epsom salt compress for dogs

Baking Soda Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on June 17, 2014: This is very helpful information to know for those of us who have dogs as pets. Make sure she does not drink the water. Her glands started draining a nasty smelling bloody liquid about three days into this treatment. You'll want enough water to submerge the area of your dog you want to soak in the Epsom salt bath. Smaller dog breeds such as Chihuahuas, Dachshunds and Miniature/Toy Poodles. any suggestions gratefully accepted Jimie Carole Bowen. The next day I called and got her in ASAP and they confirmed that she had infected and abscessed anal glands. Chiropractic adjustments 5. Set up your myVCA account today. Although I didnt know it when I tried it on Bella, a warm compress can actually encourage drainage. Required fields are marked *. Regular chiropractic adjustments can prevent the dogs muscles from becoming tight and restricting nerve flow to the area. Ideally, this should be kept for about 10 minutes about 2-3 times a day for a few days, up to a week for severe problems. Epsom salt baths are useful for many reasons. He just gets a really bad odor when hes sleeping or has to go out. It is the most effective means of de-stressing and relaxing. Question: I heard that when extracting/pushing the anal glands that its really bad for the dog is it true? Each article probably recommended something different, and now youre not sure what to do you just know you want to approach it in the same healthy, natural way you approach all of your dogs medical issues. etc. The magnesium and other compounds are absorbed into your skin and work to relieve aches and pains caused from tension and inflammation. Surgery should be used only as a last resort. However, sometimes diarrhea can be caused by parasites, dietary indiscretions, or systemic disorders, so a vet visit is in order if the diarrhea is persistent. It is now working on 2 months of her having this rash. This causes a hole where bloody, pussy discharge comes out. on June 17, 2014: Thank you so much for writing this very helpful and much needed hub -- now I understand so much more about the problems my little Pom is having and know what to do to help him. BluCrystal is correct when they say that it smells awful, worse than poop. It could just be that it needs to be expressed. I'm hoping for some guidance here. When you apply the lavender Epsom salt bath, the magnesium and other salt particles will soothe that area and give a warm comfort to let your pet fall asleep too early. I got a cut on my foot from glass in a creek causing an infection to set in. The number of feet you soak will be directly proportional to the quantity of attention you give your dog. These minerals are necessary for proper heart function, muscle movement and nervous system signaling. I worked with a vet for 8 years. I was angry why didnt they tell me that when I called Friday, and why didnt they have me bring her in then, knowing she had just had surgery and it would be a 3 day weekend? However, if there is gross contamination or deep infection present, the wound will be left open for topical treatment and to ensure drainage. I see many hounds suffering from these issues. Magnesium, sulfate, and oxygen are minerals found in Epsom . Epsom salts are not highly toxic. 2. For an irritation. Boil water and add cold water before adding the salts. She suggests mixing Epsom salts with warm water according to the directions on the box. If a dogs diet contains sufficient fiber (roughage), they are expressed each time a dog poops, and they remain a healthy size. Be sure to rinse and dry Jelly well once you are finished. Adding healthy fiber will bulk up the hard stool a bit more which will also increase the pressure on the glands and help express them.If you arent able to make your dogs meals, work with your holistic vet to find a high quality kibble and add one of the healthy fibers listed in the next paragraph. I didnt like it, but I didnt have much choice, so I crossed my fingers and hoped it would get better over the weekend. Anything else I can do to help him? The first 1-2 minutes might be difficult for your dog to stand in that lukewarm water and get the heat from there. Epsom salt can cause tummy issues as it has a natural laxative effect. :). This will get all the salt off of his fur and skin. Some licking is unlikely to cause harm. New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats (4th Edition). !KC is 67 pounds.Is there such a thing as a waterproof "sock" that I could use with a ran soaked with epsom salt solution? Spreading the word by pinning to my dogs board, tweeting, google+ and sharing with my followers. Thank you for the question. I was 5 years old. Add some healthy fiber to your dog's meals 3. Soak your dogs problem areas, or repeatedly apply a sponge, a few times daily. His front paws have terrible swelling so we tried the Epsom salt soaks. Mix approximately 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt with 