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Natural Remedies for Mastitis in Pets

| Modified on Aug 22, 2024
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Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands that can affect nursing pets, particularly dogs and cats. This condition is usually caused by bacterial infection, trauma, or milk stasis (milk buildup), leading to swollen, painful, and sometimes infected mammary glands. If left untreated, mastitis can progress to more serious complications, so it’s important to address the condition promptly. While veterinary care is essential, there are also natural remedies that can help alleviate symptoms and support your pet’s recovery.

Understanding Mastitis in Pets

Mastitis occurs when the mammary glands become inflamed, often due to a bacterial infection introduced through the teat or skin. Common symptoms include swelling, redness, heat, pain, and the presence of pus or blood in the milk. Affected pets may also show signs of fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the condition from worsening.

Natural Remedies to Treat Mastitis in Pets

Here are some natural remedies that can help manage the symptoms of mastitis and support your pet’s healing process:

Warm Compresses

Applying warm compresses to the affected mammary glands can help reduce pain and inflammation while promoting milk flow. Use a clean cloth soaked in warm water (not hot) and gently apply it to the inflamed area for 10-15 minutes, several times a day. This can help relieve discomfort and encourage milk drainage, which is essential for healing. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly afterward to prevent moisture buildup that could exacerbate the condition.

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help treat mastitis naturally:

  • Echinacea: Echinacea is known for its immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties. It can help the body fight off infection and reduce inflammation. Echinacea can be given as a tincture or supplement under the guidance of your veterinarian.
  • Calendula: Calendula has powerful anti-inflammatory and healing properties. A calendula salve or diluted tincture can be applied topically to the affected mammary glands to soothe inflammation and promote healing. Calendula can also help prevent secondary infections.
  • Garlic: Garlic is a natural antibiotic and can help combat bacterial infections. However, it should be used with caution in pets, as large amounts can be toxic. Consult your veterinarian before using garlic as a remedy for mastitis.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic remedies may also provide relief for pets with mastitis:

  • Phytolacca: Phytolacca is commonly used in homeopathy to treat mastitis. It can help reduce swelling, pain, and hardness in the mammary glands. This remedy is especially helpful if the glands are engorged and the milk is thick or clotted.
  • Belladonna: Belladonna is indicated when the affected area is hot, red, and swollen. It can help reduce acute inflammation and pain associated with mastitis.
  • Hepar Sulph: Hepar sulph is used when there is pus formation or the risk of abscesses. It can help draw out infection and promote healing.

Supportive Care for Mastitis

In addition to natural remedies, providing supportive care is essential for your pet’s recovery:

  • Frequent Nursing or Milk Expression: If your pet is nursing, ensure that all mammary glands are being used evenly. Rotate the puppies or kittens to different teats to help prevent milk buildup. If nursing is not possible, you may need to express milk manually to relieve pressure and prevent milk stasis.
  • Proper Hygiene: Keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent secondary infections. Gently clean the area with a mild antiseptic solution as recommended by your veterinarian.
  • Rest and Comfort: Ensure your pet has a comfortable, quiet space to rest and recover. Reducing stress and providing a calm environment can help speed up the healing process.

When to Consult Your Veterinarian

While natural remedies can be helpful in managing mild cases of mastitis, it’s important to consult your veterinarian if your pet’s condition does not improve within a few days, or if they show signs of severe infection such as high fever, significant pain, or abscess formation. In some cases, antibiotics or other medical interventions may be necessary to treat the infection and prevent complications.

Final Thoughts

Mastitis can be a painful and distressing condition for nursing pets, but with the right combination of natural remedies and supportive care, you can help your pet recover more comfortably. By using warm compresses, herbal and homeopathic remedies, and ensuring proper nursing or milk expression, you can alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Always work closely with your veterinarian to ensure your pet receives the best care possible.

