Natural Herbal Remedies For Dogs
Herbal treatment for dogs has been around for a few decades, yet many individuals have reservations of its benefits. Healthy skepticism is a good thing (IMHO). But ignoring them completely and relying exclusively on western medicines will deprive your dog on some potential benefits. That said, utilizing herbal medicine entirely and attempting to use it as ‘herbal vaccinations’ can result in the death of some dogs.
It has been known that there are some undesirable side effects from potent drugs.
There have been many debates as to whether herbal medicines are effective or not falls somewhere in the middle. Use them in moderation, in conjunction with veterinarian advice. Herbal medicines can improve the quality of your dog’s life.
Few Important Things to Take Note
- Do not attempt to self diagnose your dog.
- Do not administer any drug without consulting your veterinarian or holistic veterinarian.
- Do inform your veterinarian of the herbs your dog is currently taking as combining western and herbal medicine intake can result serious illness.
- Do not continue using the herbs if you notice any adverse reaction on your dog. Contact your holistic veterinarian immediately.
- Do not give herbal treatments to pregnant and nursing dogs, otherwise stated by your veterinarian.
You can find many herbal medicines in pharmacies and herbal stores, however use those that are formulated for veterinary purposes only.
List of Common Herbs Used by Holistic Veterinarians
Aloe: Minor Burns, Skin Irritations, Cuts and Wounds, Stomach Disorders, Indigestion, Maintains Healthy Tissues, Aids Blood and Lymphatic Circulation, Regulates Kidney, Liver and Gall Bladder Functions
Borage: Fever, Inflammation, Respiratory Infections, Stress
Bupleurum: Fever, Irritability
Chamomile: Cuts and Wounds, Inflammation, Bacterial Skin Disease—Oral Cavity and Gums, Anxiety, Flatulence, Indigestion
Comfrey: Bruises, Burns, Strains, Chronic Ulceration, Strengthens Respiratory System
Echinacea: Viral and Bacterial Illness, Eczema, Burns, Skin Problems, Chronic Ulcerations, Stimulates Immune Systems
Fennel: Flatulence, Indigestion, Stomach Spasms, Coughs, Detoxification, Upper Respiratory Inflammation
Garlic: Common Cold, Cough, Adenoid Problems, Indigestion, Upper Respiratory Infections, Mild Bacterial Infections, Nourishes Stomach Tissues, Act as a Natural Antibiotic and Fungicide, Aids Body’s Natural Ability to Resist Disease
Ginger: Motion Sickness, Dizziness, Indigestion. Eliminates Wastes Through the Skin, Enhances Circulation, Relieves Congestion
Goldenseal: Digestion, Inflammation, Infection, Nourishes Liver, Glandular and Respiratory systems, Cleanse System of Foreign Organisms
Hawthorm: Insomnia, Heart Trouble, Nervousness
Lavender: Nervous exhaustion, Insomnia, Rheumatism, Pain Antiseptic, Flatulence
Marigold: Bruises, Burns, Wounds, Skin Inflammation, Conjunctivitis, Fungal Infections, Adenoid Problems, Indigestion
Milk Thistle: Liver Disorder, Psoriasis, Potent Antioxidant
Mullen: Diarrhea, Hemorrhoids, Bronchitis, Coughs, Nourishes Lymphatic and Glandular Systems
Nettle: Constipation, Allergies
Peppermint: Indigestion, Nausea, Flatulence, Colic (severe abdominal pain), Cholera, Diarrhea, Nervousness, Improves Appetite
Red Raspberry: Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Nourishes Reproductive Organs
Rosemary: Headache, Muscular pain, Neuralgia, General Debility, Indigestion, Rheumatism, Increased Blood Supply to the skin. Natural Flea and Tick Repellent
White Willow: Fever, Inflammation
Yarrow: Wound, High Blood Pressure
*** This page is used for informational and educational purposes only.
Apr 15th 2008
12:31 AM
I am interested in Hollistic Remedies right now as my veterinarian told us that our 2 year old Shi tzu/schanuzer mix will have to have surgery next week and they may have to remove one of her toes. Our dog has been biting her pay for weeks now, and we took her to the vet last week and they told us they thought it was an allergy of some kind. Now, a week later she has a large red lump between her toes. The vet took and x-ray of her foot, blood work and a chest x-ray and said everything was normal. He said he didn’t see any foreigh object in the lump, although there was some pus in the foot. He also said this would be exploratory surgery, and couldn’t guarantee that they would find anything. The vet also said it could be some kind of bacterial thing that could travel in her body if not treated properly and quickly. Is there an herb/remedy that could draw something out of an infected area? Please let me know. Surgery is my last resort. T
Thank you,
Cindy
Apr 15th 2008
12:33 AM
Sorry, I met to type paw instead of pay.
Cindy
Apr 15th 2008
12:34 AM
Please notify me of followup comments.
Apr 17th 2008
10:43 PM
Hi Cindy,
Have you consulted a Holistic veterinarian? I personally think removing a toe is a bit of a drastic move. It’s best to get a second opinion.
When you said biting, do you mean excessive licking or chewing? Dogs will often lick their feet just to clean them and often this is just a house-keeping issue.
Do you walk your dog on concrete pavement or on grass? They are neither good nor bad for dogs, but some paws don’t do well on concrete flooring as it wears their paws’ skin off and some dogs are allergic to grasses and they will lick or chew excessively.
When dogs lick or chew their paws excessively can cause a secondary infection—looks like in your dog’s case. What I suggest you do in the meantime before going to a holistic vet is to clip all the fur between the feet. Wash them thoroughly after each walk to prevent any offending allergens. You might want to clean her bedding area and vacuum the house thoroughly. Here is an article I wrote on dog allergy.
Hope this helps!
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