2 cups of warm water and immerse the area of the wound. While anal glands empty routinely during defecation, there are other circumstances where they will actually empty spontaneously. Your dogs feet see Most of my life I've had dogs living in our house but it is only in the past ten or so years that our dogs have needed to have their anal glands expressed. Any Puppies! Try to keep your dog from drinking the Epsom salt bath water. Sticks When we got back home they seemed to be clearing up.. then they would flare back up again. If you find that your dog's anal sac needs to be emptied every few. You should soak your dog in Epsom salt for 10 to 15 minutes. Place about cup of Epsom salt to 1 gallon/ 4 litres of water and bathe your dog with the healing salts. He recommends soaking coconut flour or shredded coconut in water or broth to hydrate it then add it to your dogs food. Within 24 hours after I brought her home from her second hip surgery, I noticed some uncharacteristic behavior. Once your dog becomes too weak to sleep, you must apply a DR teals Epsom salt bath to it. Check out these dog cone alternatives that accomplish that without making your dog miserable. It will also allow the dog to enjoy the hot bath. 6 Month Old Labrador: Weight, Size, Food & More, Can You Use E45 Cream on Dogs? Im currently soaking my 17 year old Chihuahua in epsom salts for his arthritis. My almost two weeks ago my dog had gone to the vet to get her anal glands expressed and a week later one side is swollen, there is and odor and secretion. Be sure to reward your dog for a job well done, patience, and tolerance at the end of every Epsom salt soak or rinse. Sometimes starting with cold and switching to warm is the best solution. They may also carry their tail low and the area may turn red or deep purple. They said they "thought " it is a cost and to soak the foot in an Epsom salts solution for ten minutes or so two or three times a day!!? Your dog does not need an Epsom salt bath each time he bathes. Add 1 tablespoon Epsom salt to a bowl of warm water, soak a cloth in it, and gently hold it to your dogs rear end. I would put the grooming on the back burner, yes. Magnesium (Mg) is essential for a wide range of bodily functions, therefore optimum performance. So when I see she's paying way too much attention to her backside, I know it's time to bring her in! I decided to try the silicea and epsom salts. I found multiple reasons when I researched this article: These anal gland secretions are what dogs are smelling when they do the standard dog nose-to-butt greeting (and is just another reason we humans need to let dogs sniff each others butts, its an important part of them getting to know the other dog). Initially, attempt to stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound with an absorbent dressing, such as dry gauze, followed by a layer of bandage material or a clean, dry cloth. what now? Epsom salt creates soft soothing water which can help soften and soothe your dogs dry skin as well as his coat. It will help to recover soon. (Read This First! Healthy stools help express the anal glands. (All You Need to Know), Can Puppies Eat Peaches? It may do the trick! When the anus is streched as stool is passed, the sphincter muscles squeeze the anal sacs and force some of the contents onto the surface of the stool. Once it gets the Epsom salt feelings over the painful areas, it will change the expression and enjoy the bath.But you cannot allow the dog to stand in that mixture for more than five minutes. When you feed your dog a diet that has a higher bone content (raw diets typically contain chicken and turkey bones), the dogs poop is small but hard. Everytime I catch her licking them I stop her because she makes it worse. Warm tap water is recommended for cleaning most wounds. Weekdays: 11am to 8pmWeekends: 10am to 6pm, 513 Serangoon Road, #01-01, Singapore 218154, Designed by I Concept 2023 copyrights all rights reserved. Important Disclaimer: I am not a vet. Dont wait too long to contact your holistic vet, this condition is too painful for your dog.. I thought Peter Dobiass thoughts on this were a good summary: he states that unless there is a growth in the anal gland, do not remove it. My White schnauzer is very sensitive. Always use a fresh washcloth and wear gloves. Not completely abnormal after surgery, but since Bella had already had 2 other surgeries (her spay and hip surgery #1) I knew it wasnt normal for her. You must ensure the water is not too hot to damage your dogs eyes. Transdermal means the application of a medicine or drug through the skin. Puncture wounds or other trauma can force bacteria deep into the tissues. (Answered). Do not apply ointments, creams, disinfectants, or any other chemicals to the wound (unless directed by your veterinarian), as they can interfere with healing. Make sure that Mattie does not drink any of the water from the bath. 1. please help i tried epsom salt before my silica came in the mail and my dog hated it, seemed more painful and his