Learn about medicinal herbs for dogs. You can boost your dog's health or alleviate common conditions by using herbs sold in grocery and natural food stores.
Herbs prove beneficial in all aspects of life to any animal. Ginger is known to help with nausea and vomiting. There are many others out there. Medicinal herbs can help with everything from depression to anxiety to urinary tract health to joint health.
Herbs for Dogs with Arthritis
If your older dog is showing signs of arthritis, many medicinal herbs will help. Alfalfa contains high amounts of calcium, iron, potassium and silicon. With strong antioxidant benefits, alfalfa is used in many situations to help alleviate the pain and swelling associated with arthritis.
Licorice offers anti-inflammatory benefits. It helps reduce the pain and swelling of arthritis.
Burdock is used to treat many problems dogs face including arthritis. It's also beneficial because it expels toxins from the kidneys and bladder.
To reduce the pain dog's with arthritis feel, sprinkle dandelion flowers on your dog's food. The flowers are rich in lecithin and help relieve pain.
Flax seeds are rich in essential fatty acids that help with joint health. They help with arthritis and even improve heart health.
Rashes and Skin Problems
Homeopathic veterinarians insist that pet owners keep calendula salve in their cabinets. The medicinal herb stops bacterial and fungal skin rashes. It's an astringent that works well at cleansing wounds and soothing insect bites, including fleas.
Red clover works well on eczema, psoriasis and dry, itchy skin. Some feel it is also beneficial for battling cancer because it is rich in beta carotene and vitamin E.
Relieving Anxiety and Nervousness
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, sprinkle catnip on his food. Up to one-half teaspoon per pound of food will help alleviate tension. In addition, catnip is good at helping a gassy dog.
Purchase some chamomile tea bags and soak it in water. Offer these herbs for dogs when they are nervous. Chamomile is a mild sedative that is safe for any dog, including puppies. In addition, chamomile helps reduce gas and nausea.
Herbs for Dogs that Stop Bleeding
Cutting your dog's claws too short is traumatic to both dog and owner. Stopping the bleeding is also difficult. Use cayenne powder to stop the blood flow. Powdered yarrow also works.
Nettles are helpful in a number of situations. Dogs with cuts or nosebleeds benefit from a nettle poultice.
Kidney Health, Viruses and Bacterial Infections
Echinacea is antimicrobial and helps the body's immune system. An echinacea mouthwash is great for oral health. They're also good herbs for dogs battling colds and other viral illnesses.
Dogs who have frequent ear infections benefit from Mullein weed. The flowers offer antimicrobial properties. It's also useful in fighting mange.
Hawthorn helps increase blood flow. It's been proven beneficial to dogs with heart problems stemming from heartworm, viral or bacterial causes.
If a dog is having liver problems, milk thistle is the best choice. Milk thistle helps protect the liver from damage and also stimulates the cells into repairing themselves.