Holistic Remedies for Skin Masses in Pets: Natural Solutions You Need to Know
Should I Worry About This Lump on My Dog or Cat?
That’s a great question! In today’s newsletter, I’ll explain how to determine if the lump on your dog or cat is something serious or just something to monitor.
Fortunately, most of the lumps we find on our pets are not serious, but even benign lumps can cause problems. Knowing the difference is important.
What You Can Do About Lumps
In some cases, there are supplements that may boost the immune system, helping it to attack and reduce abnormal growths. One option you should consider is our NEW 95% Curcumin Supplement: Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin for Dogs and Cats.
Curcumin is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, which can help your pet’s body combat certain health issues, including lumps.
Dog Lumps and Cat Lumps: 11 Quick and Easy Solutions
If your dog or cat has developed a lump, it’s understandable to feel concerned, but the good news is that there are a number of things you can do at home. Most lumps are easy to feel and often show up on the chest or back. While lumps in dogs are usually benign, lumps in cats tend to be more concerning and can often be cancerous. You might notice these lumps while simply petting your pet, especially as they age.
As your pet gets older, its immune system becomes less effective, making lumps and bumps more common. The immune system is constantly working to ward off abnormal growths, but with age, it becomes less efficient. Common dog lumps include lipomas (benign fatty tumors) and sebaceous cysts (blocked skin glands), while cats are more prone to developing cysts or firm, rapidly growing lumps that might be cancerous.
Assess the Lump
The first step when you find a lump is to assess its severity. Lumps that are regularly shaped and move easily under the skin are generally less serious. Fatty tumors, or lipomas, fall into this category. Lumps that grow slowly are typically benign, and those that discharge a cheesy substance are usually sebaceous cysts that can be left alone.
Aspiration of the Lump
To determine if a lump is serious, it’s important to visit your veterinarian. A simple needle aspiration and cytology can often tell you whether the lump is something to worry about. The vet will take a small sample of cells from the lump to examine under a microscope.
Keep Them Clean
If a cyst ruptures, it’s essential to keep the area clean to prevent infection. Wash the cyst twice daily with an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or iodine, and trim the hair around it to make cleaning easier.
Use Warm Compresses
Applying warm compresses to lumps and cysts is an often-overlooked treatment. A cyst that hasn’t ruptured yet may shrink by applying a warm cloth to the area daily. Make sure the cloth is warm but not too hot, and apply it until it cools. Doing this twice a day for at least a week can help reduce the size of the lump.
Stimulate the Immune System of the Skin
You can boost your pet’s skin immune function by giving them Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. A dosage of 100 IU per 10 lbs of body weight daily is ideal for Vitamin E. Omega-3 fatty acids, especially those found in fish and krill oil, are also excellent for stimulating the immune system. My own Krill Oil supplement, Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Omega 3 Formula for Dogs and Cats, is a great option.
Healing Mushrooms
Certain mushrooms are known to have immune-stimulating properties. Some of the best options include Turkey Tail, Reishi, and Chaga. The recommended dose is 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar acts as a peeling agent, removing dead skin cells and helping with warts. When applied consistently, warts may harden, turn black, and eventually fall off. Start by cleaning the area with a mild soap, then apply ACV using a cotton ball and secure it in place overnight. With regular application, you should see results in about a week.
Topical Herbs: Aloe and Calendula
Aloe and Calendula are two herbs that can help reduce inflammation in a ruptured cyst. They’re available in cream form and are easy to apply.
Green Tea
Green tea has a number of benefits, including stimulating the immune system and helping reduce the size of lumps. For dogs, a standardized green tea extract dosage of 50 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily can be beneficial.
CBD and Other Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids, such as CBD, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to support the immune system. They can be helpful for both benign and potentially cancerous masses. The standard dosage is 3 mg per 10 lbs, given twice daily. Our New Ultimate Cannabinoid Blend, which includes CBD and other cannabinoids, is a great option for managing lumps.
Homeopathy: Thuja
A homeopathic remedy that has helped many dogs and cats with abnormal lumps is Thuja. It’s often recommended by homeopaths for both canine and feline cancers. The usual dose is 30C, given once or twice daily for at least 30 days.
Colostrum
Colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals, has shown promise in promoting immune responses and reducing skin masses. It’s safe to use both topically and orally, with a recommended dosage of 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
Curcumin
Curcumin, derived from turmeric, has been studied for its anti-cancer properties. It targets several cell-signaling pathways and has been shown to help with precancerous masses. A dose of 50-100 mg per 10 lbs, given once or twice daily, is recommended. Our ULTIMATE High Absorption 95% Curcumin supplement is 700% more bioavailable than regular curcumin, and with added piperine, absorption is enhanced even further.
If you find a lump on your pet, take comfort in knowing that most lumps are benign and can be treated at home. However, if you’re ever in doubt, I encourage you to have the lump examined by your veterinarian. If the lump is benign, you can explore some of the natural treatments I’ve outlined above to help your pet heal.
P.S. Be proactive and regularly examine your pet for lumps. If you find one, consider starting with a potent anti-inflammatory herb like 95% curcumin, which has numerous studies backing its effectiveness.
P.P.S. Check out our ULTIMATE High Absorption 95% Curcumin supplement—it’s one of the best options for bioavailability and effectiveness.