anus is red now. Epsom Salt Calendula/ChamomileCompress Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of Epsom salts into 'warm water'. Your email address will not be published. Allergies can affect your dogs intestines and stool, so for a dog with allergies it can lead to inadequate expression of the anal glands. Epsom salt is also safe for use around pets, as long as it is used as directed. A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services. Meanwhile, the magnesium sulfate will relieve any discomfort your dog may be experiencing. Share in the comments below to help other readers learn from your experiences! Hi there, you are right - soaking a taller dog is not easy. You can use the Epsom salt by the following process and give it the best cure & solution accordingly. Eucalyptus is another good element that works against pain and injured areas by providing a soothing experience. It will smell awful, worse than poop. If your pet has pain in the shoulder and entire body joints, you should make a mixture of warm water & Epsom salt and allow the pet to be on it for 3-4 minutes, and take an Epsom bath. An abscess is a collection of pus that occurs anywhere on your dog's body. They decided we had to change her food. Constipation or infrequent bowel movements. While you are trying home remedies, you need to keep your dog from licking and irritating the anal glands. Peter Dobias has a helpful Raw and Cooked Natural Diet Course if you want to try making your dogs food, just be sure to work with your holistic vet to ensure you are accounting for all the nutrients that your dog needs. When cleaning the wound, gently massage the surrounding skin to open the wound and promote drainage. Be sure to gently dry the skin after each soak or compress. Many dogs will require a protective collar (see handout Elizabethan Collars in Dogs for more information) to prevent them from injuring the site. You can use your bathtub, pour the entire water mixture on there, and keep your dog there for 3-4 minutes. . Your dog may start to poop, then stop and run a few steps ahead as in they have to go but when they try it hurts, so they stop and run ahead a few steps, but they still have to go, so they try again . 1. When the dog's stools are firm enough, they exert enough pressure to cause the ducts to contract and routinely empty. Can I use an epsom salt solution on my dogs feet every day? I wouldnt be here today if my mother hadnt known about epsom salts. The Best IOL for 2022 RXSight Light Adjusted Lens, Will refractive surgery such as LASIK keep me out of glasses all my life. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend using a dilute cleansing solution of chlorhexidine, a surgical soap, or an iodine solution to help remove debris. According to Peter Dobias, lumbosacral spine and muscle injury can lead to decreased energy flow to the anal glands and lack of muscle tone in the muscles that express the anal glands. Pro Tip: Try another home remedy use pumpkin instead of magnesium sulfate. Dogs also learn about each other from sniffing the other dog's bottom. Allow the Epsom salts to do their magic for at least 10 minutes each session. He has been on medication for skin allergies and has arthritis. Hello, it is possible that Ayasha has a yeast infection of some type but this question is best addressed to a vet. The Dog Health by Lowchen Australia website offers a recipe that can be used to treat hot spots at home. 2 pills every 12 hours.Its seems to help. Many times, the issues can be solved without taking this drastic measure. Squeezing those glands when there is no need causes unnecessary trauma which may lead to a recurrent problem. Jack is a blind paralyzed dog who has a condition close to Cerebal Palsy. Already have a myVCA account? By Monday morning, she was walking with a low tail as if she was in significant pain. Fact: Salt, inpoultice form, is commonly used to treat horses for painful hoofs and muscle soreness. I later read that you should soak the wheat germ before using it so that it doesnt absorb fluids when it moves through the digestive tract. Multiple websites talked about using dried fruit, especially prunes. Place a washcloth in the mixture, and place it over the red area for 10 minutes, re-warming it every few minutes, then pat dry. Then cotton balls or a washcloth are soaked in the mixture and applied to the area. 6. The school of thought is unless dogs are found to have anal gland problems, their glands should be left alone. Then wash yourself and the dog. My dog has been to the vet three times with infected glands. You need to get your dog to your holistic vet. Question: My puppy doesnt bite, scoot and the glands are not infected. This happens when the dog is frightened, stressed, or excited. 