Helpful Herbs For Dogs

In the wild, animals learned early on that eating certain types of vegetation made them feel better.
Herbal remedies differ from conventional drugs in using parts of the whole plant rather than isolating single active ingredients. In traditional forms of herbalism, the choice of herbs depends upon the dog's personality as well as its medical condition. In modern herbalism, there is greater emphasis on the chemical constituents of the herb itself.

Many veterinarians are now receptive to the medicinal benefits that some herbs have and they are increasingly encouraging the use of them for the treatment of various conditions. Prevention is always better than cure and it is well known that nutrition is a major factor in maintaining good health. Feeding herbs can assist greatly as herbs are vitamins too. Herbs are a great, natural source of vitamins, which include antioxidants, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, fiber, proteins, sugars, carbohydrates, chlorophyll, trace elements, essential fatty acids and other beneficial compounds. And because the Creator has produced them, they are naturally balanced and easily assimilate. Research has proven that an excess of a single vitamin or mineral can cause the same symptoms as a deficiency of that same vitamin or mineral. But with foods and herbs Nature already has everything balanced.

There are no major differences between vitamins created in the lab and those found in food except that vitamins found in food do not contain unnatural substances like preservatives, artificial colors, sugar, starch, coal tar and other harmful additives and fillers that are found in some supplements and are more bio available to our pets, the liver knows how to metabolize them.

We highly recommend herbal vitamins or medicines in liquid form - of either ( extracts / tinctures / tea ) for quick healing. The herbal fluids go through to the blood stream quickly rather than through the digestive system / stomach if it were in powder or tablet. (You can also break open the capsules and add to hot water to steep your own tea)

Below you will find some highly recommended herbs for your dog's health.
(Please see our Articles section and Blog for more information on herbs and how to use them and when.)

Common conditions where herbs may help

Motion sickness: ginger
Hot spots: black or green tea, Unrefined Apple Cider Vinegar compresses
Allergies (general): burdock, tang kuei
Urinary tract infections: cranberry, Corn Silk
Wounds: aloe, comfrey, chamomile—all topically only
Upper respiratory infections: echinacea, oregon grape root
Immune suppression: astragalus, reishi, shitake
Arthritis: boswellia, devil's claw
Liver disease: milk thistle, artichokes, turmeric
Conjunctivitis: eyebright, tea compresses (topically)
Diabetes: gymnema, bitter melon

Common herbs that are potentially dangerous for use in animals if not used under supervision of an herbalist

Pennyroyal (Can very toxic to dogs and cats)
White Willow bark (salicylates may be toxic to cats)
Tea Tree oil (VERY toxic to cats and small dogs)
Ma Huang (cats have idiosyncratic reactions)
Comfrey (too much can cause liver damage)
Hops (in greyhounds)

* Please note - it is unwise to assume that herbs alone are used to treat ill-health in our pets. Most holistic veterinarians recommend nutritional support in addition to conventional therapy if the problem is acute, severe or life threatening. This integrated approach is designed to give the animal patient the greatest amount of comfort combined with the gentlest and most supportive treatments. For more information on using herbs for your pets, find the veterinary herbalist nearest you through the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association.