 |
Herbal Medicine for Dog CareHerbal medicine for dog care was around long before dogs were domesticated by humans. Thousands of years ago, the ancient Greeks observed dogs’ innate ability to choose and eat wild herbs to prevent disease and stimulate healing. They believed that the Greek God of medicine, Asclepius, admired dogs the most because of this impressive trait.We encourage
you to read this page from start to finish, but feel free to click one
of the following links to jump ahead...
Juliette de Bairacli Levy, renowned herbalist and natural dog care expert, states her amazement at the dog’s ability to select medicinal plants in nature:
Though the concept of herbal medicine for dog care is foreign to many dog owners today, it is quite familiar to the ancestors of our beloved pets.
How Can My Dog Benefit from
Dog Herbal Medicine?
Believe it or not, you probably have quite a few common herbs in your
pantry or garden that could be used to treat common dog ailments.
|
While herbal medicine for dog care can be
extremely beneficial, it can also be poisonous if used incorrectly. You
should consult with a professional herbalist or licensed vet before
proceeding with treatment.
| Abrasions | Fleas, Ticks and Lice |
| Abscesses | Heart Weakness |
| Arthritis | Kidney Trouble |
| Bad Breath (More on dog dental hygiene) |
Nervousness |
| Bladder Troubles | Paralysis |
| Broken Bones | Poisoning |
| Eye ailments | Vomiting |
| Diarrhea | Stings |
| Distemper | Tumors |
| Fatness | Worms |
Many in-depth books have been written on the subject of herbal medicine for dog care. If you are interested in learning the amazing possibilities of herbal dog treatments, we highly recommend finding a local veterinary herbalist and a comprehensive book that details the correct usage of herbal dog remedies.
|
1) The Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association (VBMA) is a "group of veterinarians and herbalists dedicated to developing responsible herbal practice by encouraging research and education, strengthening industry relations, keeping herbal tradition alive as a valid information source, and increasing professional acceptance of herbal medicine for animals." Click here to search their Member Directory. 2) If you cannot find a veterinary herbalist in your area through the VBMA, try a broader search for holistic veterinarians. Most holistic vets will have knowledge about herbal medicine for dog care. Click here to search for veterinary holistic vets in your state as compiled by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. You can select "Chinese Herbs" or "Western Herbs" in Step 2 ("Select Modality") of the search for a more refined list. Since the “sort” function does not always work properly, try this:
|
The
following books include comprehensive information
about herbal remedies and recipes:
Veterinary-Specific
- Veterinary for Herbal Medicine by Susan Wynn, DVM
- Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine by Susan Wynn, DVM and Steve Marsden, DVM
- Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Richard Pitcairn
- Four Paws Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Cheryl Schwartz
- The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat by Juliette de Bairacli Levy
- The Green Pharmacy by James A. Duke, PhD
- PDR for Herbal Medicines (Physician's Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines)
Are Herbs Safe for My Dog?
Generally speaking, herbs are remarkably safe and quite easy to find and prepare. A growing number of pet owners are beginning to look at herbs in a new and beneficial light.Pets Unlimited is a growing natural animal hospital in Pacific Heights, California. According the owner Joe O’Hehir:
| “Finally, people are ready for this…In the last few years we’ve really seen the demand grow, especially with the aging pet population.” |
Californians seems to be leading the charge for herbal medicine for dog care, and a number of vets and pharmacies are opening to accommodate the new demand. If you do not have a veterinary herbalist in your area (search above directory), educate your local vet about your research. They can evaluate your findings and reach out to holistic vets in other areas to give you recommendations. You can also contact holistic vets in other areas for a phone consultation.
