Coat or not to coat?
The use of balms or gels in animals is not quite common and raises questions for owners and veterinarians. However, it is a very suitable form to use certian active substances for particular problems, especially in case of skin or musculoskeletal problems. In various skin conditions the situation is quite clear, ointments and gels are commonly used and we will approach them in another article. Today, we will focus on the use of gels and ointments to treat musculoskeletal problems in animals.
The back hurts, the joints are stiff…
Most of us know this personally. You wake up in the morning and your body reports a problem, whatever the reasons – physical overload, illness, or age. A typical choice in such cases is to use a gel or ointment intended for these problems.
When your dog companion has problems with movement, the veterinarian will recommend rest and joint nutrition. But why not try some coating? now comes the typical question – should I coat the coat? Is it an issue? In fact, that depends on the owner.
Coating for going
Applying an balm or gel is, of course, more challenging than when you give a dog a tablet of joint nutrition (a combination of both, of course, does not exclude one another). It is necessary to calm and relax the dog, find a moment when you will apply the ointment or gel. It is then necessary to apply the product in smaller doses on the affected area, to spread the fur so that it reaches the skin and work it in carefully. Even with breeds with a very thic fur it is not a problem to use these products, it just requires a little more care from you, as the owner.
So there is another objection – why coat a dog‘s (cat, horse) joints or muscles, when you just give them the tablet and the problem is solved? It depends mainly on the owner. If one considers his time spent taking care of an animal a waste, then they’re left with no other choice than nutrition. However, there are several advantages to using an balm or gel. First, you address the problem right where your four-legged friend feels it. Massage itself has a great impact on humans, it is not different for the animal. It promotes blood circulation, starts the healing processes in the body, relaxes muscles and tendons. In addition, you get the right active substance right through the skin into the epicenter and promote healing of the affected area. Some may find it interesting that the price for this therapy is much lower compared to joint nutrition. What your friend will appreciate most by far is the time you spend on taking care of the affected area. Regular care deepens the relationship between the owner and the animal.
Would you like ointment or gel?
The advantage of Vetercann products is the possibility to choose the appropriate form. Balm is already an ointment, naturally its main advatage comes when you need to give the animal a long-lasting massage, you want to treat a larger area and have enough time to treat it. A entirely greasy product will ensure a comfortable use and low consumption and therefore a better price. If you have a patient at home who needs proper rehabilitation after surgery or injury, or is an elderly patient, an ointment is the perfect choice.
But what if you have a sporty dog at home or your dog lives outside in the garden? Or you just don’t want to use a greasy product? A gel becomes handy then. Being a water-based product, it does not grease and is quickly absorbed. It is perfect for quick application, for example, right on site after a race, a long walk or another overload.
Whether you choose either form of the product, your dog friend will certainly appreciate it. Some of our patients are so fond of the therapy that they will set themselves up so that their caregivers can get to the affected area as soon as they see Vetercann’s packaging. And this is an appreciation that a tablet of joint nutrition will not get.