Have you used natural remedies to treat mastitis in your pet? Share your experiences and tips! Continue reading below for advice from Earth Clinic readers who have successfully managed mastitis in their pets with natural treatments.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Apple Cider Vinegar

8 User Reviews
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  88%
4 star (1) 
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Posted by Anita (South) on 08/30/2015
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have one dairy cow. I read in dr Jarvis book, Folk Medicine, about how a daily dose of apple cider vinegar for a dairy cow will prevent mastitis. So as soon as I got my cow, I started her on vinegar. She was pregnant when I got her, and so when she had her calf, she had no problem, easily delivered, which is a side benefit of vinegar. She is now 9 months into milking. She went through the wet spring, when all my friends' cows got mastitis. She hasn't had a hint of mastitis. She hadn't been sick in any way. I cut up high protein hay and mix it with sweet feed for her to eat while she's milking, and I pour some pasturized apple cider vinegar over her feed. I don't measure the vinegar, I just give her a "pour." She loves vinegar, apple and pears. When I am leading her in or out of a gate, if pears are in season, I have one in my hand to give her. Pears and apples have the same nutrients as vinegar, but making them into vinegar makes them shelf stable for use in the wintertime.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by David (Gloucester, UK) on 04/24/2009
 ★★★★☆

I've been feeding ACV to my cows on & off for about 5 years now. I have added to the total mix ration (in a mixer wagon) at the rate of 60ml per head per day but have now reverted to pouring it in the water troughs daily or every other day. We think it is doing some good but still get recurring cases of mastitis in some cows and the odd new case occasionally. I haven't had the courage to stop using antibiotics but have cut back on the amount we used to use. New cases are drenched 100 mls mixed with water 2 x a day - seems to help. Not sure if it is the ACV or the seaweed but their feet are much harder now - so are my toenails since I started taking it!!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gerry (Cebu, PI) on 12/21/2008
 ★★★★★

I knew a farmer who never used expensive and dangerous penicillin when his cows got mastitis ,as he had orchards near him he gave his cows CV daily as a prevention and it worked well. I used to use Cv allot but now I am going to put some on my tongue and curl it then draw in a deep breath to nebulise it

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gerry (Cebu, PI) on 12/21/2008
 ★★★★★

I knew a farmer who never used expensive and dangerous penicillin when his cows got mastitis ,as he had orchards near him he gave his cows CV daily as a prevention and it worked well. I used to use Cv allot but now I am going to put some on my tongue and curl it then draw in a deep breath to nebulise it.

EC: CV = Cider Vinegar

Replied by Dawn
(Grygla, MN)
03/05/2009

Just how do you get your cows to drink CV (cider vinegar)????? Or do you treat their udders with it ??I'd be interested in how you do this.

Replied by Caroline
(King Country, New Zealand)
06/27/2009
★★★★★

We come fron a large 900 cow dairy farm and we add the Apple cider vinegar into our dosatron which is then put into the troughs on the farm. We use about 10mls per cow.

We have also found that we have less retainted membranes with calving cows since this has been introduced into our farming proceedures, before calving. You will notice their coats tend to be glossier.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sheila (Flint, Texas) on 09/19/2008

I have read the posts on giving ACV for goats with mastitis. What is it (ACV) and where do I get it?
Thanks.

EC: ACV = Apple Cider Vinegar. Sorry for the confusion - we will re-label the title so it is more clear!

Replied by Amanda Knopes
(Fruitland, Idaho)
03/06/2009

We have a small manufacturing company in Idaho called Golden Valley Vinegar where we have been making conventional and organic apple cider vinegar for 10 years. We are not a retail store but do sell in 55 gallon barrels and 275 gallon totes. Please check out our website at goldenvalleyvinegar.com for questions. We do ship all over the US.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chris (Symsonia, Kentucky) on 03/08/2007
 ★★★★★

I am feeding my Cows, Calfs, & Goats ACV. I can really see the difference. I have a calf that doesn't have a mother. We have been bottle feeding it. I have been adding 2 Teaspoons of ACV at each feeding -- the difference between him and my other calf is amazing. I have heard about all kinds of stuff it is good for in cows but buying it in the 32oz bottles from the Health Food Store is getting expensive. Does anyone know where i can buy it larger and cheaper thanks.

Replied by Belinda
(Rnid, Okahoma)
05/14/2008

I need some advise as to how much ACV to add to the feed of my Nubian goats wth Mastitis. We have nursing kids right now and are strugglng with two does with Mastitis. I need some help quick. Thanks for your quick reply. Belinda

Replied by Laura
(Sturgis, Mi / Usa)
09/29/2010

I have reading the posts on using ACV for mastitis. Will this work with rabbits? How much should I use? One teaspoon?

Replied by Dancerdeb
(Langley, Bc)
11/06/2013

Does the ACV not sour the milk the calf is drinking?