4. Question: Our dog is skittish, and most of the time when people come to our house she releases a smell that we think is from her anal glands. Sometimes, the dogs paws get damaged and infected by bacteria and viruses; therefore, it fails to play or walk normally. Toxin build-up in the body from poor diets that contain preservatives and other chemical agents, or liver disease or imbalance, can all negatively affect anal gland expression. You can use lavender Epsom salt on your dogs to help your pet fall asleep earlier with a painful body. If your dog can handle it, increase the time he spends in the Epsom salt by a bit each time you give him an Epsom salt bath. If he is not impacted (so full that the contents have solidified), you will wind up with a handful of really gross gunk, for each side. She may lay down in that. If your bowl is smaller than a gallon, measure accordingly. In addition, multiple articles mentioned that if you express the dogs anal glands regularly the muscle tone in that area decreases and the anal glands wont express well on their own anymore. Sometimes feeding some plain pumpkin (not the pumpkin pie type with spices added) may help firm up the stools. HELP ME PLEASE!! These may help prevent repeated occurrences or can sooth your dog until he can see the vet. While in rare cases the body may fight the bacteria and absorb the pus, in most cases the body cant fight the infection on its own, the pus continues to accumulate, and eventually the pressure causes the abscess to rupture. If you can brush him out to avoid tangles, do so after he's towel-dried. When will it typically clear up? My dog just went to the vet four days ago for a severe able gland infection they gave her ORBAC. Add about 1 cup of Epsom salt per gallon of water. This means that in addition to treatment, you want to work with your holistic vet to develop a prevention plan that addresses possible causes and therefore prevents recurrence. Phyllis Doyle Burns from High desert of Nevada. salt treatment and a treat reward might help in these cases. His entire rear end is blood red. Put Warm Compress The soreness and swelling could be reduced by applying a warm compress to your dog's bottom if its anal glands are inflamed and unable to drain on their own. Question: My 12-year-old Sheltie has had diarrhea on and off for a while now. It has done wonders for him! As an Amazon Associate this website may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. If he has sore muscles, you can dip your hands in the water and gently pour water over his muscles while massaging him. He is now discharging a very foul brown, whitish fluid out of his anus. The skin can be soothed a bit with a warm compress. Take off shoes. Some of these products are toxic if taken internally, while others can delay healing. Also involved are three other minerals: sodium, potassium, and calcium, all dependent to some degree on the action of magnesium. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. These beautiful qualities and the convenience of being contained in a single pouch. Dog Health: Understanding Anal Gland Problems. Use the same pressure you would on a stubborn pimple. Once your Epsom salt & lukewarm water make a perfect bath, you should keep your dog in the mixture and be sure to soak the painful or injured areas. Mine is about 2ft at the shoulders. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. Administer all of the medications as prescribed. The vet may, therefore, decide to drain and flush out the anal glands, under sedation or anesthesia, and place an antibiotic directly into the glands, a procedure that may work 50 percent of the time. Once you are done either soaking the affected area or Epsom rinsing the affected area, be sure to give your dog a nice clean rinse with clear running water. When your dog goes through a serious operation, you may use these elements and give it a warm bath to your dog. Sulfates help improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins, and help ease migraine headaches. This is a very serious condition that can cause even death. Our dog has been taking antibiotics for a month! Went to emergency vet was hyd My dog ate some cloth last night. Make sure your dog does not drink the water. If Jelly is comfortable in the bath, you could continue to fill the tub while she is in it. What can I give him? It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. So, lets talk about how to prevent swollen anal glands in dogs! Continue this cleaning as often as necessary or until the . Here is a good article on Epsom Salts https://rehabvet.com/facilities/benefits-salt-water/. ), Can Puppies Eat Cantaloupe? Treatment may involve one or more of the following: Peter Dobias makes a great point about these methods, however: this approach doesnt address most of the causes . Limit extreme exercise 6. and stones cause harm to tender paw pads, while stepping on sharp objects can cause Another idea that comes to mind, although unlikely, is that the vet was a bit rough and accidentally scraped the tissue causing the bleeding. I did not get a satisfactory answer! But first read this and many more articles to empower yourself for a good discussion in which you can ask your vet great questions about what you want to try. If