Herbs for Dogs: An Introduction

Herbs are pure and simple medicine. Medicine the way God intended. You can easily boost your dog's immune system or treat minor ailments with just one herb. Herbal formulas for pets are becoming more and more readily available. You can take advantage of these often inexpensive formulas to delay or eliminate the effects of many genetic dog diseases.

Follow the safety instructions and recommended dosage:
Careful attention should be given to the dosage instructions. Just like prescription drugs toxicity or overdosing on herbs can cause serious health problems. You will need to know the weight and age of the dog before feeding any doses.

Buy herbal formulas only from trusted companies. There are no FDA standards on herbal formulas for dogs. The only way to be sure that the formula includes the quality ingredients listed so by purchasing only from reputable companies.

As in people herbs can interact with prescription drugs making the drug more or less efficient. Never start your dog on an herbal formula with out first consulting your veterinarian.

When administering a new herbal formula be sure to watch the dog for signs of allergic reaction. Again as in people herbs can cause allergic reactions. If you see signs of an allergic reaction even if it is just a rash discontinue use immediately.

Many herbs may need to be refrigerated or stored in a cool, dry area to keep them fresh.

Avoid these Herbs:
Black Walnut - Black Walnut is common in many worming formulas. However, its side effects can cause serious intestinal damage and vomiting. Black Walnut should be avoided or used only under a veterinarian's direction. Black Walnut hulls should never be feed to a dog as then can carry a fungus that is lethal.

Comfrey - Comfrey is an extremely dangerous herb for dogs even at proper doses. NEVER use comfrey without direct veterinary assistance. Comfrey can cause liver failure if used for extended periods or if an unknown pre-existing condition is aggravated.

Ephedra - Just as in people Ephedra can have disastrous effects on the heart. Ephedra raises the blood pressure and can be used in small doses to effectively treat certain ailments.

Garlic - Garlic has many benefits but it can be harmful to puppies under eight weeks of age. In older dogs garlic has great benefits when used in proper doses.

Pennyroyal - Pennyroyal is used by many scrupulous companies as an inexpensive but effective ingredient in flea treatments. However, Pennyroyal is extremely toxic even when applied topically. Avoid Pennyroyal, especially in its oil state which is very concentrated and lethal to dogs.

St. John's Wort - St. John's Wort should not be used on light colored or hairless breeds. St. John's Wort increases the skins sensitivity to sun making sun exposure dangerous.

Try These Herbs:

Bee Pollen - Administer 1/4 teaspoon for every 15 pounds two to three times weekly. Bee Pollen can help regulate the digestive tract and calm the symptoms of allergies.

Chamomile -

Gotu Kola -

Horsetail -

Milk Thistle -

Mullein -

Yarrow - Yarrow tea can be used to treat urinary tract infections. Brew some yarrow leaves and add the tea to your dogs daily water.Treat liver problems with mullein tea. The tea can be mixed with a high quality dry food for picky dogs.Treat liver disease with 6,000 units a day of Milk Thistle. Hair loss can be prevented by administering horsetail daily. Horsetail can also help soothe some skin conditions.Gotu Kola can be used to treat canine dementia or senility. Chamomile can be used to treat nausea and motion sickness. When using chamomile to prevent motion sickness the chamomile must be administered at least 30 minutes before traveling.