Puncture wounds are a common injury for our furkids. Nails, branches, and other pointed objects can poke a hole in their skin, or more commonly their paws. If you notice the puncture as it happens, it's easier to deal with. Remove any splinters or other objects left in the wound. Wash the area thoroughly.

If the wound closes up right away, or is in the paw, consider giving the homeopathic remedy Hypericum. Hypericum is also helpful in avoiding tetanus. The puncture wound that would benefit from Hyper will also be very painful and the animal will not want you to touch the injury. This remedy will help greatly with the pain.

Another homeopathic remedy that is especially helpful for puncture wounds is Ledum palustre. It can be given after Hyper or if the area around the injury is cold.

Many times, our cats and dogs will puncture themselves and we won't notice it right away. The wound may heal over and seal closed. Only if the injury begins to abscess will we see upon inspecting the area that a puncture had occurred. Sometimes it can be very difficult to see the actual site of the puncture, so look carefully. The area may be hot, swollen or causing the animal to lick or chew at the area. To clean out the wound, try soaking the area in warm water with salt or epsom salts. Hypericum can be used for these older wounds as well, especially if the hair has fallen out around the wound. Ledum is very useful too, especially if there is thick pus coming from the wound once it is soaked. Arnica montana should also be considered if there is bruising around the puncture, it's a deep puncture or it itches.

Any of these remedies can be given two times a day for a few days or until improvement is seen. Keep a close watch over the wound area for infection getting worse. Professional assistance may then be needed.