A warm compress works by dilating blood vessels and improving circulation where it’s applied, bringing healing elements to the area faster and helping draw away fluid that may accumulate and cause discomfort.
Your veterinarian may recommend warm compresses or heat therapy for your dog to reduce pain in inflammatory conditions like arthritis or to help injuries or surgical wounds heal. Heat therapy can also relax muscles and decrease muscle spasms.
Warm compresses do not help in every situation and should only be applied under the direction of a veterinarian. Using them improperly can damage your dog’s tissues and delay healing. It’s important to know how to properly administer heat therapy to your dog to avoid complications.
Key Takeaways
- Warm compresses for dogs can improve circulation and promote healing to inflamed areas.
- Warm compresses are typically used for dogs with arthritis or those recovering from injuries or surgery.
- Always test the compress temperature before applying it and only leave it applied to your dog for 10–15 minutes at a time, unless your veterinarian recommends otherwise.
- Consult your veterinarian before beginning heat therapy on your dog.
When Should You Use a Warm Compress for Dogs?
In general, warm compresses work best after the acute inflammatory phase of healing has ended, usually three or four days after an injury or surgical procedure like a spay or neuter. Using it too early in the healing process can actually make inflammation worse and may increase the pain your dog is experiencing.
While most commonly recommended for healing wounds or surgical sites that have some swelling, warm compresses can also be very useful in chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis or back pain.
Heat therapy works particularly well alongside rehabilitation exercises to improve flexibility of joints and soothe aching or contracting muscles.
Warm compresses work best after the acute inflammatory phase of healing has ended, usually three or four days after an injury or surgical procedure.
Are There Risks When Using Warm Compresses on Dogs?
When made and used properly, warm compresses are very safe for your dog. But you do need to take a few important precautions to avoid injury:
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Only use warm compresses externally, on skin covered in fur. Do not use compresses on your dog’s eyes, nose, or mouth unless specifically directed by your veterinarian, as these areas can be easily injured.
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Do not use a warm compress on your dog if you cannot hold it comfortably to your cheek or wrist for at least 30 seconds. If your dog shows any signs of being uncomfortable with the compress (growling, agitation, moving away from the compress), stop using it immediately.
How To Use a Warm Compress for Dogs
Once you determine the heating pad is a comfortable temperature and safe to use on your dog, simply hold it gently to the desired location.
Your veterinarian may have a specialized regimen depending on the goals of therapy, but a common routine is applying heat for 10–15 minutes and repeating three to four times daily (about every six to eight hours) as your dog tolerates it.
Remember: Only use a warm compress on your dog under the direction of your veterinarian.
Warm Compresses for Dogs FAQs
How do you make a warm compress?
Many commercial heat therapy products are available, but you can easily make your own with a washcloth soaked in hot water and placed in a plastic Ziploc bag to keep your dog’s skin dry.
Can I use a human heating pad for my dog?
Smaller, unscented heating pads made for humans may be used for a warm compress on your dog as long as they are a comfortable temperature and not applied for too long. Avoid larger pads that may distribute heat over a too-large surface area and cause your dog to have difficulty regulating their temperature.
