Smorgasbord Pet Health Rewind – Herbal remedies for Pets.

I have featured  the pungent onions and garlic in my Medicine Woman's larder, Whilst both these foods are nutritious and provide some wonderful health benefits for humans, they can also be used to protect and treat our pets.Today I am looking at the herb Echinachea in pet health and also how you can introduce garlic into your pet food safely.

ECHINACEA.

You may often see your pet eating grass. Grass is a natural emetic and there is evidence that animals in the wild will eat certain plants when they are ill to encourage their bodies to either eliminate a toxin or to encourage their own defence systems to effect a cure.

Humans have used herbs for centuries but it is also certain that those humans will have used the same healing plants on their animals when they were sick. Most common herbs that we grow in our garden or which are available fresh in the supermarket can be used chopped up in your pet's food. With Echinacea, where the entire plant has been used to produce the most beneficial extract, you need to use the tincture or the capsules.

I personally only use the tincture externally for bruising or skin problems. There is a minute amount of alcohol in most tinctures and your dog and cat will be able to detect this with their acute sense of smell. I use capsules that I open and sprinkle on food twice a day and you can vary that according to the weight of your pet and whether you are using the herb to build resistance over a period of time or if you are treating an infection.  As with any herbal medicine you should begin with a very small dose and build up over a period of time.

After introducing a very small amount in food over a week for puppies and kittens I would mix the contents of one capsule into an entire days food and feed them four or five times in small amounts. For a medium size dog and large cat I would use 1 capsule in two feeds and in a large dog I would use two capsules in two feeds.

As with humans it is not a good idea to give herbal remedies to your pet all the time. Eight weeks should be long enough to boost the immune system and I usually recommend at least that length of time before a dog or cat goes into kennels for example. They are going to be slightly stressed which affects the immune system and they are going to be exposed to other dogs and cats who may carry harmful bacteria or viruses.

There is very little research in the use of Echinacea during infections but some vets do use prescribed amounts of the herb to help boost the immune system in dogs and cats with chronic respiratory conditions, skin problems and cancers.

Other herbs that you might see recommended for your pet.

There are a number of other herbs that you can give to your pet but it is very important that you do your research first, consult a vet who specialises in herbal and other alternative medicines and give very small doses to begin with.. Monitor your pet carefully and you will find some of the signs that they may be allergic later in this section.

Oregano oil can be bought from holistic vets and online pet suppliers and can be used is your dog suffers from regular stomach upsets and wind. It is a great antioxidant for boosting the immune system and may have antimicrobial properties (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal) You can use a teaspoon fresh oregano chopped up finely in your dogs dinner regularly as well. If using the oil make sure you begin with a small dose and take the adice of a qualified vet if in any doubt.

Another herb that you might see added to pet food is Rosemary, but I do not recommend that you use. There is some indication that it can cause seizures in pets and if you have a dog or cat who does suffer from these very frightening episodes; take a look at the ingredients.. it might be listed simply under mixed topherals without being named.

I have added fresh mint to freshly prepared pet food and we used to grow in pots on our terrace. A certain somebody would help himself from time to time as he passed and it certainly made for sweeter smelling breath. It is used in humans in oil form as an anti-spasmodic and is very useful in capsule form if you suffer from IBS.

One of my favourite all purpose herbs for pets is Chamomile.. If you dog is prone to eye infections, you can brew a bag of chamomile tea and when cool press over the eyes for a few minutes to soothe them.. I know this can be a challenge with a wriggling dog or cat but surprisingly after the first time and they have noticed an improvement they will let you hold them gently and apply.

You can also use chamomile tea or sprinkle a capsule and mixed with their food to calm pets if they are agitated. It is a mild sedative so not to be used long term but very useful over a short period of time, particular around firework displays etc. If it is the first time you have administered this herb or any other, give in very small amounts first and watch for any signs that your pet is allergic to it.  That might include inflammed eyes, a change in breathing, vomiting or diarrhea..

You can use the cooled tea to ease skin irritations and you can use after you have bathed the dog or cat. Make sure that you are using natural products to bath your pet, as many so called natural products are enhanced with irritants in the form of chemicals. I found a chamomile dog shampoo from a holistic source that worked very well as an all in one.

Echinacea and the other herbs are common remedies that we can share with our animals but whilst there are some common medications such as Glucosamine and certain gastrointestinal treatments that are the same for humans and for animals, you must never give you animal your own medication. Some painkillers are highly dangerous for your pet and you must get your vet to prescribe more appropriate treatment.

GARLIC IN YOUR DOGS DINNER.

Garlic is a wonderful herb especially in pasta dishes but it can leave your breath less than fragrant. The same applies when you give garlic to your pets. Dogs and cats can have a certain warm and cheerful aroma anyway but when you start adding this pungent herb to their daily diet, the term 'dogs breath' takes on a whole new meaning.This is why you should be very careful about how you administer this additive to your pet's diet and how much you give them.

In recent years studies have thrown up some concerns about the traditional use of garlic in pet food and as with any plant or medicine both humans and animals can react adversely. Even small doses can result in our pet developing heartburn, flatulence and stomach upsets and in some cases, when given too much garlic there can be more serious effects.

The active ingredient that is present in Garlic that causes concern is thiosulphate which is also present in onions and related members of that family. Dogs do not have the necessary enzymes to breakdown the thiosulphate which can lead, over time to anaemia. However onions have a much higher amount of thiosulphate than garlic and you would never give a dog the amount of garlic needed to become toxic. Holistic vets recommend that you use Aged Garlic Extract in small doses based on the size of your pet.

I have used garlic for my pets. I did so because I was far more concerned about the ingredients and side-effects of commercial flea and tick products.  Despite an advisory from a number of regulatory bodies commercially produced brands of flea and tick medication are resulting in the deaths of pets around the world because of the active ingredient pyrethroids, a pesticide. http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-dangers-of-flea-and-tick-products/

The herbal name for garlic is Allium sativum and the extract is made from the bulb of the plant. It is a very potent immunostimulant with antibacterial properties. It is also anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol and helps balance blood pressure. The Chinese and Egyptians were using it thousands of years ago and it has been the subject of hundreds of research products. The active ingredient is allicin, which is a potent antibiotic, making this common food and herb a very therapeutic addition to the diet.

Worms, fleas, bacteria and viruses are your dog's worst enemies and garlic used appropriately can help build their resistance to these parasites and pathogens and helps their bodies kill them.

Garlic can also be used to help treat respiratory infections, circulatory problems, skin infections and digestive infections in your pet. Do not buy from the internet but find a holistic vet and get their advice on what is the most suitable treatment for your pet.  As with any herbal or alternative medicine, garlic needs to be treated with respect and after you have explored all the options.

Some animals, cats in particular may be allergic to the herb so begin by using a very small dose. Monitor closely and if your animal starts vomiting or suffers a stomach upset stop using altogether.

©sallycronin – Just Food For Health 2001 – 2017

I hope you have found this post of interest and look forward to your feedback.. thanks Sally

Advertisements
Source: Smorgasbord Pet Health Rewind – Herbal remedies for Pets.