What is a saline solution?
A saline solution is simply just a mixture of salt and water. Saline solutions are just salt water, and usually contain around 0.9% sodium chloride, or salt, so that it can be used to clear out wounds, sinuses and other medicinal purposes.
Saline solutions are most commonly used to clear out the nose, and eyes for reducing inflammation, clearing infections or build ups in the sinuses. Many people use saline safely on children, newborns and adults for quick results and extra help in breathing.
As the salt content in a saline solution is similar to that of our tears, then it can be safe for use on dogs and animals too, however, you will have to be careful using some products as they may have a higher salt content or pH levels.
Can you flush a dog’s nose with saline?
You may be surprised to find that you can use saline to flush out a dog’s nose.
This can be done safely and is highly useful in breaking up buildups within the nasal cavity, however the practice is not done often as dogs do not react well to having treatments squirted up their noses.
It is quite uncomfortable for them, and they will struggle and squirm to get away.
However, we always recommend that you consult a veterinarian first if you believe that your dog has a health problem or blockage in their nasal passage.
As long as you have the go ahead, and are instructed on the best products to use on your dog, then you can use saline to flush out the nose.
How do I make saline solution for my dogs nose?
To make a sinus rinse, or nasal irrigation solution, follow these steps:
How to Relieve a Dog’s Stuffy Nose
Saline solution serves many purposes, including rinsing contact lenses and clearing out your sinuses. Want to know how to make saline solution at home? Learning how to DIY saline can save you money and a trip to the pharmacy.
Saline solution (also called physiological or isotonic saline if you’re fancy) is essentially a mixture of salt and water. Most variations contain 0.9 percent salt (aka sodium chloride).
The mixture has the same sodium concentration as your blood and tears, so it mimics what’s found in your body (woo-hoo, science!).
Saline is a gentle, effective option whether you’re trying to rinse a part of your body or hydrate it.
Saline can be applied directly to your skin or inserted into your veins (with the help of a doc, of course). When it comes to making saline solution at home, we’re strictly talking external use.
Making saline solution at home is generally safe as long as you wash your hands before you start and wash the container you’ll store your saline in. An easy way to make sure your container is sterilized is to run it through the dishwasher.