Epsom salt, scientifically known as magnesium sulfate, is a crystalline substance with a wide variety of therapeutic uses. It derives its name from the town of Epsom in Surrey, where it was first discovered in mineral springs. Traditionally reserved for human therapeutic products, awareness of the benefits of using Epsom salts with our canine companions has grown exponentially in recent years.
Epsom salt is composed of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen, offering numerous health benefits including muscle relaxation, stress reduction, and skin exfoliation. Widely recognized for its soothing properties, Epsom salt has become a popular addition to our bath and beauty regimens, however it is now becoming increasingly popular with our four-legged friends too.
How should you use Epsom salts?
If you have a dog that loves bathtime, Epsom salts can simply be added to their bath water as you would with your own. If they’re not a big fan of the tub however, then you might want to bathe certain areas of the body separately using a bowl – and plenty of natural treats for ‘encouragement’.
Both of these options can be messy and a bit of a pain, however there is a third option. Using a pre-packaged solution like our Natural Epsom Salt Gel, you can apply the product directly to the affected area easily and conveniently without a towel in sight.
Studies have shown that magnesium sulphate is readily absorbed through the skin, making topical application a less stressful hassle-free experience.
What are the health benefits?
Epsom salts offer a range of health benefits:
- Reduces joint stiffness and improves mobility
- Relieves muscle aches and soreness
- Soothes painful bruises, sprains and strains
- Supports natural wound healing
- Helps to reduce inflammation
- Cleanses and alleviates itchy skin
- Helps to maintain a healthy glossy coat
Magnesium sulphate also helps to support many of the body’s natural functions, including the absorption of nutrients and flushing of toxins from the body, helping to keep your pet feeling naturally healthy from the inside out.
Will my dog benefit from using Epsom salts?
All dogs will benefit from using Epsom salts, particularly if they are involved in agility training, high-energy activities, or suffering from muscle tension due to age-related issues.
Conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, or general joint stiffness can significantly impact a dog's mobility and quality of life. The anti-inflammatory properties that Epsom salts possess can be a valuable asset in managing these joint-related concerns. Regular use can provide much-needed relief for dogs suffering from chronic joint discomfort, allowing them to move more comfortably and maintain an active lifestyle.
Similarly for dogs suffering with dry, itchy or irritated skin, Epsom salts can be particularly beneficial. The skin is the largest organ in a dog's body, and its health is crucial for their overall well-being.
The magnesium content helps maintain proper skin function by promoting hydration and reducing inflammation. Whether your dog has sensitive skin, allergies, or is prone to dryness, Epsom salts can provide natural ongoing relief, whilst also helping to maintain a healthy glossy coat.
Again, the magnesium helps improve nutrient absorption, which is essential for promoting healthy hair growth. It can help reduce shedding and minimize dandruff, resulting in a softer, shinier coat. Magnesium’s skin-nourishing properties extend to your pet’s hair follicles, ensuring that their coat remains not only beautiful but also healthy from root to tip.
Are there any safety concerns with Epsom salts?
Whilst the health benefits of using Epsom salts with your dog are clear, it is important to ensure that you are using them safely. Ingestion of Epsom salts in large quantities can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration, meaning that you should take strict precautions to keep any products out of the reach of reach of your ‘inquisitive’ canine.
If you are considering using Epsom salts for external applications like bathing, ensure that you monitor your pet closely for any signs of discomfort or adverse reactions. It is essential to follow proper dilution ratios as recommended by your veterinarian.
As mentioned above, using a pre-packaged solution like our Natural Epsom Salt Gel would avoid this dilution issue, allowing you to apply the product directly to the affected area easily and conveniently. The same precautions would need to be taken however regarding accidental ingestion.
Summary
As we’ve explored above, the use of Epsom salts with our four-legged friends can be massively beneficial to their health and happiness in a range of different ways. From helping to alleviate those aches and pains, to improving their mobility and enhancing quality of life, Epsom salts offer a myriad of different health benefits. Highly versatile and easy-to-use, we’d highly recommend that our Natural Epsom Salt Gel should be the first item you scribble down on your next doggy shopping list. The product is also suitable for cats and other small pets too.
Make sure you come back and visit our Blog & Advice Hub regularly for more helpful advice on how to help keep your pet feeling healthy from the inside out
3 comments
Thank you for your enquiry, a member of our team will be in contact with you directly with further details. In the meantime I can confirm that our Epsom Salt Gel can be used on Cats, Dogs and other small pets like Rabbits or Ferrets.
Hello can these Epson salts be used on cats as I have a bungalow cat with a allergy results him licking himself heaving sore patches on his skin
Re the Epsom salts blog, is this available for cats as well as dogs and if not, do you have anything similar for cats. Thank you