coat, however, in the sea this fact changes completely. In this way, it is not surprising that we ask ourselves, Is seawater good for dogs' skin? In what cases can it be used and What? We will solve these and more questions in this article on our site, so keep reading!
Benefits of seawater for dogs' skin
Yes, seawater is good for dogs, a statement supported by a study carried out by the French researcher René Quinton at the end of the 19th century. In it, he found that almost all the elements of the periodic table are found in the composition of seawater, as well as a wide variety of nutrients that are also present in the body of all mammals. Thus, and after several experiments, he was able to discover that diluted seawater helped to stabilize the patient's body, to treat problems related to organs, such as the kidneys, and even to act in severe cases of bleeding, injecting the liquid as a transfusion.
In his study, the benefits of seawater for dogs in its diluted, injected or drunk form are revealed, however, this discovery is also interesting to understand why baths with seawater they are able to considerably improve the condition of the dermis. As we said, thanks to its composition, the body manages to stabilize itself, strengthening its immune system and protecting it from pathogens. By producing this consequence, the skin is also benefited. Next, we present the main benefits of seawater for dogs' skin:
Regenerates damaged tissue
Seawater has important antiseptic and healing properties, so that when damaged skin comes into contact with this liquid, it activates its regeneration process. Of course, for the results to be as expected, the seawater must not be contaminated.
Helps disinfect wounds
Thanks to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, seawater favors the correct disinfection of any type of minor wound. In this way, it is a perfect natural remedy to heal and disinfect wounds caused by scratches when scratching or first and second degree burns. In cases of very serious injuries, such as those caused by third or fourth degree burns, or injuries caused during a fight with another dog, they must be attended by the veterinarian and, once treated, apply seawater if the specialist Approves It.
For minor injuries, either a sea bath or a topical application to the affected area can be used. To do this, you can collect a little liquid in a bottle, clean the dog's injury with it, letting it act for a few seconds, removing the remains, reapplying another layer of seawater, drying and, finally, covering the wound with a dressing.
Relieves itching
Due to the antibiotic and soothing properties of seawater, patients with atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, scabies, psoriasis or dandruff, among other skin diseases that cause intense itching, can see their symptoms relieved considerably and the sensation of itching reduced. In this way, not only is it possible to reduce the inflammation and irritation that these pathologies produce in the affected dog, but it also prevents it from scratching and, therefore, causing new wounds. However, it should be noted that seawater should never act as the only treatment for these conditions, it must be a complement to veterinary treatment, an aid to make the body recover more quickly.
Sea water for mange in dogs
As we pointed out in the previous section, seawater is good for dogs and can help relieve symptoms caused by skin conditions such as mange. To do this, it is advisable to let the patient enjoy a daily bath in the sea, in which he can swim and let the water act on the wounds, helping combat the presence of mites that cause the disease, disinfecting them and relieving itching. We emphasize the importance of the word "help" because, as we said, seawater cannot constitute the treatment of scabies, but rather a complement to it.
After bathing with sea water, since this natural liquid will have already had its effect, it is essential to bathe the dog with the shampoo prescribed by the veterinarian. Being a dermoprotective shampoo, you should not worry about damaging the protective layer of the dog's skin, since this type of product is already designed to respect it and not disturb its function, quite the opposite.
If you do not have access to the sea, you can buy bottled seawater and carry out the baths at home, or come one day to fill your own bottles. In this sense, another effective remedy to reduce itching, inflammation and irritation caused by scabies is the one made from seawater and olive oilTo do it, you just have to buy a sprayer, put in it sea water, a tablespoon of olive oil, shake, apply on the affected areas and let it act. Remember to remove the remains after each application.
All these tips are also applicable to other skin conditions, such as atopic and seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, ringworm, allergies or pyoderma.
Sea baths for dogs at home
For seawater baths to have their effects, it is essential not to force the dog into them. So, if your furry companion has a phobia of the sea, never force him to bathe in it, because you may be able to improve his skin, but you will increase his fear and develop other equally serious disorders, such as stress or anxiety.. For these cases, it is best to carry out sea baths for dogs with skin problems at home, ensuring a totally relaxed and positive environment for him.
If you have access to the sea, you can follow the instructions in the previous section. If you do not have access to the sea, you should know that you also have the possibility to simulate sea water yourself. To do this, you must follow the following proportions:
- 1 liter of hot or distilled water
- 60 grams of pure sea s alt
Once you have obtained the sea s alt, which you can substitute with Himalayan s alt, you must heat the water if you do not have distilled water. When hot, add the s alt and stir well to integrate it. Optionally, you can add a couple of drops of tea tree oil, neem oil, almond oil, or olive oil. You can use this solution to make baths at home, or put it in a sprayer and apply it only to the affected areas, always removing the remains afterwards and leaving the area well clean. In this way, you can take advantage of the benefits of seawater for dogs in the comfort of your home, although it should be noted that they are not as strong as those provided by the real sea.
Can dogs drink seawater?
As we mentioned in the first section, the researcher René Quinton discovered that diluted seawater provides multiple benefits to all mammals and, therefore, we can say that dogs can drink seawater but not directly from the sea, but in the right way. Drinking this diluted liquid will not only allow you to see the condition of your skin improved, but it will also help to promote cardiovascular function, promote the bone system and strengthen your immune system, among many other benefits.
Before delving into how to give a dog seawater, it should be noted that it is classified into two types: hypertonic, corresponding to pure seawater, and isotonic, referring to seawater diluted and used in the Quinton method. Thus, we can deduce that the water we should offer our furry companions is isotonic, which we can buy ready-made or make ourselves. To make it at home, we must dilute one part of seawater in three parts of common water, preferably weakly mineralized. From the solution obtained, it is recommended to give the dog 20 ml daily of isotonic seawater, no more. Likewise, the introduction of this liquid must be progressive.
In addition to offering the dog isotonic seawater to drink, we can use this solution to cook its food, as long as a homemade diet is followed. Thus, instead of boiling meat, fish or vegetables in ordinary water, we can do it in three parts of fresh water and one of sea water. In this way, we will ensure that the dog takes advantage of all the benefits of seawater for its skin and, in general, for the entire body, without it perceiving it and being able to reject it.
