herbs for DOGS

Aloe vera



<DD>This delicate succulent cannot survive in most non-tropical climates. But many cooks keep a potted aloe on a sunny kitchen counter, at the ready in case they burn themselves. The jelly-like pulp inside the leaves of the aloe vera herb is soothing to skin irritations such as insect bites, minor burns, lick granulomas and hot spots.
Because aloe has antibacterial qualities, it can be used on surgical incisions, where it will stimulate healing. Most animals will avoid licking the area, because of the juice's bitter taste.
To administer the aloe, simply snip off a piece of a leaf, squeeze out the juice, and apply topically.
While aloe can be given internally, primarily as a laxative, it can cause severe digestive upset. It's best to stick to topical applications and consult an herbalist for internal treatment.

<DD><DT>Burdock (Arctium lappa) <DD>Burdock is the deep cleaner of the herb world, and when used over time, it can help clear the body of toxic elements - hence its reputation as a "blood cleaner." Its ability to flush out wastes and toxins makes it useful for treating arthritis, and liver and kidney diseases.
If you live in an area where pesticide and chemical use is high, consider adding burdock as a nutritional supplement to your dog's diet, as it can help filter those dangerous environmental toxins from your animal's system. Burdock is also useful in treating chronic skin conditions such as eczema.
Burdock is an extremely safe herb, and can be used without fear of toxicity or side effects. Many dogs also like the taste of it and will eat it readily. You can buy fresh burdock root at health and ethnic food stores and grate it atop your dog's food, or buy the dried root.

<DD><DT>Calendula (Calendula officinalis) <DD>The pot marigold is good for skin conditions, healing and reducing inflammation in the area as it inhibits infection. Use it in cream form on irritations such as insect bites, poison ivy, small cuts, lesions and minor burns. Because calendula heals and closes skin rapidly, make sure wounds are clean and free of infection before applying. <DT><DT>Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) <DD>Another detoxifier, this common lawn weed cleans the blood-stream and liver, and improves the workings of the kidneys and stomach. It helps regulate bowel movements and aids in moving toxins and poisons out of the body. A valuable diuretic, dandelion improves elimination efforts by the kidneys and liver, all the while helping the body maintain its potassium levels.
Provided you do not garden with pesticides or chemicals, the nutrient-rich leaves can be plucked right from your lawn, pulped and added to your dog's food bowl.

<DD><DT>Garlic (Allium sativum) <DD>Garlic stimulates liver function, flushes out toxins, reduces free radicals that can cause cancer, boosts the immune system and acts as a germicide. In addition to helping stave off and treat viruses, tumors, parasites and fungus, garlic lowers high blood pressure and improves digestion. It is also often used as a natural flea preventive.
Like burdock, this is another good herb to add to your dog's meals several times a week. It can be fed fresh or as a powder. As with most herbs, more is not better - it has been suggested that prolonged use might cause anemia - so feed garlic in moderation.

<DD><DT>Ginger (Zingiber officinale) <DD>Ginger's nausea-relieving properties are well known, and it is often used as a remedy for vomiting and motion sickness. A dog who tends to be carsick might benefit from powdered gingerroot capsules given a half hour before the excursion. Because of its properties as a stomach soother, this herb also helps treat indigestion. <DD><DT>Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) <DD>Traditionally, hawthorn was used as an astringent to treat diarrhea, among other conditions. Today, we regard it primarily as a heart tonic, helping stimulate the circulatory system, normalize blood pressure and reduce arrhythmia. Its restorative effects on heart muscle make it a candidate for dogs with cardiovascular problems and congestive heart failure. <DD><DT>Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) <DD>This anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, antiviral herb is called the "great detoxifier." It can help boost the adrenal and endocrine systems.
Because licorice soothes inflammation and mucous membranes, consider it for colitis, diverticular disease and gastritis. These same properties make it a good choice for coughs and respiratory ailments. This herb should be avoided in animals with heart problems, especially rapid heartbeats or high blood pressure.

<DD><DT>Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) <DD>This herb, a member of the sunflower family, is synonymous with the liver. Charged with the demanding job of eliminating toxins from the body, the liver sometimes needs a helping hand during times of stress - for example, when a dog is given a potentially toxic drug or treatment such as chemotherapy, or after vaccination or anesthesia. Milk thistle helps safeguard the liver when toxicity is high. Most herbalists recommend giving this herb only when it is needed, not as a general liver tonic, because it can negatively affect liver function if given indiscriminately. Also, avoid this herb if your dog is pregnant. <DD><DT>Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) <DD>Here's another great addition to your dog's food bowl. Parsley is a cancer inhibitor and tonic-meaning it helps boost the body's overall functioning, clearing the bloodstream and liver of toxins. As it does in humans, parsley can help improve bad breath in dogs. <DD><DT>Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) <DD>This herb has always been regarded as a female tonic, strengthening the uterine walls and relaxing spasms. This is a popular supplemerit for bitches who are going to be bred, and is often used throughout their pregnancy to tone the uterus and encourage adequate milk production. <DD><DT>Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) <DD>Herbalists know this tree bark to be a first-line treatment for diarrhea, colitis and most any inflammation of the intestinal tract. It soothes the mucous membranes of the intestines, as well as the respiratory and urinary tracts. This is the herb to try for dogs with sensitive stomachs, who have extreme reactions to even the slightest variation in diet. <DD><DT>Valerian (Valeriana offtCinalis) <DD>Valerian is a natural sedative, reducing pain, muscle spasms and palpitations. It has been used for centuries for its tranquilizing properties, and small, frequent doses can help calm a panic-stricken or anxious dog. Try giving this herb before any stress-inducing situation - a visit to the vet, a long road trip.
There is some evidence that valerian can help minimize seizures in epileptic animals. Giving too high a dosage may cause intestinal upset, and use of this herb is contraindicated in pregnant animals.

<DD><DT>Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) <DD>This common roadside flower has many qualities to recommend it. It is a good diuretic, helping the body flush out wastes and toxins. It reduces inflammation and has a healing effect on mucous membranes. Useful for treating fevers and infections, yarrow can also help in blood clotting.

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