Herbs to Avoid
Even though the large majority of herbs are safe for our pets, there are still herbs which should be avoided. Animals can also have allergies to certain substances or can be much more sensitive when they are ill, so it is good to test any new herb in a small amount (or smaller dose at first than what is recommended) to make sure it is safe for consistent use. Be on the safe side and only use herbs that have been approved and recommended by your veterinarian.Most toxicity problems occur when inappropriate dosing is used. Although not an all-inclusive list, the following herbs have the possibility of being toxic if digested by your dog. It is recommended that these herbs only be used under the direct recommendation and supervision of a veterinary herbalist:
| Arnica | Ginko |
| Comfrey | Lobelia |
| Ephedra Garlic | Pennyroyal |
| Essential Oils | St. John’s wort |
| Garlic | Tea Tree Oil |
How Do I Prepare Herbal Medicine for My Dog?
It is essential that you make sure the problem you wish to treat with herbs is not something more serious and life threatening. So again, speak with your vet before beginning any herbal treatment.Once your dog is cleared, there is a good chance that dog herbal medicine will succeed where other methods have failed!
Fresh Herbs
Many fresh herbs such as parsley and thyme can be picked directly out of your garden and added to your dog’s regular food.
Make sure that the correct dosage is given in the
most effective form. It is safe to add dry herbs to your dog’s food but
herbs are most effective when made into an infused tea.
Hard, fresh herbs such as wood and roots can also be used when made into a decoction.
Infusion and Decoction
Creating an infusion of herbs for your dog care is
as simple as making a pot of tea. They are made using fresh or dried
herbs, flowers, leaves and powdered roots. 
- Pour one cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of herb in a cup or glass
- Keep the mixture covered and stir occasionally for 5 to 15 minutes
- Pour mixture through a coffee filter and add to dog’s food
Making a decoction is very similar to an infusion but differs in the use of hard herbs such as solid roots or tree bark.
- Use one teaspoon of herb and place in a cup with cold water
- Bring the mixture to a boil and allow boiling for 5 to 10 minutes
- Remove from heat and cool before pouring through a coffee filter
- Make a fresh decoction every day and serve with food or filtered water
 |
Taylor Tips! I really like it when my owners add some honey to an infusion or decoction. I have to admit I have a sweet tooth that is rarely satisfied! |
Tablet or Capsule Form
There are many herbal medicines designed especially for pets that are formulated into the capsule or tablet form.
Using this form of an herb is relatively simple
and can be given to the dog at any time of day through the mouth. Many
of the herbs used can have a very bitter taste, so try wrapping the
tablet in a piece of cheese or meat to help it go down easier.
Fresh Plant Cream
Herbs such as echinacea and chickweed can be made into lotions for easy application the skin of your dog.
Such herbs are made into creams through a very simple process:
- Juice the fresh plant
- Pour the juice through a coffee filter
- Combine 10 ml of the juice with 50 g of vitamin E cream
- Apply the lotion to your dog at an appropriate time
How Do I Know the Correct Herb Dosage for My Dog?
Veterinary herbalists specialize in herbal medicine for dog care and know exactly how to prescribe the correct dosage for your dog’s individual needs.
As
mentioned above, if there is not a veterinary herbalist in your area,
search the database and
either contact one in another area or have your vet reach out.
Herbal medicine for dog care requires very specific dosing. If you are feeling tentative, please start with the smallest dose and work your way upwards under supervision of your holistic veterinarian.
Experts also recommend that herbs be used in
combination to strengthen their properties and minimize the possibility
of side effects.
What Herbs Should I Have Available at Home?
Many of the following herbs are commonly found in our homes and used by people for cooking and personal herbal therapies. It is a great idea to have the following herbs stored in your cabinets or growing fresh in your garden as many forms of herbal medicine for dog care are derived from them:| Aloe | Dandelion |
| Calendula | Garlic |
| Catnip | Ginger |
| Chamomile | Green Tea |
| Comfrey | Peppermint |
| Corn Silk | Turmeric |
Also see...
Illnesses & Remedies (then click on illness-specific links for recommended herbal medicines)
Back
to Health and Wellness from Herbal Medicine for Dog
Care
Dog Herbal Medicine References
Powered by |