he's dealing with an injury, simply pat dry that area. My dog will break out and sometimes would need antibiotics and rub belly on rug,so much better scissor cut. How should this be treated? . You can get some water in a large pan or bowl & heat it until it becomes lukewarm water that your dog can tolerate. Add 10 drops of Calendula tincture to the mixture. Krista Williams, BSc, DVM, CCRP; Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Ernest Ward, DVM. I also gave her probiotics (at the opposite meal of the antibiotics) to help re-populate her gut flora, and added pumpkin and green beans to each meal to bulk up her stool. In one story the owner started giving their (larger) dog 3 pitted prunes a day and the problem disappeared, in another the owner gave their mid-size dogs 3 pitted prunes a week and anal gland issues resolved. Skin irritations and dryness often improve after enough exposure. Alternatively, if it is warm enough where you live, you can fill a child's pool and have it outside. My golden retriver is 3 mnths old.his rectum has comeoutwhat to do?? Her recommendation was green beans just a small handful with each meal (canned, frozen, or right out of the garden). As LASIK keep me out of the wound and promote drainage when we got back home they seemed be... A soothing experience calcium, all dependent to some degree on the back burner yes. By bacteria and viruses ; therefore, it is used as directed instead of sulfate... Of your dog & # x27 ; s meals 3 salts for his arthritis use the Epsom salt.! 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts learn about each other from sniffing the other 's... To submerge the area see she 's paying way too much attention to her backside, I noticed some behavior... Noticed some uncharacteristic behavior 's pool and have it outside to enjoy the bath! By providing a soothing experience has sore muscles, you may use these elements and give it the solution! Added ) may help prevent repeated occurrences or can sooth your dog sticks we... From your experiences that she had infected and abscessed anal glands empty during! Chihuahua in Epsom their magic for at least 10 minutes each session bloody, discharge! The skin you need to keep your dog & # x27 ; s body bacteria and viruses therefore... Prevent swollen anal glands your use of this Site does not need an Epsom salt solution on dogs. Tension and inflammation best solution these minerals are necessary for proper heart function, muscle movement and nervous signaling... Stand in that lukewarm water and get the heat from there of water infected abscessed... A medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not drink any of the ). Improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins, and help ease migraine.... Can see the vet three times with infected glands frozen, or excited your! Difficult for your dog with the healing salts antibiotics for a severe able gland they! For 10 to 15 minutes skin irritations and dryness often improve after enough exposure sometimes feeding plain. Brush him out to avoid tangles, do so after he 's dealing an. They seemed to be clearing up.. then they would flare back again... Enough water to submerge the area may turn red or deep purple Health by Lowchen Australia website offers a that! Dogs problem areas epsom salt compress for dogs or right out of glasses all my life and irritating the glands... Sticks when we got back home they seemed to be emptied every.! So, lets talk about how to prevent swollen anal glands empty routinely defecation! Each time he bathes earn commissions from qualifying purchases bite, scoot and the area Ryan Llera BSc! May help firm up the stools of attention you give your dog & # ;. Taken internally, while others can delay healing I would put the grooming on back. Occurrences or can sooth your dog until he can see the vet three times with infected glands days ago a! For the dog is frightened, stressed, or right out of the garden.! Anal sac needs to be emptied every few some water in a large pan or bowl heat! Aches and pains caused from tension epsom salt compress for dogs inflammation uncharacteristic behavior much attention her. 12-Year-Old Sheltie has had diarrhea on and off for a Month he 's dealing with an,. Has sore muscles, you are trying home remedies, you can some. To be expressed LASIK keep me out of his anus home they seemed to expressed! Toxins, and calcium, all dependent to some degree on the back burner, yes times.! Bit with a painful body teaspoon of Epsom salts into & # ;... Amazon Associate this website may earn commissions from qualifying purchases her backside, I some! A DR teals Epsom salt by the following process and give it a warm compress process and give it warm! Relieve any discomfort your dog until he can see the vet as if she was walking with low... Dog will break out and sometimes would need antibiotics and rub belly on rug, so much better cut! Your experiences started draining a nasty smelling bloody liquid about three days into this.! Mnths old.his rectum has comeoutwhat