Hot Packing at Home

Hot packing (also known as a warm compress) is often recommended by your veterinarian as part of a wound or abscess treatment plan, in order to help reduce swelling and promote drainage.  Pet owners can easily hot pack at home by following these instructions.

What you need:

• Warm water
• Epsom salts (available at the drugstore)
• Clean wash cloth

What to do:

1. Gather your supplies and a few treats. 
2. Dissolve 1/2 cup Epsom salts in  2 cups warm water. 
3. Soak the washcloth in the water, and then wring out the excess. 
4. Apply the washcloth to the wound or abscess for 5 to 10 minutes.  Re-wet the washcloth as needed to keep it warm. 
5. Treats!

Tips:

• If the wound is low on the leg or on the tail, it may be easier to soak the whole foot or tail in a shallow bucket with the warm water and Epsom salts.
• Be sure to clean the container and launder the washcloth after each use.