cover: Hans Isaacson | Unsplash
Healing clay for dogs. Natural remedies are all the rage with us humans. Healing clay has long been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, as a face mask and as a cooling mud pack for joint problems. Your dog can benefit too! We have taken a closer look at when healing clay can be used as a therapy and what side effects it may have.
What is healing clay?
Healing clay is extracted from loess, a light grey sediment found in the soil of many regions. It is a colourful mixture of minerals.
Among other things, healing clay consists of:
iron
calcium
magnesium
sodium
copper
manganese
silicium
nickel
selenium
zinc
When mixed with water, it forms a thick slurry that can be applied to the skin. Healing clay is also available in capsule or powder form. It is important to always check whether the product is intended for internal or external use.
When is it useful to administer healing clay?
Depending on how it is used, healing clay can be used to treat different conditions. It is often used for heartburn or diarrhoea. Some vets recommend it for osteoarthritis. You should be aware that the effects of healing clay are not scientifically proven, but are based on the experience of many generations. There is also very little information available on the use of healing clay in dogs. Our veterinarians have therefore looked closely at the therapeutic options from human and veterinary medicine that can be applied to your pet.
The components of healing clay play a key role in this, as they have a number of useful properties. For example, it contains carbonate salts which act as buffers and can neutralise acids. This is why it can help with heartburn, for example. Other substances in this natural remedy are antibacterial and, like activated charcoal, absorb toxins and harmful metabolic products.
Healing clay is used externally to treat arthritis and skin conditions. Healing clay compresses, for example, can help with joint pain by cooling the affected area and reducing inflammation. However, you should change the compress after 15 minutes as the clay heats up quickly.
The antibacterial effect can be utilised on wounds: Here too, the healing clay is mixed into a paste and applied to the wound. You can also fix the whole thing with a bandage. This dries out the affected area of skin, preventing infection and inflammation.
image: Couleur | Pixabay
The right dosage for your dog
Depending on the size of your dog a different amount is required. You can administer healing clay directly as a powder or choose the capsule form. The latter is probably more acceptable to many dogs. When buying healing clay, make sure that it is intended for internal use.
Dosage for healing clay powder (daily doses are indicated):
small dogs (up to 10 kg) receive half a teaspoon
if your dog weighs between 10 and 25 kg, the correct dose is one teaspoonful
with a body weight between 25 and 45 kg, your dog receives 1.5 teaspoons
all dogs over 45 kg receive 2 teaspoons
This information is only a guideline. As healing clay is not a medicine and there are no fixed manufacturer's instructions, the correct dosage may vary. You should therefore always discuss the administration with a vet.
What is the best way to give healing clay to dogs?
The powder should not be given with water, but is best hidden in a treat. Once the wet 'sludge' forms, acceptance decreases. Even easier are capsules, which can be placed in the mouth like a tablet or hidden in food. Just make sure your dog takes the full amount to maximise the effect.
How long can healing clay be used?
As with dosage, there are no set guidelines for the duration of use. As an acute aid for internal use (administered for 1-2 days), healing clay can relieve symptoms. However, it should not be used for prolonged periods as it not only absorbs harmful substances in the gut, but can also reduce the absorption of important nutrients. It can also cause constipation if used for long periods.
External use is different. You can use it over and over again as a compress or to heal wounds.
As a general rule, you should consult a vet if symptoms persist. Healing clay is only a tool that can aid healing. However, further action is often needed to get your dog back on track.
Can healing clay be harmful?
Yes, if fed for too long or in too large a quantity it can cause digestive problems. This can lead to blockages or poor absorption of nutrients. You should never give it orally for more than 2 days.
Conclusion about healing clay for dogs
As an acute remedy for heartburn or diarrhoea, healing clay helps to remove toxins from the body and soothes the gastrointestinal tract. For osteoarthritis, cold compresses help to reduce inflammation and therefore pain. Healing clay can also help with inflammatory skin conditions and insect bites. However, it is not a cure-all and further treatment is often needed. If symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea persist for more than 2 days, or if an open wound becomes infected, your pet should be examined and treated by a vet.
The confidu magazine is written by our veterinarians according to current scientific standards. The articles do not replace a veterinary diagnosis, but are intended to provide you with initial information on many topics related to your animal. If you have specific questions about your pet, our vets will be happy to advise you via the confidu app.