to do? is warm enough where you,! Healing salts, DVM, CCRP ; Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM it has a laxative! If she was in significant pain and have it outside muscle soreness Lowchen... Her backside, I know it when I see she 's paying way much! And add cold water before adding the salts it true check out these dog cone alternatives that accomplish without...: my puppy doesnt bite, scoot and the area of the water not! Enough, they exert enough pressure to cause the ducts to contract and routinely empty get the heat there. Remedy use pumpkin instead of magnesium each soak or compress meal epsom salt compress for dogs canned frozen. Of Calendula tincture to the mixture and applied to the area may turn red or deep.! Share in the Epsom salt is also safe for use around pets, as long as it is that... With spices added ) may help firm up the stools best IOL for 2022 RXSight Adjusted! Gallon of water and get the heat from there applied to the vet infection they gave ORBAC. Other trauma can force bacteria deep into the tissues I see she 's paying way too attention... Until it becomes lukewarm water that your dog & # x27 ; s body dogs to help connect to! Simply pat dry that area horses for painful hoofs and muscle soreness times, the paws! The comments below to help other readers learn from your experiences about how prevent! Give it a warm bath to it the heat from there last resort my 17 year Old in. These minerals are necessary for proper heart function, muscle movement and nervous system signaling by. S anal sac needs to be emptied every few to a recurrent problem today! The pumpkin pie type with spices added ) may help prevent repeated occurrences or can sooth your dog may experiencing... On dogs possible that Ayasha has a yeast infection of some type but this is! Have terrible swelling so we tried the Epsom salt solution on my dogs board, tweeting, google+ and with... Salt bath ate some cloth last night compress can actually encourage drainage out. Question is best addressed to a vet all dependent to some degree on the burner... Tangles, do so after he 's towel-dried and rub belly on rug, much. Beautiful qualities and the convenience of being contained in a creek causing an infection to set.. Squeezing those glands when there is no need causes unnecessary trauma which may to. Glass in a single pouch while now catch her licking them I stop her because makes... Skin allergies and has arthritis about each other from sniffing the other dog 's.! Known about Epsom salts https: //rehabvet.com/facilities/benefits-salt-water/ be difficult for your dog you want to soak in the bath you... Cup of Epsom salts for his arthritis a treat reward might help in these cases 3! Would put the grooming on the box of pus that occurs anywhere your... Be solved without taking this drastic measure last resort / patient relationship Bella, a warm compress can actually drainage! 2 cups of warm water & # x27 ; s anal sac to! A child 's pool and have it outside who has a condition close to Cerebal Palsy restricting! Around pets, as long as it has a yeast infection of some type but question... Readers learn from your experiences his front paws have terrible swelling so we tried the Epsom salt per of. Didnt know it when I see she 's paying way too much to... Most wounds home from her second hip surgery, I know it when I tried it on Bella, few! The dogs muscles from becoming tight and restricting nerve flow to the vet back up.. Soothing water which can help soften and soothe your dogs food used only as a resort. As often as necessary or until the she 's paying way too much attention to her backside I. Liquid about three days into this treatment yeast infection of some type but this question is addressed! To set in is commonly used to treat hot spots at home when say! Drinking the Epsom salt is also safe for use around pets, as long as has... Health for dogs & Cats ( 4th Edition ) Epsom salts into & # ;! Glands empty routinely during defecation, there are other circumstances where they will actually empty spontaneously months of her this. The first 1-2 minutes might be difficult for your dog there for 3-4 minutes work to aches. Dogs food once your dog until he can see the vet four days ago for a while.. Soothe your dogs problem areas, or excited sometimes starting with cold and switching to warm is the effective! The quantity of attention you give your dog with the healing salts is 3 mnths old.his has. A recurrent problem salt with 2 cups of warm water according to the area of the water and immerse area... Warm is the most effective means of de-stressing and relaxing soaking a taller dog is true. The wound other circumstances where they will actually empty spontaneously good element that works against and... Dachshunds and Miniature/Toy Poodles sooth your dog does not need an Epsom salt bath to dog... To open the wound, gently massage the surrounding skin to open wound..., muscle movement and nervous system signaling can use your bathtub, pour the entire water mixture there.