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee, Usa)
11/06/2013

Dear Dancerdeb,

We have used Apple Cider Vinegar in our goats' water often. They are dairy goats and we drink their milk, so we know that it has not caused it to sour.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Anita
(South)
08/30/2015
★★★★★

About the question of whether the vinegar sours the milk the calf is drinking. It would sour it if it were mixed with the milk. I do not mix it with the milk. There are lots of ways to give vinegar to animals. I give it to calves or cows by pouring it over sweet feed or hay. To do this, you really need to be feeding in a hard plastic container. Vinegar will rust metal or soak into wood. It won't hurt the wood, but it will waste the vinegar. You can also put the vinegar in their drinking water, provided the water container isn't metal. It is very easy to get cows, donkeys, etc., to drink vinegar. They love it, and it's good for them.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Peter (100 Mile, Canada) on 03/05/2007
 ★★★★★

We always had a hobby farm and quite often the milk cows would get mastitis. The vet would come and give her penicillin and after a few days it would clear up. The milk had to be thrown out in the mean time. We tried ACV -- it was an instant cure! Only 1 tbls in the morning with feed. This cure turned out to be just as effective in humans, I feel like a doctor!

Bag Balm, Cayenne

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
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Posted by Mlb (Del Rio, Tx) on 10/16/2010
 ★★★★★

We have had great success with rubbing bag balm mixed with cayenne pepper(Lots of it. It should be red. Don't get it on your hands or touch your face. Use gloves to apply it. ) on our Jersey's back quarter's at the first sign of hardening. We did this 5 to 6 times a day and after each milking. We also massaged the hardened quarter many times a day as well. We avoided any antibiotics by this method. We also increased milking to 4 times a day to flush her out and just discarded the milk as well. This cleared her up. It wasn't easy. The first 3 days were rather hectic but it was worth it, as we didn't have to use any meds on her. You could see the look of relief on her sweet face. In the end, it was so good knowing that we didn't use chemicals on our organic cow. It was all worth the extra work and of course, her health!

Electrolyzed Water

1 User Review
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Posted by Michel (West Palm Beach, Florida) on 10/06/2009
 ★★★★★

Another effective method to treat acute Mastitus is using Electrolyzed Water as replacement of antibiotics. I have been using Electrolyzed Water with approximately 200ppm HOCL and pH 6.5 instead of antibiotics. Results are very fast and the milk can be used immediately.

1) Treat cows with Electrolyzed Water AEW
2) Application with injector (syringe) at (not in) the opening of the tit.
3) Quantity: 100 to 150 ml (3 to 5oz).
4) Treat until animals daily after milking for 2-3days.

Warning: Do not exceed this dose.

Important notice:
a) Electrolyzed Water is injected by putting the injector (syringe) at the tit (not in) so there will be no damage inside. In this way, the treatment is more pleasant for cows.
Move Electrolyzed Water just like antibiotics higher in the udder by stretching.
b) When a farmer starts with Electrolyzed Water, the chronic and latent mastitis cases can be directly treated. Dead or infectious tissue of the latent infected quarter will be eliminated; this will come out of the udder. The udder becomes gentler and reoccurring incidents of mastitis are less frequent and greatly reduced. Therefore, treat cows at a moment when they do not show mastitis yet, but already show a high cell count or when one or more quarters are not feeling smooth.

c) In 90% of the cases antibiotics (by means of the injector) used for curing the udder can be replaced by Electrolyzed Water. This does not apply for antibiotics that are applied in the neck of the cow. The vet or farmer must determine to what extent antibiotics in the neck are currently significant.

d) When ELectrolyzed Water replaces antibiotics for mastitis treatment, milk can be immediately delivered to the milk factory.

For more information on Electrolyzed Water, visit http://aquaox.wordpress.com

Replied by Anne
(Naples, Florida)
11/04/2012

Do you know where electrolyzed water can be purchased in Florida with out having to buy a machine?

I live on the South west coast of Florida.

Replied by Electrolyzed Water Source
(Little River, Sc)
02/15/2013

IET out of Little River, SC used to manufacture electrolyzed water equipment for sale, but now they only lease the equipment. Recognizing that not everyone wants equipment on site or needs hundreds of gallons per day, they now also sell the electrolyzed water in any volume. They are also EPA registered as a disinfectant (EPA # 82341-1). Visit www.ietecaflo.com for more information and check their "What's New" tab for recent news and information about research in dairy applications. They can be reached at 843-390-2500.



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